The holidays have come and gone, and for many of us, the memories of gift exchanges are already starting to fade. But what if, instead of exchanging presents, your family decided to invest in something more lasting—like a shared experience?
With a large family like mine, the cost of gifts for everyone can quickly add up. That’s why I love the idea of pooling our resources to plan a family trip instead. It’s a way to create meaningful memories together without the stress of shopping, wrapping, and hoping you’ve picked the perfect present.
While we didn’t do this for Christmas this year, I’m already thinking about starting this tradition for next year. The idea of a family trip excites me—not just for the adventure itself but for the quality time it offers during the holidays.
Why a Family Holiday Trip Creates Lasting Memories and Saves Money
Memories That Last: A trip gives your family shared experiences that you’ll talk about for years, long after gifts are forgotten.
It’s Budget-Friendly: When everyone pitches in, you can plan a getaway that fits everyone’s financial comfort zone.
Togetherness: A trip offers uninterrupted time to bond as a family in a way that holiday gatherings sometimes don’t.
Start Planning Your Family Trip for Next Year
If the idea of skipping gifts for a trip resonates with you, now is the perfect time to start planning for next year. Here’s how to make it happen:
Get the Family Involved One fun idea is to let everyone have a say in the destination. I’ve seen a trend on social media that’s perfect for this:
Each family member writes down a destination and puts it into a bowl.
One by one, someone draws a destination and eliminates it.
The last remaining destination is where you’ll go!
While my family didn’t try this method this year, I’m bookmarking it for next year. It’s an exciting way to get everyone involved.
Set a Budget Early Planning ahead allows everyone to save and prepare for the costs. Whether it’s a big adventure or a local road trip, having a budget makes the process stress-free.
Choose the Best Time to Travel Traveling just before or after the holiday season can save money on flights and accommodations. It’s also a great way to avoid the busiest travel days.
Make it memorable
Even if the trip replaces traditional gifts, you can still make it feel special. For example:
Announce the trip with creative “travel vouchers” or a fun reveal at next year’s holiday gathering.
Plan unique activities, like a family hike, group photos, or a local adventure that fits the destination.
A New Tradition Worth Starting
The holidays may be over, but it’s never too early to start planning for the next season. A family trip could become a cherished tradition, offering shared experiences and stories to carry with you long after the season ends.
Who knows? Maybe this is the start of a new way for your family to celebrate the holidays—one that values time together over material things.
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