Do you have something special planned for your family in 2018?

Like most parents, you undoubtedly want to give your children the best of everything. What many families overlook, though, is the value of shared experiences.

Luxury holidays may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering the best gifts for your family. Skiing in the Alps or surfing in Australia may seem more like frivolous dreams than valuable experiences.

The truth is that luxury holidays like these offer far more than just a chance to relax or indulge. They provide the perfect opportunity to bond with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

In this post, we’ll consider why the best things in life don’t come in a box. Read on to learn why!

The Paradox of Material Things

The average person sees upwards of 5,000 advertisements every single day.

Every company has a marketing department whose sole purpose is to convince you that buying their product will make you happy.

But is that always the case? Consider three reasons why material things don’t provide any lasting happiness.

The thrill of owning a new item fades as soon as we get used to it
Something bigger and better always comes along to replace it
We constantly compare what we have with what our friends and neighbours have

The truth is that focusing on material things is a direct enemy of happiness. You’ll always be striving for the latest and greatest, rather than being content with what you have.

And no matter how nice your car or phone or clothes are, there will always be somebody who has newer or better things than you.

Why set your sights on material possessions that don’t provide any long-term happiness? What you and your family truly need is the chance to bond and spend time together.

That’s exactly the opportunity that luxury holidays create. Here are eight wonderful benefits you gain when you travel as a family.

Create Happy Memories

Remember the time you took your kids camping in the mountains or snorkeling at the beach?

You won’t if you never do it.

Luxury holidays are the perfect setting to make unforgettable memories. It will draw you closer now and strengthen your bonds as parents, children, siblings, and spouses.

Reflecting on happy memories with loved ones has many long-term benefits too. It can bring powerful relief and feelings of peace when your family encounters darker times in the future.

Open Your Child’s Mind

Far from being frivolous, travel can actually make your child smarter.

Studies suggest that taking holidays actually advances brain development in young children. It activates both the playing and seeking parts of the brain that often go unused in the daily routines at home.

The opportunity to play, explore, and go on adventures together offers your children an education they’ll never receive in a classroom.

The Whole Family Can Learn

Think your kids are the only ones learning on a family holiday? Think again.

There are few things in life that activate different parts of our brains like travelling does. Exposure to new sights, new tastes, and new languages engages our senses in ways we could never experience at home.

Better still, you can use your luxury holidays as an opportunity to try new things together. Sign up for windsurfing lessons or take a cooking class and enjoy learning together.

Spend Quality Time Together

The average parents spend just 34 minutes per day with their children.

Chances are we want to increase that time, but the demands of our daily schedule simply don’t allow it.

When you take a holiday together, you have the opportunity to spend quality, uninterrupted time with your family. And you can do so in a beautiful, relaxing environment, free from the stresses of work and life back home.

Experiences Never Get Old

No matter how awesome that new toy or gadget is, it will eventually wear out and break.

Major purchases like a new car or house are sure to create a buyer’s high. Over time, though, that initial thrill will fade away.

In contrast, shared experiences have no expiration dates. They’ll never lose their luster or need replacing.

This is probably why 72% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than things. No matter how old you are, though, you can adopt the same outlook and spend your money on experiences you’ll cherish forever.

Explore Your Purpose and Passions

What does your family believe in? What are you most passionate about?

Whatever the answer is, that is what you should spend your money on. Your passions and purpose should act as a compass for you and your family.

Luxury holidays give you the chance to explore your interests and learn more about the things you love most. And remember that your experiences don’t have to be grandiose or expensive to be meaningful.

Gain a Different Perspective

Want to teach your children about the world around them?

There’s no better way to accomplish that than through travel. A visit to a foreign land will quickly show them that there are different ways of life and different ways of doing things.

Even if you can’t travel abroad, take the opportunity to explore your home country. Unplug from all the gadgets and spend some time in nature together.

Every member of your family will return home refreshed and refocused.

Declutter Your Life

A final reason to choose holidays over new purchases is that–in all likelihood–you probably already have enough stuff.

Is your attic or basement full of clutter? Are your closets overflowing with things you rarely use?

More than just an eyesore, a buildup of clutter can actually create stress and affect your mood. Rather than adding to the pile (and your stress level), take a holiday with your family.

Choose Luxury Holidays Over Buying More Stuff

These are just a few of the many compelling reasons to travel with your family instead of buying more things.

Luxury holidays sound great, but how do you choose where to go? Many families enjoy visiting the beautiful Gold Coast of Australia, which offers an array of luxury holiday properties.