Trading Screens for Sunsets: Spring Break Getaway to the Coast

Falling in love with exploration…

Though we will never graduate from day trips, the travel bug grew a bit stronger. We wanted to build on that feeling of being unplugged and connected, so we planned our first Spring break getaway to the Florida coast. The goal wasn't to "do it all," but to simply be there, together, soaking up the salty air and the change of pace.

The drive was filled with our usual playlist of sing-alongs and a few rounds of "I Spy" to pass the time. Arriving at our beachside hotel felt like stepping into a new world. The first order of business? Check-in then dash to the beach. The kids kicked off their shoes the moment they saw the sand, their laughter a perfect soundtrack to the sound of the waves. We spent hours listening to music on the Bluetooth radio and flirting with the laps of the waves.

Without the distraction of TV or tablets, we found new ways to entertain ourselves. One night, we stayed up late on the balcony, wrapped in blankets, just talking and listening to the waves gently crash against the beach. Another evening was dedicated to an epic game of Bop It, where even the little ones got in on the action. It was during these moments, away from our normal routine, that we felt the most present.

This coastal escape wasn't just a vacation; it was an exercise in togetherness. We proved to ourselves that we didn't need a packed itinerary or fancy activities to make memories. We just needed each other, and a beautiful place to share our time. Those early beach trips truly set the bar for what our family travel could be, and we're already dreaming of our next destination.