A Rollercoaster December Vacation: Family, Fights, and Breathtaking Views
The holiday season of December 2024 was meant to be a much-needed escape for us, TH, TS and me. Little did we know it would turn into a mix of highs and lows, filled with beautiful landscapes, family disagreements, and moments of clarity. Here’s how our adventure unfolded.
December 21: A Rocky Start in Vegas
Our journey began with a hiccup when our flight to Las Vegas was delayed after a deplaning fiasco. By the time we arrived, we were exhausted and grumpy. Thankfully, our hotel on the Strip turned out to be quite comfortable, and it helped ease some of the frustration.
December 22: Death Valley and a Difficult Evening
We set out to explore Death Valley, but it fell short of our expectations. Badwater Basin, with its salt flats, was interesting but not awe-inspiring. Overall, the experience was underwhelming. In hindsight, it could have been because I was worried about the husband and son not liking it. This was the cause of a lot of disagreements that we had throughout the trip. I know (or assume) that they both may not enjoy the drive and the views, that they get bored. And the husband attempts to squeeze in plans because he thinks that I will enjoy it.
Moral of the story: Communication Communication Communication.
Returning to the Vegas Strip that evening should have been a highlight, but it turned into a nightmare. A fight broke out between my husband and me, leaving the atmosphere tense. I felt overwhelmed with the pressure of planning the trip, wishing for more help in decision-making. Also, I had noted down all the resorts that we could visit on the strip. He saw the list and assumed that we are going to all of them and drifted into a foul mood. Again it was solely due to lack of communication. Long story short, we hated Vegas and wondered what the hype was all about. On a brighter note, we went to a food court where I had delicious Filipino food, which briefly lightened the mood.
December 23: A Day of Regrets
We had planned to visit the Hoover Dam, but instead, we spent the day at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations. We fell for the scam because we went there without breakfast, thinking this would be over very soon in an hour. Instead, it lasted six hours with no food. It felt like a waste, and I was deeply disappointed by how little we accomplished. It’s safe to say this day was a low point of the trip. The only highlight was the brisket we had later.
December 24: A Change of Plans and the Grand Canyon
In the morning, we decided to cancel our contract that we signed at the holiday inn clubs and go to the Grand Canyon only after that. This decision brought much-needed peace of mind. By evening, we reached the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the view left me speechless. The sheer size and grandeur of the canyon were breathtaking and made all the prior stress feel trivial.
December 25: Christmas at the Canyon
We spent Christmas exploring the Grand Canyon. The Desert View Watchtower and various viewpoints were spectacular. We also hiked, although I regretted not bringing proper hiking clothes. Next time, I’ll be better prepared to tackle more challenging trails. Despite the minor missteps, it was a fulfilling day.
December 26: Antelope Canyon’s Charm
Antelope Canyon was an absolute highlight. The intricate sandstone formations and the way sunlight filtered through them were magical. It was an experience I’ll treasure for years. I also learned and subsequently researched a lot about the Navajo and other Indian reservations.
December 27: Bryce and Zion National Parks
Bryce Canyon was a revelation. The unique hoodoos and the stunning landscape captivated us, though time constraints kept us from exploring as much as I would have liked. Zion National Park was equally mesmerizing. We managed a hike, but my tight jeans were not the best choice for the occasion. Note to self: prioritize comfort over style for hikes! In my defense, I assumed it would be super cold and had not planned for such a steep hike.
December 28: Back to Vegas and Final Reflections
Our last day brought us back to Las Vegas, but the day drive took a sour turn with another argument. Thankfully, our son, ever the peacemaker, helped us navigate the situation. We promised to work on better communication, and I agreed to curb my reactive replies while my husband acknowledged my need for support in planning doesn’t stem from laziness but from feeling overwhelmed. We reached the strip by 2 pm where we indulged in a meal at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant. The Strip looked dazzling, and the holiday mood was contagious. This time around, we enjoyed the vibe of the strip and stared to understand what the hype was about. Glad we got to do it.
December 29: Home Sweet Home
We returned home with a mix of relief and nostalgia. While the trip had its share of struggles, it also gave us unforgettable moments and valuable lessons. From the majesty of the Grand Canyon to the awe-inspiring beauty of Antelope Canyon and Bryce, the journey reminded us of the importance of resilience, compromise, and appreciating life’s wonders.
Would I do it all over again? Absolutely—but with a bit more planning help next time!
To anyone out there who wants to visit these places - do plan to hike around these regions instead of doing a quick visit or instead of just riding through. The hikes are worth it and I don't think I would have enjoyed this trip half as much without it. This is inspite of me being dressed in a winter jacket and heavy jeans.
Also, there were fellow hikers with babies and small kids. Kids enjoy it and it will be a good experience for them as well.
