Leading and Love

Activities, Travel & Vacation

We often dream of vacations as the great escape—the time to unwind, disconnect from work, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. But too many of us return from those getaways feeling more drained than restored. Packed itineraries, unrealistic expectations, family friction, and the pressure to "make it count" can leave us needing a vacation from our vacation.

So how do we flip the script? How do we craft a vacation that heals instead of breaks?

Whether you're a couple needing reconnection, a family seeking shared joy, or a leader looking to reset mentally, the kind of break you plan matters more than the destination. A restorative vacation doesn't start with where you're going—it starts with why you're going.

Shift from Escape to Renewal

Many people plan vacations to get away from stress, but healing vacations are about moving toward restoration. This means choosing experiences that support your emotional, physical, and relational well-being. Ask yourself:

• Will this environment support peace?
  
  

• Is the pace aligned with what my body and mind need?
  
  

• Will I leave this place more whole than when I arrived?
  
  

Avoid trips that merely distract or entertain without offering true rest.

Define the Purpose Together

Especially in relationships, clarity of purpose brings unity. Talk openly to your spouse before your trip:

• Are we trying to reconnect as a couple?
  
  

• Do we want adventure, or do we need stillness?
  
  

• What does each person need from this break?
  
  

When everyone’s expectations are heard and respected, the trip becomes a shared source of joy rather than a trigger for tension.

Guard the Margins

An overstuffed schedule is the enemy of healing. Build in margin—space for sleeping in, spontaneous moments, slow meals, and quiet walks. Healing comes in the pause, not the pace.

Tip: For every structured activity, plan for an equal block of unstructured time.

Unplug with Intention

Technology tethers us to the very pressures we're trying to escape. Set digital boundaries:

• Consider a 24-hour digital detox during the trip.
  
  

• Designate tech-free times (e.g., mornings, meals, and sunsets).
  
  

• Use devices to document joy, not to manage work.
  
  

Let your mind breathe. Let your relationships deepen without screen interference.

Prioritize Connection over Perfection

Vacations often stir stress when we expect perfect conditions—perfect weather, perfect behavior, perfect fun. But real healing comes from authentic connection, not picture-perfect moments. Embrace imperfection. Laugh through the mishaps. Celebrate simply being together.

Connection is what stays with us when the trip ends.

Rest Before You Go, and When You Return

Many people enter vacations exhausted and return to chaos. That robs your break of its full benefit.

• Plan your packing and prep in advance to avoid pre-trip frenzy.
  
  

• Schedule a buffer day post-vacation to transition gently back to daily life.
  
  

Your vacation isn’t just a pause button—it should be part of a rhythm that supports sustainable living.

A healing vacation doesn’t just offer you a few days of calm—it gives you tools for life. It reminds you of what matters most: presence, peace, and connection. In marriage, leadership, and parenting, those are the currencies that yield real wealth.

Let your next trip be a gentle reset, not a high-performance marathon. Let it breathe life back into your body, your bond, and your balance.