You know the moment you are on vacation because the air is different; you breathe in deeply as your body feels calmer, your head is a bit clearer, and your smile becomes a little wider. Think about the last time you were away. Go ahead, close your eyes and bring it back. Toes in the sand? Feet in the pool? Skiing with the wind in your face? Bet you feel better already. No matter where your favorite place exists, vacations are soul cleansing and we all need them.

There is nothing like arriving at your destination, but for us the journey is part of the fun. The flurry of getting out of the house and to the airport creates an excitement that is electric, an adventure is beginning! We have expectations of joy, laughter, and looking back on pictures that will make us happy for years to come.

I went from flying maybe once a year to having my luggage as a permanent fixture in my bedroom, ready for the next time I had to jet-set. I didn’t realize how much traveling had become a part of my life and identity… until it wasn’t. Having to cancel all of our vacations and the uncertainty of future travel has made me appreciate all the traveling we have done the past few years, last year in particular.

We had our Disney vacations lined up both pleasure and my work trips, but on a whim I booked Beaches Turks and Caicos and Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach, FL. Mike was incredulous why we had to go away so much, but I forged ahead saying it was best for the family and research for work. Looking back during this quarantine I envy our carefree existence of vacationing with our biggest worry being what to have for dinner.

What I’m getting at is – TAKE THE TRIP.

When I feel the warmth of the sun on my face, the smell of suntan lotion in the air, having a nice cool drink in my hand, and watching a killer sunset…. that is vacation to me. The laughter of my children as they splash in the surf or the pool, their shrills on the rollercoasters, the ear to ear smiles when meeting their favorite characters, and eating delicious meals that I do not have to plan, cook, and clean up….that is vacation to me.

Vacations are time capsules of family moments, and you only get so many of them so don’t squander your opportunities. I have tried to treat this quarantine as a “home vacation” that I will look back on with fond memories of us all being together, but honestly, I cannot wait to get on a plane.

For now I wait, I hope, and I look at that luggage on the floor of my bedroom longing for an adventure.

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel