Persistently revisiting the same summer retreat for three decades without a single regret documented.
In a world where travel planning can be a source of significant stress for many, one family has found a solution that brings comfort and ease: a yearly trip to Lake Arrowhead. This tradition, spanning three decades, began when the author was just four years old.
For the author, the familiarity and tradition of this annual getaway provide a welcome respite. Unlike venturing to new destinations as an adult, which can sometimes leave them feeling in need of a vacation from their vacation, Lake Arrowhead offers a sense of peace and relaxation.
The family's routine is predictable and cost-efficient. They stay at the same hotel, eat at the same pizzeria, and go waterskiing at the same school every year. This consistency not only saves money but also reduces the stress that often comes with travel planning. The author's mother starts packing for their annual trip weeks in advance, a testament to her streamlined planning process.
The drive to Lake Arrowhead is likened to watching a favourite TV show, a comforting and familiar experience. The trip also saves time and money due to its consistency. The author and her family buy groceries from the same store during their annual trip, further reducing the need for last-minute decisions.
While the percentage of US adults who find travel planning very stressful is reported to be more than a third, with a notable increase in stress levels among those traveling with children, this family's approach seems to buck the trend. The author and her mother eat at the same restaurants during their annual trip, and their children are now part of the tradition, making s'mores at the beach.
The tradition of going to Lake Arrowhead brings the author and her mother closer together. The author's mother reminisces about memories from the author's childhood during their trips, creating a bond that strengthens with each passing year. The author finds comfort in these shared memories and the continuity of their tradition.
As the family looks toward the future, they plan to continue their tradition of going to Lake Arrowhead for at least another 30 years. The annual trip has become an integral part of their lives, a cherished tradition that brings them peace, relaxation, and a sense of home away from home.
Sources:
[1] "Americans Shift Preferences Toward Road Trips to Reduce Anxiety." Travel Industry Today, 15 Jan 2025.
[2] "Gen Z Travelers Show Higher Stress Levels, While Lower-Income Groups Face Even Greater Challenges." Travel Stress Report, 20 Mar 2025.
[3] "Traveling with Children: A Major Source of Stress for Parents." Family Travel Survey, 15 Apr 2025.
The Lake Arrowhead retreat, a well-established tradition, offers a sense of peace and relaxation for the author, acting as a respite from the stress often associated with travel for many families, particularly those with children. The author and her family's consistent routines during this annual trip, such as staying at the same hotel, eating at familiar eateries, and partaking in regular activities, contribute to reducing travel anxiety and costs. The tradition has become an integral element in their family-dynamics, strengthening relationships and creating cherished memories.
