The Perfect Family Vacation - A Step Away from Technology, A Step Back in Time

Being raised in a family that owned a travel agency ensures you of one thing; you will travel. As the youngest of 3, my family took several family trips throughout my childhood. From month-long island getaways in Hawaii to European tours, we were able to see the world from a young age. At 26, my parents still yearn for family vacations and have generally offered them instead of gifts under the tree at Christmas or presents to open at birthdays. The problem isn't the want, it's the issue of getting 3 adult-children (plus spouses and significant others) able to travel at the same time. Add in work schedules, other vacations/time away, babysitters, etc.. and getting all 8 of us in one place, even for a moment, has become a feat in itself.

The stars have aligned in the past, however, making it possible for exactly that to happen. My parents, aware of the changes in our family dynamic, took us to different places. Those that would be more feasible for all of us to do what we wanted but still be together - island getaways turned into Mexican all-inclusive resorts and European tours turned into cruises. But, with everything at our finger tips, our family still went our seperate ways.... some went to yoga in the morning, some slept till past noon, some wanted to party, others wanted a spa day. Half of us were attached to our work phones and computers and the other half were checking in on children and friends. So, our vacations ended up being very similar to how we saw each other normally; we got together for dinner.

Until our last trip - there's not much to distract you with when your only option is to spend time with each other on a raft! Taking the Cataract Canyon expedition out of Moab, UT was something my parents had done 38 years ago, and to the relief of my father, something very similar to what you will find today. Complete solitude in the wilderness with only our fellow travelers for company and entertainment. With no cellular service, you'd be foolish to bring a phone or computer, especially because it will either get wet or melt in the desert heat. Instead, your days consist of floating down the river, jumping in it, hiking the mesas and plateaus at the river's edge, eating delicious food cooked by your guides and sleeping under the stars. Conversation flows... stories are told, and heard for once... there is a willingness to spend time and get to know each other in a different way when there is nothing else to do. We went through white water rapids on a paddle boat and had to work as a team to make it through. It was surprisingly refreshing how much in common my brother and I had, how without the internet my fiance and I planned our honeymoon going only off of personal recommendations. It was just surprisingly refreshing in all...

On the drive home, everyone re-dialed into the 'real' world. Computers and phones were dug out of car trunks, everyone checked on that which they couldn't have all week and immediately became stressed with the work load that had piled up. But, for one week, it had dissapeared and we weren't thinking about it. The stresses were gone, there was fun to be had, but the best part was while we are always around each other, here we were present.