Over the last seven years, my husband and I have traveled to seven national parks with my father-in-law. These trips have taken us across breathtaking landscapes throughout the United States, but their real impact has been on our relationships.
From Yosemite to Yellowstone, Grand Teton to Zion, and beyond, we’ve learned how to navigate our differences and strengthen our connection in ways that everyday life doesn’t always allow.
Family dynamics can get tricky, especially when spending hour after hour, day after day, in close quarters. But keeping the bigger picture in mind — and going with the flow — has taught me valuable lessons not just about travel but about life in general.
Keeping a flexible attitude makes for a happier journey
My father-in-law loves having a jam-packed itinerary. He wants to be entertained and keep moving — quite impressive, considering we started these trips when he was 83, and now he’s 90.
My husband and I also enjoy activities, but we like to relax, too. Planning these trips has helped all of us learn how to compromise a bit and blend our different travel styles, balancing activity with downtime.
Getting older doesn’t mean losing your spontaneity or spirit of adventure
My father-in-law is always up for new experiences and has never let age dampen his adventurous spirit.
Our first trip to Yosemite was during the peak of summer, and the heat was intense. As we walked along the river, we saw a few people water tubing and swimming. Mr. Aram (my nickname for him since my husband is also named Aram) suddenly decided to take off his shirt and shoes and jump in the chilly water. We quickly followed his lead and ended up having a blast.
That spontaneous, exhilarating moment remains one of our fondest memories to this day.
Staying active and curious is key to good health
My husband and I have seen firsthand how staying active has positively impacted his dad’s physical health. His mobility belies his age — and his stamina for walking miles and miles puts us to shame.
His curiosity also seems to keep him mentally sharp. He’s always eager to learn new tips for taking better photos on our trips or how to use certain apps on his phone.
Disagreements happen, but family bonds prevail
My husband and I share a common outlook that doesn’t always align with his dad’s. In fact, one trip almost ended before it even began because of a heated political discussion. But these trips remind us that love can rise above conflict.
We’ve accepted that we’ll never see eye to eye on certain things and have set boundaries — like completely steering clear of politics — so we can focus on what we do have in common and make the most of our time together.
Having a sense of humor goes a long way
Whether it was getting stuck in a crowded shuttle bus or evading bears during a late-night bathroom break, our national park trips have had plenty of surprises. Keeping a good sense of humor through it all has served us well, giving us countless memories to laugh about.
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Patience and gratitude allow for a deeper connection
We all have habits or quirks that others might find annoying — especially on family getaways. But these pet peeves also offer an opportunity to practice patience and gratitude.
My own father died in 2018, and that profound loss has made me even more aware of how fleeting life is. I’m grateful that my husband can still make plans with his dad and explore new places together.
Nature has a way of bringing people together
In the wild, we focus less on differences and more on shared wonder and adventure. Being in nature sparks appreciation and a sense of peace — not just for the surroundings but for the people experiencing it with you.
National parks have been famously described as America’s greatest idea, and visiting these natural spaces with my husband and his dad has been one of our greatest ideas.
