Real moms share their favorite family trip

The bucket list

For mom Denise Garratt, a family trip to Alaska turned into an experience she'll always treasure.

"One of my fondest family vacation memories is one that included my mom-in-law (mom) and father-in-law (John). I had the good fortune to have a wonderful relationship with both, being particularly close to mom. My husband and I had been thinking about a family trip to Alaska, and we mentioned it to Mom and John when they said it was a trip they wanted to take 'someday,' and we asked them to join us. We'd never traveled together before, so this would be a new adventure. We booked a cruise to Alaska, which gave us time to visit amazing locations, and it brought us even closer. Sadly, a few months later, mom wasn't feeling well, and after extensive testing, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. After a short remission, the Leukemia returned and we lost her in January of 2009. I can't tell you how much peace that trip gave us. We were forever grateful that the trip didn't go on mom's 'someday' list and we were all able to have a wonderful memory during a difficult time."

The family that reads together stays together

Mom of four Angela Gifford discovered how reading as a family can open the door to new road trip adventures.

"We hit the road one summer with a tent and were camping all along our route from Idaho to Arkansas. We had been reading the Little House on the Prairie books as a family and decided to route our trip through DesMet, South Dakota, to see the Ingall's homestead. We had heard that you could camp right there at the homestead. We got there as it was getting dark, and it was exceptionally cold and windy for a summer night. One of the managers saw us struggling to unload and set up our tent in the wind. He took my husband aside and offered for us to stay in one of the covered wagons on the property. I didn't even realize they were actual lodging, I thought they were just props. But that night, my family piled into a real covered wagon and slept on the prairie on the Ingall's homestead. It was incredible, and very comfortable! The next day we played on the prairie, toured the building, rode a horse and wagon to school, and attended class. The memories that were built on that trip will last forever -- even for our youngest kids!"

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The trip must go on

Outdoor enthusiast Susan Tordella and her family turned a stormy, wet camping trip into a time for family bonding.

"After planning a trip for six months to go canoe-camping in the Maine wilderness, we were loading up two canoes with our four children, ages 2-10, and supplies for a week, onto a pontoon to be delivered to the wilderness, sans cell phones. We were not ones to follow weather reports. The guys loading us up remarked to each other, 'Are you ready for Hurricane Bob coming through?' Hubby and I looked at each other and kept loading up the gear, never blinking an eye. We couldn't turn back after six months of planning! Three days in the wilderness with four kids was damp, cold, wet and wild. We bonded. We created memories. We learned to tie knots and play new card games. We survived, and my kids still camp."

Be sure to pack plenty of fun with these helpful secrets of fun family trips >>

Life lessons on-the-go

Mom of three Stephanie B. Ziegler credits the experience of volunteer travel with teaching her children important lessons that will last them a lifetime.

"As a parent, I feel so good knowing that I am showing and teaching my kids about themselves and others through volunteer travel; they experience self-reliance in carrying their bags, they learn adaptability in eating different foods, time changes and sleeping arrangements, they learn about others -- our differences and similarities -- and see, smell and hear cultures that make them realize how much is out there beyond what they know at home."

An unforgettable summer

Mom of four Coco Peate recalls a family summer vacation back to her hometown of Chicago, complete with touching reunions with both family and friends.

"Last summer, I traveled to Chicago with my three young children in tow to visit my family for two weeks. During our trip, my cousin and I planned a small family reunion on a Saturday afternoon. We have a very large family, so our family get-together included about 50 people. I saw relatives that I had not seen in many years. The best part of the night was when my 6-year-old daughter whispered to me, "You mean, all these people are my family, too?"

The happiest memory at the happiest place on earth

Ritzy McCarthy, a mom of two, is no stranger to Disney magic. As a Walt Disney World Moms Panelist, McCarthy frequents Walt Disney World with her family. She shares her most magical vacation memory.

"One particular memory that stands out for me came in 2009 during a trip to Walt Disney World. My youngest child is speech-language delayed, and at the time was not yet able to speak in full sentences. When my family first entered the Magic Kingdom and rounded the corner on Main Street USA, he saw Cinderella's castle in the distance for the first time ever. Upon spotting the castle, his eyes lit up, he opened his mouth and in a full sentence said, 'I want to go to the castle!' My husband and I were beyond surprised, tears rolling down our faces in total shock and excitement that our son spoke a full sentence for the first time. It is magical moments like this that have made Walt Disney World vacations so magical for my family and I."

Tell us What's your favorite family vacation memory? Share with us in the comments section below.

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