It’s too expensive. It’s too much to plan. It’s not a top priority. You’re too busy. You’re saving for this home project or that new car or those arbitrary investment goals first. You’re not sure if it’s worth it. Who will watch the dog?

Look, there are a bunch of reasons not to go on vacation (especially with kids). Yes, vacations can be expensive. Vacations can be a lot to plan. They come with uncertainties. They will have variables you aren’t prepared for and can’t account for.

But the benefits outweigh pretty much everything else (especially with kids). And it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant or in a far-flung place.

Because whatever kind of vacation it is—whether it’s a weekend away, a road trip to the beach, a week with the grandparents, or time in someplace special—it’s an investment in family time, in experiences, in memories.

Your kids likely won’t remember their first toys or books or stuffed animals, but you know what they will remember? Their first time exploring a national park with you. Their first time visiting a new city as a family. Their first time going anywhere new, experiencing something new—together.

Vacations mean dedicated time they can spend with you when you’re not pulled away by errands, by work emails, by cleaning up the house. They mean intentional time you can fully enjoy being with each other, trying new things, exploring new places, playing board games together at the hotel before bed.

So do it while you can. Take the time while you can. Experience new places, new experiences together while you can. They won’t forget it. You won’t forget it. And that means you won’t regret any of it, either.