As I get older and older, it seems that going on family vacations is an activity that is dwindling by the second. I often see other college students wanting to travel with their friends to a beach, spring break style, instead of with their families. This certainly doesn't apply to everyone, just something I feel that happens as kids get older. While traveling with your friends is always fun and exciting, there is something wonderful about going on a family vacation. Going on vacations is still a summer staple for my family, and I'm a junior in college. Here's why going on family vacations are the best.

One of the best parts about going on a family vacation, is the fact that you don't have to pay for as much. It sounds silly, but it's the truth. Being in college is difficult for the sole reason that you're on your own. There is an independence, a requirement of responsibility that comes with the experience, and it can be financially and physically exhausting. By traveling with your family, you get a break from the financial strains that can come from traveling by yourself or with friends. I'm not saying that your parents pay for everything because that is a little much. But you get the point.

Family vacations are often more relaxing than trips you take with your friends. Traveling with friends often means doing something all the time, finding activities to make new memories and pass the time. Family vacations are usually more chill and are spent bonding with the people you love. For example, whenever my family goes to the beach, our routine is usually laying out on the beach, going out to eat that night, and going mini golfing. Mini-golf is essential to our family vacations. So while we do partake in that activity, it is mostly relaxation. This is perfect after a semester full of academic stress, keeping a job, and the millions of other things we are expected to do.

The best part about family vacations, in my opinion, is getting to spend quality time with loved ones. Being a college student, we don't get to see our parents as much as we would like. Depending on the distance, your interaction with them may be purely based on FaceTimes and holiday visits during the semesters. It can be emotionally difficult being without your parents for that long, and family vacations give you the perfect opportunity to regroup and reflect on old times. This also gives you the opportunity to spend time with siblings as well. My sister is my best friend, so going on week long trips together always leave me with great memories and a smile on my face.

In the end, going on trips with friends is great and I highly encourage it. However, there is something really awesome about going on family vacations. Just because you're getting older doesn't mean that you're too old to spend time with your family. Cherish the moments your get to spend with family and always remind them how much you love them.