During a 2017 innterview with the Telegraph, psychological author Oliver James said this wasn't just foud to be the case with adults.
"Give a 2-year-old a present and she'll get absorbed in the box instead," he said.
"It's similar with children and travel. We should let them explore their own ways of finding wonder in their surroundings."
It's this exploration and discovery does't just provide long-term happiness but helps make children smarter according to British child psychologist Dr Margot Sunderland.
"What is less widely known is that [vacations] can also advance brain development in children," she wrote in a piece for the telegraph.
"This is because on a family [vacation], you are exercising two genetically ingrained systems deep in the brain's limbic area, which can all too easily be 'unexercised' in the home."
'Play system', explained Sunderland, is exercised when you take them for a swim on your back, bury their feet in the sand or play a game of make-believe. The 'seeking system', is activated when you explore together, whether it's in a forest, beach or a new city.
By taking your child on a vacation or for an experience, Sutherland wrote, you support both their urge to explore (the 'seeking system') and capacity to play ('play system'); skills that are essential for a good life.
"In adulthood, this translates into the ability to play with ideas — essential, for example, to the successful entrepreneur."
The way trips and experiences take us away from regular routine is also a key element that contributes to the benefits of these gifts.
Vacations, James said, "remove us, physically, from our highly pressured everyday lives where everyone's focused on meeting targets. They are times when everyone can relax and be playful together."
Bringing kids may make these events a touch more chaotic, but according to James, they can help adults experience things in a brand new way.
"Children see the world differently," he said. "Through consumption, for example: The way that French cafés have Orangina instead of Fanta is fascinating to kids, and details like that will stick with them for long after the [vacation] ends."
Just make sure your time together, whether it's a weekend away, an afternoon kayak trip or day hike is free from individual gadgets or toys that distract from bonding.
Struggling for inspiration as to what epic activity to take a young family member or friend on?
Get up close with the animals at Auckland Zoo with this insider guide or at one of New Zealand's best snorkelling spots.
Try these five new things at Coromandel or check out the glow worms at these top spots.
Gazinng at the giant galazy is wonderful no matter your age, and we've found the best place to do it.
If the weather turns, then duck into New Zealand's weird, wacky and interactive museums you may not know about.
Or, take a overnight on Tiritiri Magangi with this complete guide.
