Let's Take a Day Trip

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The holiday season is fast approaching, and as families start to make their travel plans, many are preparing to embark on journeys by road or air.

During this festive time, many will be traveling to reunite with family and friends. However, winter also presents a wonderful opportunity to uncover some budget-friendly flight options.

I’ve learned through discussions with other parents that there is a common sentiment among some. They think taking their kids on vacation can be seen as unproductive. This is especially true when it comes to teens. They believe their teenagers would prefer to stay at home and be consumed by the latest electronic gadgets.

However, I truly believe it is crucial for us as parents to encourage our children to break away from their screens and immerse themselves in the experiences and adventures the world has to offer. Traveling not only allows for quality family time but also broadens their horizons, fostering growth and appreciation for different cultures.

In this article, I will delve into a variety of exciting travel destinations. These destinations are sure to captivate both teenagers and younger kids alike.

Additionally, I will provide recommendations on which airlines offer the best services. I will also suggest rates for family travel. Furthermore, I will offer tips on how to ensure a smooth flying experience with kids. Lastly, I will discuss the broader significance of family vacations, emphasizing how these experiences can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.

Cold Weather Places Like the Midwest, East Coast Can Be Cheap Options

This may sound surprising, but I suggest considering a trip to the Midwest or East Coast to save money on travel. Think about it: most people tend to flock to places like Los Angeles or Florida to escape the cold, rather than heading to cities like Minneapolis or Detroit — which means going to warmer places could cost more money because the demand is higher.

However, there is a lot to enjoy in these regions. Minneapolis is an excellent destination with attractions like the Mall of America, which offers endless options for shopping and entertainment. In Detroit, you can catch a Lions or Pistons game and visit the Belle Isle Aquarium. Of course, you can always explore larger cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City, but I want to emphasize that there are plenty of activities and sights to experience in the mid-sized cities of the Midwest and East Coast as well.

My main point is you can save money going to places in the Midwest and East Coast and travel with your family which won’t hurt your budget.

Delta, United, and American Airlines All Offer Family Seating, but Southwest Has Free Bags

If you’re familiar with my work, you know that I am a loyal American Airlines customer. However, I’m always looking to save money. Southwest Airlines allows two checked bags free for each passenger. Even with my loyalty status, I only get one complimentary checked bag, and the people on my reservation are usually allowed one bag as well. But, as you know, having two bags is better than one.

I must mention that many of the best discounted flight options I’ve come across have been with the major airlines. This isn’t to say that Southwest doesn’t offer cheap flights, but I recommend weighing all of your options.

Creating Memories Are Important

I firmly believe that as adults, we carry the emotional scars and traumas of our childhood experiences with us. It might sound a bit profound, but please indulge me for a moment.

Reflecting on my upbringing, vacations were not what one might typically envision—they mostly consisted of trips to Chicago or New Orleans to visit family members. Don’t misunderstand me; those journeys were deeply meaningful. They instilled in me a profound respect for my elders and forged an enduring bond with my grandparents. I often think back to those moments, and I especially miss my grandmother, who played such a pivotal role in my life.

Nonetheless, we never really ventured out on what most would call a “true vacation.” Growing up in Arkansas, my family seldom made a trip to places like Texas simply for leisure or exploration. It wasn’t until I became a freelance NBA reporter that I found opportunities to travel and experience different parts of the world firsthand.

Now, my son Gregory is 13 years old, and just last week he expressed a feeling that struck me deeply: he remarked that I often go out of town and have “so much fun without him.” That comment made me pause and reflect on the reality that, unlike me, he hasn’t had many chances to see the world for himself.

In that moment, I realized I needed to change that. I made a promise to him that from now on, whenever it’s feasible, he will accompany me on my trips.

This weekend, we are both excited to head to Minneapolis together to explore the iconic Mall of America, a destination filled with shops, attractions, and endless possibilities for adventure. I am eager to spend quality time with him, create cherished memories, and take loads of pictures to capture our experiences. It’s important for me that he has the opportunity to discover new places and share those moments with me as I did with my family in my childhood.

To all the parents out there, I urge you to encourage your teenagers to put down their iPads and iPhones, to step away from their screens, and to venture into the world. Exploration doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor; there are countless ways to experience new places and create lasting memories without breaking the bank.

Let’s show our children the beauty of the world beyond their screens and the joy of shared experiences.