Dads – you have earned it! That long-awaited summer vacation you daydreamed about. We know how many deals you closed, how many times you fixed the Wi-Fi like a Starlink engineer, used your calloused fingertips to unjam the printer that has the temperament of a wild raccoon, risked second-degree burns hovering over the ribeye – squinting at the center like a steak surgeon, finding just the right screwdriver to replace the batteries in every single toy, and defied gravity while changing a lightbulb in the one spot that even NASA could not reach. No mansplaining needed! We see and salute the heroic hustle dads bring everyday – juggling family chaos and career demands like seasoned acrobats, all the while sailing full-speed ahead, thriving and growing through every storm.
What does all that effort get you? Well for starters, hopefully a Father’s Day present that meets all the checkboxes and says, “I appreciate everything you do,” with no assembly required. Next up: an epic family vacation – maybe even with two or more generations of your favorite relatives in tow. Because let’s face it, kicking back and enjoying the rewards of your hard work is one of the best ways to make unforgettable memories and start a family legacy that’s more than just old photo albums. So, what are all the vacation pros up to this summer? Here are the 5 hottest trips trending right now:
- The Earned Experience
This one is for the travelers seeking to challenge themselves, meant to contrast our click of a button daily reality. For those looking to really get out of their comfort zone, travel sites like Black Tomato are offering treks across Greece that will channel your inner Hercules, a trip inspired by Arabian Nights where you and your family can traverse the desert in Morocco and stumble upon crumbling kasbahs, and so much more. You can literally tailor your vacation to your child’s favorite bedtime story!
- Going Off-Grid
For families looking to swap screen time for sunshine (or glaciers) this summer, an off-grid getaway is the perfect escape. These unplugged vacations focus on disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with nature through outdoor adventures, like hiking, stargazing, or bird watching in remote, scenic locations. This can include remote lodges and cabins in Alaska, or more distant adventures in Kangaroo Island, Australia, a sliver of paradise off South Australia where you can catch koalas in eucalyptus, sea lions on the shore, and eco-adventures galore.
- Seeing Earth’s Greatest Hits (Live!)
For affluent travelers craving extraordinary experiences far from your daily routine, witnessing natural wonders like the Northern Lights in Iceland, the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya, or a total solar eclipse at sea offers unmatched awe. Luxury providers like Abercrombie & Kent or Natural Habitat Adventures provide a slew of private journeys to African Sanctuary Safaris, Polar Bear Tours, Icelandic adventures, and a never-ending buffet of other trip options to any and all geological kaleidoscopes.
- Home Swaps
Home-swap platforms let families travel affordably by trading homes with others around the world. Platforms such as HomeExchange.com and Kindred have seen huge swells in popularity, up by almost 50% more than 2024. From popular spots like Paris and San Diego to lesser-known gems like Slovenia’s Lake Bled or Uruguay’s Punta del Diablo, these swaps offer a local, lived-in feel, which is advertised as a more affordable and community-oriented alternative to hotels or short-term rentals like Airbnb or Vrbo.
If you are reading this on our estate planning legal blog, congratulations – you are officially one of our VIPs committed to protecting your family and preserving your wealth. With that in mind, remember that before you zip up your Tumi expandable luggage and head off on your next adventure, there are two important things you should pack – and no, we are not talking about a travel pillow and Imodium (although also very important items).
Enter: the Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Surrogate. Not exactly glamorous, but these documents can be absolute lifesavers if something unexpected happens while you are traveling. A Durable Power of Attorney gives someone you trust the ability to handle your financial and legal matters if you are unavailable. Think along the lines of someone sending wire transfers on your behalf, managing investments, dealing with insurance companies, or speaking with the renters in your investment properties should anything go awry. If your travel plans take you off-grid, say, a private island or mountaintop where the Wi-Fi is as unpredictable as the weather – it is wise to have someone you trust ready to handle your business affairs back home.
Then there is the Health Care Surrogate. Picture this scenario: you are ziplining in Costa Rica or diving off the coast of Croatia and have a medical emergency. If you get severely injured and are unable to make medical decisions, your designated health care surrogate can talk to doctors and make sure your medical care aligns with your wishes – even from thousands of miles away. Note that you should bring these documents with you if you are traveling. While laws vary in different countries, the rule of comity should render your documents valid outside of the U.S.
Other Practical Planning Tips:
- Know the Laws Where You are Going
Traveling overseas can be a legal labyrinth. You need to know the local laws and customs that govern the places you will travel. Start by looking at the U.S. Department of State’s website at Travel.State.Gov for a wealth of helpful information. Also, do some independent research to stay abreast of any unusual laws in the country that you will be traveling to.
- Prepare for Grandparents’ Medical Needs
Be sure to keep a list of all prescription medications the older adults in your family are taking and a list of any items they may be allergic to. In an emergency, you can readily hand this list to the treating facility.
Dads Will Vacation Better with Peace of Mind
Before you and your family jet off to your next bucket-list destination, take a few minutes to tie up these important legal and medical loose ends. It is the easiest way to protect your peace of mind – and your portfolio – while you enjoy every bit of that well-deserved summer escape. We can help provide you with peace of mind on your next adventure. Contact OC Estate and Elder Law at (954) 251-0332 or info@ocestatelawyers.com to get started with your free consultation. Our attorneys are fluent in English, Spanish and Russian.
