The Gift of Togetherness: Why Family Getaways Make the Best Gifts
At Lone Star Nannies, our mission has always been simple: to support modern parents through trusted, flexible childcare — built by moms, for families. We believe every parent deserves the chance to breathe, reconnect, and create moments that become part of their family’s story. And while our team is here to make everyday life lighter, we’re also passionate about helping families savor the big moments… the ones that happen when you step away from the routine and spend intentional time together.
That’s why experience gifting has become such a meaningful trend for the families we serve. Kids may not remember every toy they unwrap, but they do remember the weekend getaway where everyone laughed until bedtime, the beach day that felt like magic, or the family trip where no one had anywhere else to be.
To celebrate that spirit of togetherness, we’re excited to share a special guest post from Nicole Marsh, a Moms at Sea Travel Advisor who helps families plan joyful, stress-free vacations. Her ideas are perfect for parents, nannies, and caregivers who want to make memories that last long after the season ends.
Because at the end of the day, the greatest gift we can give our kids is time and the space to experience it together.
The Gift of Togetherness: Why Family Getaways Make the Best Gifts
Creating Core Memories Outlast Toys
When you think back on your own childhood, the memories that glow the brightest usually aren’t wrapped in paper, they’re wrapped in moments:
The road trips where everyone sang off-key.
The weekend getaway where you stayed up too late playing cards.
That one magical beach day you still talk about.
Experiences have a way of slowing time down just long enough to savor it.
And in a world where families are busier than ever, carving out intentional time together is a gift that feels both meaningful and needed.
More and more families are shifting toward “experience gifting”. Not because toys aren’t wonderful (they are!), but because shared adventures create the kind of connection that lingers long after the batteries die. For parents, caregivers, and nannies, those pockets of togetherness often become foundational memories for the kids we love.
Below are ideas for family-friendly getaways that fit a variety of budgets, interests, and seasons — all focused on keeping things simple, joyful, and, most importantly, together.
Mini Escapes: Low-Stress, High-Impact
Perfect for families wanting a quick reset without juggling complicated travel.
Gaylord Texan
A magical indoor world of seasonal events, activities, and dining — no plane tickets required.Great Wolf Lodge
Indoor waterparks, MagiQuest adventures, and everything conveniently under one roof.Hill Country Resorts
Floating lazy rivers, nature trails, and wide-open spaces that make everything feel calmer.Broken Bow, OK
Cozy cabins, fire pits, and hot tubs — a peaceful, screen-free way to reconnect.
When Families Want Something a Little Bigger — Without the Overwhelm
Cruises
As a mom who travels often with kids (and helps hundreds of families do the same), I’ve learned there’s a reason cruises have become such a go-to option. They make family travel feel easy.
Not glamorous-easy.
Not influencer-easy.
Actual, real-life “my brain can finally take a breath” easy.
Here’s why cruising works so well for families:
Built-in childcare
No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
All meals included
No daily logistics or driving
Multiple destinations — unpack once
Entertainment for every age
That’s why cruising has naturally become a specialty at Moms at Sea Travel — it supports families who want adventure without adding more to their mental load.
Not a Cruise Family? No problem. Here Are Some of My Favorite Stateside Family Friendly Destination
There are so many ways to create meaningful travel memories:
Beach Escapes
Beaches are simple, flexible, and perfect for multigenerational groups.
Theme Park Adventures
For kids who light up around characters and rides:
(These also pair beautifully with a low-key beach getaway afterward.)
Mountain & Nature Trips
Ideal for families craving cooler weather, scenery, and unhurried time outside.
How to Gift a Getaway
A little creativity turns the surprise into part of the memory:
A puzzle that reveals the destination
A scavenger hunt around the house
A clue box with small items like goggles, maps, or themed trinkets
Why These Gifts Matter
Research — and the lived experience of every parent, nanny, and caregiver — shows that shared experiences:
Strengthen connection
Build gratitude
Create family traditions
Become lifelong stories
Making Planning Easier
While this post isn’t about selling anything, it is worth saying: you don’t have to be the project manager of your own vacation. If you want someone to help narrow options, coordinate the details, or organize travel for a busy or blended family group, a travel advisor can be a huge help.
At Moms at Sea Travel, I love helping families plan restful, joy-filled cruises. But whether it’s a cruise or something completely different, local advisors can help craft the perfect itinerary close to home.
A Final Thought
Experiences turn into stories.
Stories turn into memories.
And those memories become the legacy we give our children.
Wishing you and your family a magical and memorable holiday season,
Nicole Marsh