Capture Vacation Memories: Simple Journaling Tips for Families

Buckle up for adventure! Family vacations are so much more than ticking off the list of destinations. 

Vacations are a time to relax with your family, refresh your relationships, and reset your mind. It's about taking a break from ordinary routines to experience extraordinary places, events, and activities. 

Your family adventure may take you an hour from home or halfway around the world. Either way, cultivate sensory awareness when discovering new surroundings. With your kids in tow, it's an ideal time to bond through shared explorations and experiences.

So, grab the sunglasses and pack a small travel diary for each family member! Let's learn to live in the moment as you and your family explore the world around you.

Family Fishing Together

Sense of Sight

For many of us, "sightseeing" is the perfunctory answer to the question: what will you do on vacation?

Generally, sightseeing involves visiting art galleries, historic museums, national parks, and iconic landmarks. But, strive to be more than just a "sightseer"; aim to be a "sight seeker." 

Adventures are all about seeking and finding new and unfamiliar things around you. Learn to look at your surroundings like an artist, inquisitive to seek more than what's on the surface.

What colors can you see? Are there various shades of the same color on one object? 

Look for interesting shapes and shadows. Are the shapes rectangular or circular? Are they pointed or rounded?

Which way does the light cast the shadow: to the north, east, west, or south? Is the shadow long or short? How much more significant is the shadow than the actual object?

Challenge yourself to describe what you see without using the object's name. For example, if you're in a stunning redwood forest, what words would you use to depict what you see without using "forest" or "redwood trees"?

Sense of Sound

Turn off the electronics and tune into the sounds around you! Welcome the sounds of nature, from the early morning cock-a-doodle-doo of roosters to the evening hoots of owls.

Listen as ocean waves crash against the shore or rustling leaves when the wind rushes through the trees. How can you describe these soothing sounds of nature?

Tune in to the rhythm heard on the busy streets of city life. Can you hear loud honking horns, shrill whistles, or wailing sirens?

Listen up and be all ears when speaking with new people on your travels. Observe the unique sound of each voice. Do they speak the same language as you? Do they talk faster or slower? Notice the cadence or rhythmic pattern of how they speak. 

Take note of linguistic differences. Are they using local slang or phrases specific to their region? How are their words different from the words that are familiar to you?

Preserve your audible discoveries by recording them for later reflection. Or keep a travel notebook handy to jot down descriptions of what you heard. You'll capture the memories while improving your writing skills and vocabulary.

Sense of Touch

When we experience the sense of touch, many think of picking up something in their hands to feel it in their palms and fingertips.

But, actually, the sense of touch is so much more. Connecting with your sense of touch is more than reaching out for things around you. It's about experiencing a feeling or sensation when something touches your skin.

Be mindful when walking barefoot across the sand on a beach vacation. Has it been warmed by the sun's rays? Is it hot against the bottom of your feet? What does it feel like when the grains of sand slip between your toes? How does the texture and feel of the sand change as you near the water's edge? 

Or if you're on a hiking adventure in the mountains. Pause a moment to feel the breeze blowing across your skin. Does your skin prickle with goosebumps from the feeling of a cool breeze? Does the wind tickle your head when it rustles through your hair? 

When your family adventure takes you to the bustling streets of a big city, pause for a moment and soak it all in. Linger for a moment. Let your fingers feel the smooth brass of the door knob as you twist it to enter the souvenir shop.

While shopping the treasure trove of souvenirs, let your fingers indulge in tactile delight! Do you like the feel of earthy wood, stone, or clay textures? Or maybe you're a softie, preferring the cozy feel of cotton, the lightness of linen, or the luxurious feel of silk.

Wherever you roam, notice how your skin responds to touch, temperature, and sensations.

Sense of Smell

Get a whiff of this! Your sense of smell may be an intangible souvenir. You won't take it home in the form of a photograph, recording, or t-shirt. But instead, it may likely live in your memory long after the trip.

Although I'm not an expert on the subject, many are. An internet search will reveal expert studies showing that our sense of smell is the most powerful. Somehow, our sniffer sends information to various parts of our brain, which links to our memories and emotions. Some good and some bad.

We all know how a bad smell can make us wince and crinkle our noses, but even those stinky odors become part of our travel memories.

On the flip side, who can forget the sweet smell of an apple orchard, a pine forest's fresh aroma, or a bakery's freshly made pastries? These scents can stay with us long after the vacation, bringing back those special memories.

Our sense of smell remarkably shapes our experiences and sustains our memories.

Sense of Taste

No doubt, adventure will not be the only thing you hunger for! After a stimulating day of exploring, you'll long for a good meal to nourish your body and soul. 

Encourage the family to spice it up a bit! When exploring new places, trying new foods is a must. Skip the fast food and chain restaurants. Instead, dive into local flavors and culinary delights.

Opt for quirky, locally owned spots like diners, delis, and quaint mom-and-pop joints. You'll likely find mouthwatering, homemade goodness made with love by the locals. 

It's about more than just tasting regional food. It's also about connecting with new folks and soaking up their culture one delicious bite at a time. 

So, wherever your journey takes you, eat like the locals to satisfy your appetite! Trust me; your taste buds and soul will thank you for it!

Engage Sensory Awareness

Wherever your family roams, always remember to engage in sensory awareness. Let the world around you pique your curiosity and ignite your imagination.

Using your senses in discovery will stimulate your mind and amplify the fun of every adventure. You'll discover that the nuances of natural wonders, historic places, and new cultures are all part of the fun. 

Vacation Memories

Don't let those post-vacation blues get you down! Packing a compact prompted travel journal or blank-lined notebook allows each family member to capture their favorite moments of fantastic fun.

The sights, the sounds, the flavors, fragrances, and all the feels! As years pass and memories fade, flipping through those pages will bring back a flood of love and laughter.

So, here's to staying curious, staying connected, and making memories that last a lifetime! Happy Trails, Adventurers!