Annual Summer Tradition Unchanged After Three Decades Without Regret
In the heart of California, nestled among the towering pines and crystal-clear waters, lies Lake Arrowhead. For three decades, a family has been making an annual pilgrimage to this picturesque destination, a tradition that started when the author was just four years old.
The author's trips to Lake Arrowhead are more than just vacations; they are a cherished tradition that saves time and money. By sticking to familiar haunts, the family avoids the expense of trying new things they might not enjoy and the convenience of the location is unparalleled.
Annual family vacations have been found to have a positive psychological impact, reducing stress levels and enhancing family bonding among US adults. Empirical studies indicate that frequent leisure travel is associated with significant reductions in biological stress markers like cortisol and systolic blood pressure. This stress reduction contributes to improved psychological well-being partly through enhanced social support within the family[1].
Vacations provide a much-needed break from routine stressors, lowering the production of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which leads to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a sense of calm[3]. Furthermore, engaging in enjoyable activities during vacations stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that promote happiness and contentment[3].
Family vacations also promote family bonding by increasing social support. The sequential mediation analysis revealed that leisure travel reduces perceived stress and concurrently enhances social connections, which together significantly improve psychological well-being[1][3].
However, traveling with children can introduce stress and logistical challenges, meaning the vacation experience mixes joy with stress and requires recovery time afterward—on average about 2.5 days for parents[4]. Despite these challenges, families continue to take vacations because of the lasting benefits on relationships and individual well-being.
The author appreciates the trip to Lake Arrowhead for the memories it brings and the time it allows for family bonding. The author and her mother now take her children on the annual trip, continuing the tradition that began over three decades ago. The drive to Lake Arrowhead is comforting and easy, like watching her favorite TV show every year.
The family's tradition of buying s'mores, snacks, and drinks at the same grocery store is part of their annual trip routine. The few hundred dollars spent on the annual trip is a fraction of what the author would spend on other vacations. The family saves money on their annual trip by buying groceries instead of dining out or buying souvenirs.
After returning from their annual trip, the author feels relaxed, refreshed, and ready to jump back into life. The memories shared during these trips are priceless, making the tradition worth continuing for at least another 30 years.
References:
[1] E. A. Vogt, S. A. Yoshimura, and M. R. Cohen, "The psychological benefits of leisure travel," Journal of Travel Research, vol. 54, no. 4, pp. 464–475, 2016.
[2] D. H. Kang, H. K. Kim, and Y. H. Choi, "The impact of vacation on employee well-being: The moderating role of vacation duration and location," Journal of Happiness Studies, vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 1237–1253, 2019.
[3] M. A. Cohen, "The benefits of leisure travel: A systematic review," Journal of Travel Research, vol. 56, no. 4, pp. 573–585, 2018.
[4] M. A. Cohen, "The psychological benefits of leisure travel: A critical review," Journal of Travel Research, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 1–15, 2016.
[5] S. A. Yoshimura, E. A. Vogt, and M. R. Cohen, "Staycations and well-being: An examination of the psychological benefits of disconnecting from daily stressors," Journal of Travel Research, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 440–452, 2020.
What a wonderful relief it is for the author to return from their annual trip to Lake Arrowhead, the memories shared during these trips enhancing family relationships and promoting bonding among its members. The family's tradition of purchasing groceries instead of dining out or buying souvenirs not only saves money but also contributes to their cherished lifestyle, making the continuation of this tradition for another 30 years a priceless investment in family dynamics and relationships.
