Make Your Travels Memorable

Making memories is what vacations are all about.

We may tell ourselves that vacations are for relaxing, and getting away from work, but if your vacations are anything like mine, they're more tiring than relaxing. There is so much to do and see that sitting tranquilly rarely seems to fit into the schedule. Even if it did, would that create a strong memory to reflect on fondly for years to come? No. What creates wonderful memories are the people we love.

Reflect for a moment on some of your fondest memories. There may be a few that involve enjoying a favorite solitary activity, but I'd wager most of your favorite memories involve spending time with loved ones. You remember funny things that happened when you were together. You remember times when you did something unusual or exciting. In his book, 25 Ways To Win With People, John Maxwell writes, "Few things bond people together like a shared memory . . . Families bond when they rough it on camping trips or share adventures on vacation and then love recounting their experience years later."

When you are on vacation, the opportunities to do something fun and different with your loved ones are easier to come by. The key is to be watchful for the opportunities. You will find that if you look for ways to create wonderful moments for other people, you cannot help but create memories for yourself as well. In addition, you will have the added joy of remembering how you planned those special memorable moments to treasure.

The ways to create opportunities for memories are endless and as infinite as there are different people in the world. If you remain mindful of the goal, you'll start to see possibilities everywhere. From my own experience, games and contests can be a great way to create a memory out of an otherwise mundane situation. Even something silly, like changing the rules to a board game can spark an evening of fun family memories. Or try something new. My family, on impulse while visiting Old Towne Sacramento, rented an eight-person-style bicycle. The laughter and fear as our group learned to peddle and steer together are remembered often to this day.

You can research your destination beforehand, and plan out some prime memory-creating activities for your loved ones, or you can approach your vacation more spontaneously and grab the memories as you find them. Whatever you choose to do, remember to stay centered on creating memories for your friends and family. Doing special things for others is always more rewarding than doing things for yourself. But the special moments you create will encompass you too.

Vacations can be routine, or with a little effort, you can make memories that will last a lifetime. Focusing on others, and getting silly are keys to creating some truly memorable vacation moments. The best memories, either from home or from traveling, are shared memories.

03/06/08  By Catherine Leigh