Vacation and Values: A Christian Guide to Getaways

I love summer getaways. Whether my whole family gets to go, or it’s just me and our youngest (like this year), the time away from our regular routine visiting new places is always fun. Yet I am always faced with the challenge of maintaining our faith and values while we’re away. It’s tempting to sleep in, skip church, stop serving, and just float along for a few weeks. Usually, my kids are just grateful to escape the summer slump. But vacation and values don’t have to be in conflict. A faith-filled summer can be easy with a little planning.

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How to Stay Spiritually Grounded on Your Next Adventure

Vacations can be refreshing—but how do we stay spiritually grounded while away from routines? For many of us, the summer months or an eagerly anticipated family vacation signal a welcome break from busy lives, hard work, and the pressures of daily life. Yet, even in these restful times, Christians are called to hold fast to their faith, letting God’s hand guide every step of the journey. The best way to approach upcoming trips is to invite the presence of God and maintain our focus on spiritual growth, making sure our time away becomes a lasting impact on our hearts, homes, and communities.

Section 1: Planning a Christ-Centered Vacation

As you map out your next step, consider destinations that allow you to combine your vacation and values as a Christian. Maybe you’ll visit historic churches, join a Christian marriage retreat, or even consider mission trips as a fun way to combine your love of travel with service to God’s people. Prioritize places where church attendance, spiritual life, and time for reflection are possible, whether that’s in bustling cities or tranquil countryside.

For some families, like mine, summer includes a trip to see extended family in other states. This year my son and I visited NY and PA. We drove there so saw most of the Eastern US on the way. But visiting family doesn’t have to mean we don’t build in Christian activities. My son and I attended a new church with my sister and had a very engaging and lively discussion afterwards about the service, music, and the preacher.

Build in Time…

Build in time for quiet reflection, prayer, and daily Bible reading. Scheduling a family Bible study or devotionals each morning—perhaps with a worship playlist in the background—can set the main focus for the day. If you and your loved ones keep the word of God and the love of God at the center, your time turns into vacation and values that include a spiritual journey, not just a break from routine.

Whie at my sister’s (our homebase for all our visiting this summer), she had a Christian music station on throughout the house. I loved having music that points us to Christ surrounding us. I continued to read my Bible and did attempt to engage in my Bible study. Was I always successful, every day? No. But I know that I honored God with my efforts. My sister reads Jesus Calling every morning and always finds it fulfilling. My son didn’t do his own study but did talk with me about what I was learning. I was able to bring him into my own reading and study. This is something I do at home, so carrying it into vacation was natural for us.

Section 2: Packing with Purpose

Packing with purpose means more than remembering sunscreen or hiking boots; it’s about intentionally bringing along items that foster spiritual growth. Tuck your family Bible, a devotional, or a collection of favorite bible verses into your suitcase. Download sermons or a worship playlist to your phone for spontaneous moments of praise. Christian couples might pack materials for a marriage devotional, while families can select kid-friendly books that highlight Christian principles and the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

When I travel by car with my kids, I always pack an audio book from a Christian author. You’d be amazed at how much they pick up, even if it seems they aren’t listening! I’ve had wonderful conversations while we drive and listen to Christian nonfiction. My sons and I started with Everybody Always by Bob Goff. The book was insightful and hilarious – it sparked lots of great discussions that summer. Don’t want to subscribe to Audible? Check your local library for free audio book downloads…that’s what I do!

Don’t forget to plan for times of group prayer, gratitude, or a short bible study session. Whether you’re going on a fitness journey, enjoying summer vacation, or simply spending time together, making God’s word part of your daily rhythm can be the most important thing you do.

Section 3: Sabbath Rest vs. Self-Indulgence

Vacations can be a wonderful time to enjoy God’s creation, savor good food, and celebrate with loved ones. However, it’s essential to explore the difference between true Sabbath rest and self-indulgence. Sabbath rest is about laying down burdens, trusting in God’s faithfulness, and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew your spirit. It’s not just about escaping a hard time or seeking pleasure for its own sake.

Ask yourself: Is my vacation glorifying God? Does it pair vacation and values? Am I enjoying things in moderation, with gratitude for God’s love and provision? Practicing self-control and keeping Christ at the center ensures your downtime honors the Lord and brings a lasting impact. In all things, let the love of God and the example of Jesus guide your choices, so your time away helps you return refreshed both in body and soul.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to enjoy great food and engage in celebrations. We just want our primary focus as Christians to be on God and all that He does for us…particularly on the Sabbath.

Section 4: Teaching Kids to Carry Their Faith Everywhere

Family vacations are the perfect opportunity to teach kids the importance of Christian faith in daily life, even when routines shift. Model prayer before meals, gratitude for God’s blessings, and acts of service—whether that’s helping a neighbor at your destination or picking up litter while hiking. Encourage kids to memorize bible verses (this book has been phenomenal for me to memorize Scripture), reflect on God’s hand in their adventures, and look for ways to see the body of Christ wherever you go.

After daytime activities, lead a discussion with your family and friends about where you saw God show up that day. How did God guide your actions or activities? Where can you offer praise for what God did that day? Ask your kids how they would like to give back to the local community the next day and build some of those ideas into your plan.

Church attendance doesn’t have to pause during vacation—seek out a local church or join an online service as a family. Let your children see faith as something lived out, not left behind, so they build the mindset shifts needed to remain spiritually anchored during both good times and difficult times.

Conclusion: A Vacation with Jesus at the Center

A vacation with Jesus at the center refreshes more than just the body; it brings spiritual renewal and a deeper awareness of God’s glory and faithfulness. Whether it’s your first time planning a Christ-centered getaway or a long-time family tradition such as ours where we visit “the Grandmas”, remember that the presence of God travels with you. Through intentional planning, purposeful packing, honoring Sabbath rest, and modeling your Christian faith through your vacation and values, your getaway becomes more than just a trip—it’s a testimony to the goodness of our God, an opportunity for spiritual growth, and a time to draw closer to the love of God that never takes a holiday.

Where are you going for summer vacation and which strategy will you bring to your getaway this year?

Peace & Joy,

🌸 Andrea

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