I always looked forward to our spring break “camping” trips when I was a teenager. Some people wouldn’t call it camping, since we pretty much always camped at a KOA campground or some place with toilets and showers to appease some of my less-than-enthusiastic sisters. And we almost always camped in a tent trailer. But whatever your definition is, that was how we went camping on spring break. We also almost always picked a national park in Southern Utah to visit, since they were all about 5 or 6 hours away — close enough to drive to, but far enough away to feel like you were really on a vacation. 
I don’t know exactly what it was about our spring break trips that made them special, but they stick out in my mind above many other family trips. They seemed almost magical at times.
So when my parents invited any of us who could to join them this last week on a camping trip to Southern Utah, I jumped at the chance. I was so grateful it worked out so well for my little family to join my parents, youngest sister, and some family friends. We had so much fun visiting Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park. Such beautiful country, and such beautiful memories.
What vacations or family traditions stick out in your mind from your childhood? Have any of them carried into your own families? What magical memories are you creating with your spouse, children, and/or pets (whatever your family is in this moment)?
We didnt have a car growing up so even a day trip was a big deal to us. We had one holiday a year til I was about 8, staying with an aunt – I loved going back to the same place and having the same holiday friends. My favourite part of the holiday was going fishing in a wee rowing boat with dad, my brother and sister and a very excitable dog! I’m so glad my little one has a zillion cousins and we take her visiting all the time. She’s also been camping since she was 3 months old, so I’m hoping she’ll grow up liking it too.