Anytime is a good time to take a vacation, but summertime is synonymous with using those vacation days, packing your bags, unplugging and recharging. While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots, others view summer as the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, such as hiking through the mountains, exploring a tropical island, or road-tripping through the United States.
Over the past six years, Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors has featured many families who spend their summers “down the shore” and others who enjoy collecting passport stamps and checking different countries off their lists. No matter where you go or how you get there, the most memorable part of the trip is who you’re with.
For Brad and Heather Impriano, vacation means stepping away from the hectic schedules of daily life to enjoy time together with their four kids. “When you explore new places together, you make amazing memories,” Heather said. “Once the kids got older, Brad and I decided to cut back on gifts during the holidays and plan vacations instead.”
The Impriano’s latest adventure was a family trip to Costa Rica in late June. Heather said they had heard from friends that Costa Rica was a great place to hike and explore nature, which sounded perfect because they’re an active family that loves being outdoors. “We love excursions and did a few on this trip,” Heather explained. “One was a hike through the rainforest to a waterfall where we could swim. Another was through a national park with a stop at a coffee plantation along the way.”
The kids all agreed that the hikes were the best. They saw a toucan, a couple of sleeping sloths, howler and spider monkeys swinging through the trees, some white-faced monkeys, eye-lash viper snakes and iguanas. “We swam in some natural hot springs, enjoyed time at a coffee and chocolate plantation (the coffee was delicious) and learned so much about Costa Rica and the people,” Heather added. “The beauty of the forests, the wildlife and the time together was unforgettable.”
What’s next for this adventurous family? It sounds like the kids have put in a few requests to visit Europe!
Aside from making memories, taking time away from work, school and everyday stress has a multitude of health benefits. Many studies have been done, but there is no doubt that vacations are good for your body, mind, and soul. A vacation does your body good!
In addition to lowering stress and increasing energy, vacations also provide a greater opportunity to experience moments of awe, which have also been researched and found to generate a boost in mood. When you break your normal day-to-day routine, you are more present and feel more stimulated. It’s like getting a tune-up for your brain, improving your mental health and cognition.
If you were looking for an excuse to take some time for yourself, here it is! Take the vacation if you can, even if it’s a staycation. Time away from the stresses of work and daily life can improve your health, relationships, job performance and perspective. A well-timed trip can help you feel refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever comes when you return.
Safe travels!