What am I supposed to say when my eleven year old daughter says “Mom, why would you bring an eleven year old to a place like this?” Our most recent family vacation was to Las Vegas. We did not go to gamble or hang out on the strip, but since we were in Vegas, I thought we should go to the strip and experience it! And that is when she turned to me and asked me that question. Does that vacation make me a terrible mother? No!
Family vacations are so important. Time at home can be so busy and so intensely full. There is always laundry, dinner, extra curricular actives and daily like to take care of. When you go on vacation together, you focus more on each other and enjoying what is around you. And maybe the kids even put down the electronics. Maybe.
I can guarantee that my daughter will never forget our trip to Vegas. Weather or not the memories are perfect or completely accurate does not matter. What matters is that we were together and seeing all the craziness as a family. That is irreplaceable. 
During the trip, we sat down for every meal together. We had to, we were eating out for every meal. So we actually talked to each other at each meal! We were not rushing off to a meeting or practice after the meal. No work, no school, just our family. It was amazing. Reconnecting as a family happens during these times.
We cannot discount the opportunity to experience these new places together. The chance to talk about the things we saw in Vegas that we would not see at home turned into a great teaching moment. Seeing places that are better (or worse) than home can expand your kids (and your own) horizons. It gives the opportunity to appreciate what you have to make a goal for something you like. I believe that letting kids experience new things as a family helps the bond grow strong.
Flying off to Vegas may not be the ideal vacation to make memories and strengthen the family bond. We did get to see the Grand Canyon, go inside the Hoover Dam and try zip lining on this vacation, but the thing we talk about the most is the strip and all the craziness we saw! Whatever vacation you choose, be it flying off to a destination, going camping or taking a road trip, just make sure you do it! Spending time together away from daily commitments is the most important thing!