Big Memories, Small Trips
In our last blog post, we looked at the financial strain behind family vacations—why so many people, especially Millennials, are willing to stretch their budgets or even take on debt for travel.
This week, with back-to-school in full swing, I want to take the conversation a step further. As summer memories fade, it’s easy to compare our own getaways (or lack of them) with others’. But here’s the question: do we really need Paris or Tokyo to have a meaningful summer—or can smaller, local adventures offer just as much joy and perspective?
Value vs. Cost of Travel
Many people justify pricey vacations as investments in connection and growth. Exploring new cultures, trying unfamiliar foods, or navigating travel mishaps can indeed build adaptability and resilience.
But the question remains: is a week abroad worth thousands of dollars when you might have been just as happy lounging at a lake, grilling in a backyard, or spending time with people you love? The reality is, not every trip needs to be Instagram-worthy to be meaningful—and the stress of financing a big vacation can undercut the very benefits we’re hoping for.
The Case for Micro-Adventures
Here’s where generational trade-offs come back into play. Millennials may have grown up choosing experiences over long-term stability, but it doesn’t have to be an either/or equation. Choosing smaller, local trips—what researchers call “micro-adventures”—can help us rebalance.
For me, my go-to vacation spot is still the one I grew up with—a “glamping” log cabin off the grid, with no running water, no electricity, and an outhouse. It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it’s unforgettable.
💡 Vacations—big or small—strengthen relationships and provide lasting “anchors of positivity.”
Whether it’s a day trip to a free museum, a weekend with friends, or even exploring a new neighborhood in your own city, these lower-cost adventures can provide novelty, bonding, and joy—without draining your savings or adding credit card debt. For anyone navigating the tension between experiences now and financial stability later, micro-adventures can offer the best of both worlds.
Curious to hear from you:
How do you balance the pressure of “big” vacations with the joy of smaller adventures? What was your favorite “micro-adventure” this summer—whether with kids, friends, or on your own?
Resource Corner
📌 The Atlantic – The New Family Vacation
📌 Bankrate: Nearly 3 in 10 Americans will take on debt to travel
