I'm taking a much-needed packing break to share with you my very favorite Christmas present to both give and get:Travel Big shocker, right?  It's no secret that I'm a bit of an addict when it comes to this topic.  But I was inspired to think more deeply about the gift of travel when my dad and stepmom invited my little fam to spend this coming weekend with them at the Homestead, as part of our family holiday celebration.  I can't tell you how much more excited I am about this fun gettaway than I would have been about anything wrapped up with a bow!

And I realized that the memories, the bonding, the unique experiences that a family can have while traveling together are some of the most precious gifts anyone could ever give or receive.

Which is why I dropped my half-folded laundry and half-zipped suitcases to sit down for a moment and encourage you to cut back on the "stuff" all the ads and sales tell you must be under your tree this year and plan a family vacation instead.  There are warm memories and family togetherness opportunities for almost any budget:

- ($) Give your spouse a romantic night or weekend away, where you two can reconnect.  Brett and I recently visited the Anniversary Inn and were able to relax and rejuvinate in less than 24 hours.

- ($$) Get out the map and find a nearby roadtrip destination your family has never visited.  The money you save on travel costs can be put towards fun vacation experiences!

- ($$$) See a Holiday icon in real life:  The Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, Cinderella's Castle covered in glittering icicles or The White House hall decked to the nines.

- ($$$$) Experience beautiful traditions that are thousands of years old by spending the holidays in Europe.   What could be more festive than celebrating with cultures so rich in Christmas history?

When you gift travel, you give your loved ones the world!

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