Creating Family Traditions Through Travel: Why Vacations Matter More Than Ever
This summer, Shutter and Compass packed our bags for one of our biggest adventures yet. Megan and Shelby, along with their families—six teenagers and two husbands in tow—headed to Florida to experience the brand-new Epic Universe Theme Park at Universal Orlando, plus time at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and all four Walt Disney World parks.
To say it was EPIC just doesn’t do it justice.
Yes, it was a work trip (we’re already preparing guides and tips for Epic Universe!), but it was also a chance to slow down, laugh until our cheeks hurt, and make lasting memories with our families—especially with our oldest teens now 19. How many 19 year-olds do you know who willfully spend quality vacation time with the family still?!! We soaked in every moment.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about who you go with and the traditions you create along the way.
Why Travel Traditions Matter
For Megan’s family, Disney has been a thread woven into their story. Living close to Disneyland meant multiple visits over the years—park days filled with churros, fireworks, and watching her kids grow from toddlers on Dumbo to teens conquering Space Mountain. Those shared trips became a family tradition, one that has created lasting bonds.
Shelby’s family story looks a little different, but the heart is the same. After falling in love with all things Disney—Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and even Disney Cruises—her family decided to join the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) in 2019.
What is Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?
Think of DVC as Disney’s version of a timeshare—but much more flexible. Members purchase points that can be used for stays at DVC resorts, Disney’s deluxe hotels, or even adventures around the globe through Disney’s travel partners. It’s a way to guarantee future vacations while giving families the freedom to decide when and where to travel. For Shelby, DVC was an investment in tradition—ensuring that Disney magic can be passed down to her kids for years to come.
And here’s the truth: it’s never too early to start traveling with your kids.
Shelby’s first Disney trip with her children included a five-year-old and a one-year-old. Did the one-year-old remember it? No. But the family sure does. The sparkle in his eyes, the way he lit up at the sights and sounds—all of those tiny magical moments are etched into the family’s hearts. That’s the beauty of travel: sometimes the memories belong more to the parents, but they still shape the family’s story.
Big Vacations Aren’t the Only Vacations
We’ll be the first to admit—we love the big, splashy theme park trips. But you don’t have to go cross-country or across the world to create unforgettable family traditions. Some of the best vacations are the ones that become simple, annual getaways:
✨ A long weekend at the beach. Whether it’s the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, or a hidden coastal gem, families return year after year to sandy toes, seashell hunts, and sunset walks.
✨ A mountain retreat. Renting a cozy cabin in the Blue Ridge or Smoky Mountains can be just as magical. Hiking, roasting marshmallows, and sitting by the fire—those moments stick.
✨ An annual road trip. Pick a destination within driving distance (a favorite small town, a local amusement park, or a state park) and make it a yearly tradition. The drive itself often becomes part of the fun!
The destination doesn’t matter as much as the commitment to go. What your kids will remember is the laughter, the games, the food stops, and the shared adventures.
Travel Shapes Families—and Kids’ Futures
As our audience continues to get to know us, you’ll see that for both Megan and Shelby, travel is about so much more than vacations. Travel opens minds, sparks curiosity, and creates connections—to new places, new cultures, and most importantly, to each other.
When families prioritize travel—whether it’s Disney or a quick beach weekend—they’re investing in something bigger than a trip. They’re teaching their kids that it’s okay to pause the chaos of life, step into something different, and create memories that last far beyond the vacation itself.
Shutter and Compass
Magic Kingdom 2025
The Bekkedahl’s (minus 1)
and
The Whites (plus 1)
Also, Photo Credit goes to the photographers at Disney!
We highly recommend the Photo Pass/Memory Maker.
Did you know you can get a discount if you’re military?
More information HERE
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Orlando this summer was unforgettable—Epic Universe, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios all gave us moments we’ll never forget. But what made it truly magical was sharing it with our families.
So here’s our encouragement to you: start your own travel traditions. They don’t have to be big or expensive. They just need to be yours.
Because when the kids are grown, and the photos are tucked away in albums, you’ll realize those vacations weren’t just trips. They were the heartbeat of your family story.
Also, if you’re wondering what all the fuss is over EPIC (and Universal and Disney, if you haven’t been)…we got you covered! We’ll be deep diving into our trip with fun anecdotes, tips, and so much more!!
