This past summer, we had some inflexible commitments at home, so we took only weekend vacations around the US. I felt like it was worth reporting what we thought and how travel within the United States compared in terms of family bonding.
We started with a trip to Watercolor, Florida, one of the classic family beach spots along the Gulf Coast. I have to admit, the experience fell short of expectations. We try to travel as often as possible with my parents, who in their mid seventies, and who have become increasingly particular with age. I thought Watercolor would be ideal because it was so family friendly and so indisputably American. I mean, Target and Sephora were within driving distance, and every amenity was taken care of in big American style. And yet, my parents despised it. Turns out, bike riding, even on cruisers, is not a go for them. I’m not sure if it’s because they don’t ride regularly at home or because they’re not really bold athletes. But one way or another, both of them managed to fall off their bikes, and my mom swears her back has never been the same. Additionally, my dad got countless sand flea bites, and they complained about the stairs. It was just an overall bust, and the experience taught me that our family just doesn’t fit in the all American travel box, even the luxury travel one. I know countless families who go with all generations to Watercolor and Seaside… but my family isn’t going to be among them.
