Trip vs. Vacation: What’s the Difference?

Trip vs. Vacation: What’s the Difference?

Many people wonder what the difference is between a trip and a vacation. Through our adventures, one of the most common comments I get about our travels with our children is, “That doesn’t sound very relaxing.”

You are absolutely right. But, we have never felt that travel needed to be relaxing. Travel, as well as anything that takes work, is rewarding because of the things we learn, the relationships we build, and the deeper understanding we have of the world that God created.

I firmly believe that there is a difference between a trip and a vacation.

Let’s look closely at some of those differences:

Vacations…involve optional itineraries which have been carefully planned out, often by an all-inclusive resort.

Trips...involve detailed itineraries which have been carefully planned out by you.

Vacations…are times for you to relax and read a book cover to cover.

Trips…are times for you to frantically thumb through the guide book.

Vacations…allow for sleeping late, leisurely afternoons, and hours by the beach.

Trips…allow for early mornings, rushed days, and hours in museums and historic sites.

Vacations…give you the opportunity to eat delicious, gourmet meals.

Trips…give you the opportunity to eat picnic lunches and yes, even sometimes fast food.

Vacations are great occasionally (like a rich dessert), they are relaxing and restful, but as with anything, too much of a good thing can start to go bad. As Christians, we are called to live life abundantly and fully!

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

An abundant life is full of adventure and new opportunities. We were never told that we would be comfortable, but what a wonderful family-building tool an adventure is. Somehow, though, many Christians seem scared of the world at large. But, listen to what scripture tell us:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

My husband and I decided early on that we preferred taking trips over going on vacation. When all our friends were going to all-inclusive resorts for their honeymoons, we hoofed it to Paris the cheapest way possible. For a smaller amount of money than our friends spent we flew standby, stayed in a hole-in-the-wall hotel (seriously, only one of us could fit in the elevator at a time), and ate ham and cheese sandwiches from the shop on the corner everyday for lunch.

We have continued this philosophy with our kids. We would rather hike in a national park, explore a museum, or learn the history of a particular location than stay at a resort. I would instead prefer to use our precious resources (time and money) to do something because I am really good at doing nothing at home – for free.

So, here’s to those who love to go, do, and see on their travels. We love an adventure and I’m glad there are other families out there like us.

Robin Dufilho lives in West Texas with her husband Matt and their two kids, Luke and Ellie. A graduate of The University of Texas with a B.A. in English, she is a certified teacher who uses her degree everyday homeschooling her two children. She loves travel, books, and knitting. She blogs over at www.havekidswilltravel.tv where she offers tips about traveling with kids in tow.