The Benefits of Family Vacations: Blessings, Happiness and Relaxation

By Marcella S. Meeks

     The last few months have been trying times for many Americans. The uncertainties and travel restrictions brought on by the pandemic have put this country in a stressful state, in more ways than one. A lot of families are still afraid to travel because of the fear of being quarantined somewhere other than in their home town.

     Vacation is not only essential to families but is also a blessing to most. God created this magnificent world we live in and He wants us to enjoy it as much as we possibly can. He created the oceans and as well as the mountains, and He intended us to accept these blessings in our lives, to be enjoyed as long as we live.

     For most working people, after vacation time, employees who took a vacation are relaxed and more focused on their jobs, motivated and more productive. Travel is essential because it lowers stress, people have a better outlook on life, and they are happier and satisfied. Traveling relieves anxiety and depression, and people are more relaxed and at ease. God gave man the key to His blessings, a way to heal their bodies in a natural way.

     Sometimes, though, traveling can create stress if a trip is not planned properly. The key to achieving a successful trip is to plan. It’s not necessarily where you go that makes a trip successful, it’s knowing how you’re getting there, how much money you have to spend, where you’re spending it at, and making sure everything is done according to plan, saving space for the extra surprises you encounter while you’re there.

     If you’re traveling with children, you want to make sure there is a pool, possibly an arcade or game room. Having a few rolls of quarters stashed in your duffle bag is always a good idea. You sure don’t want to be sitting a room with two or three children with no pool or game room somewhere in the building or on the premises. You’re on vacation so make the kids vacation as entertaining as your own. You’ll be happier in the end.

     Families who travel bond. They create long-lasting memories that last a lifetime, and they are much happier and satisfied than those that don’t travel. After a trip, the kids will talk about their vacation for weeks and weeks afterward.

      There are a lot of places you can take your family, but there are places that are seldom overlooked. Sometimes, just finding a diamond in the rough (a travel oasis the whole family will love) is a blessing in disguise. And there is such a place, if you love nature. It is a ‘the’ place to be, especially in the summer months.

     Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, near Alamosa in southern Colorado is a great place for families and for older adults as well. The best time to visit the Sand Dunes is early in the morning before six or seven – before the sun comes out and heats things up.

     The Great Sand Dunes Lodge (Mosca) is located about five miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and about twenty-five miles from Alamosa, the nearest town. The Lodge opens for business in early March and closes about the middle of November for the winter season. All nineteen rooms/suites are clean and comfortable, each one with a patio for your enjoyment. The Lodge is pet-friendly which is a plus for families with fur babies. They serve breakfast and have an indoor pool for your convenience.

     Mornings are cool in the mountains but having breakfast on your private patio is relaxing and gratifying to your soul. The hummingbird feeders are always full and the little birds come back every year. The view itself is worth the travel.

     You can stay two or three days or the whole summer if you want. You don’t have to go into the Sand Dunes if you’re not physically able but just seeing them is well worth the drive.

     Bring the family and enjoy the blessings of God’s beautiful country. The Sand Dunes awaits… Pack up the kids, the fur babies and head out to Colorado.