Worth the Making

Tag: worth it test

  • Was Yellowstone Worth It? A Family Trip for Dad’s 81st Birthday

    Was Yellowstone Worth It? A Family Trip for Dad’s 81st Birthday

    We took my dad to Yellowstone for his 81st birthday to help him experience a place he’d always dreamed of seeing. We came home with incredible memories, a new appreciation for America’s national parks, and a few things we’d do differently next time.

    Some trips are about getting away. Others are about seeing somewhere new, checking a destination off your list, or finally visiting a place you’ve heard about for years.

    And then there are the trips you take because someone you love has always dreamed of going somewhere.

    For my dad, Jerry, that place was Yellowstone National Park.

    For his 81st birthday, our family decided it was time to make that dream happen. My mom, my brother and his family, my sister, my daughter Ryli, and I traveled west for a few days of exploring Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park.

    We saw waterfalls, wildlife, mountains, and landscapes that were almost hard to believe were real. We learned about the area’s remarkable geology, took a scenic boat tour, and enjoyed an Old West wagon ride and dinner.

    But when I look back on the trip, what stands out most isn’t a particular attraction or even the breathtaking scenery.

    It’s watching my dad experience a place he’d wanted to see for so long.

    And that made the trip worth it before we even started calculating what it cost.

    Getting There: A Family Trip to Remember

    Our trip took place August 20–25, 2026.

    We flew into Denver, caught a connecting flight to Bozeman, Montana, and had dinner in Bozeman before driving to our Vrbo near Yellowstone’s West Entrance in Island Park, Idaho.

    We shared a vacation rental and coordinated transportation and activities across three families. Traveling with extended family takes planning, but splitting some of the larger expenses made the trip more manageable.

    Having a home base near the park also worked well for us. We could make breakfast at the cabin, pack simple lunches, and spend our days exploring without having to eat every meal at a restaurant.

    We spent Friday and Saturday exploring Yellowstone, then headed to Grand Teton National Park on Sunday. Monday was our drive back to Bozeman, where we stayed overnight before catching an early flight home Tuesday morning.

    It was a full few days, but we managed to experience two incredible national parks in one trip.

    The Beauty of Yellowstone Is Hard to Put Into Words

    I’ve seen plenty of pictures of Yellowstone over the years, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience.

    The waterfalls were among our favorite sights. There’s something about seeing the sheer volume of water moving through the landscape that photographs don’t quite capture.

    The wildlife was another highlight. Seeing animals in their natural surroundings, against a backdrop of mountains and wide-open scenery, reminded us just how extraordinary the natural world can be.

    American bison grazing in a golden meadow surrounded by pine forest in Yellowstone National Park.

    And then there were the mountains.

    Everywhere we looked, there was something else to take in: the terrain, the colors, the water, and the sheer scale of the landscape.

    Yellowstone was also fascinating from a geological perspective. The park sits above a vast volcanic system, and its geothermal features are part of what makes it so unique. Knowing that volcanic activity helped shape the landscape adds another layer to the experience.

    It’s not simply beautiful. There’s a remarkable amount of history and natural science behind what you’re seeing.

    You can spend your time admiring the scenery, or you can dig into the reasons it looks the way it does. We enjoyed both.

    But the best part was watching my dad take it all in.

    He was surrounded by the natural beauty he’d wanted to experience for years. Seeing how much he loved being there made the trip feel bigger than a vacation.

    We weren’t just visiting Yellowstone. We were helping someone we love realize a dream.

    And that’s a pretty special reason to go anywhere.

    A Day at Grand Teton National Park

    We didn’t limit the trip to Yellowstone.

    On Sunday, we made the drive to Jackson, Wyoming, and visited Grand Teton National Park.

    The Teton landscape offers a different kind of beauty. The mountains rise dramatically above the surrounding terrain, creating a backdrop that’s difficult to forget.

    Scenic view of the Snake River and Teton mountain range beneath dramatic clouds at Grand Teton National Park.

    One of the highlights was our scenic boat tour on Jenny Lake.

    Getting out on the water and seeing the mountains from that perspective was a wonderful experience. It gave us time to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate where we were.

    The boat tour was absolutely worth doing.

    There was just one thing I’d change about this part of the trip: I’d plan more time in Jackson.

    We barely got to experience the town. We drove through, grabbed coffee, and headed to our boat tour. That was about it.

    I’d love to go back, spend time walking around Jackson, explore the shops and restaurants, and enjoy the area without feeling like we were squeezing everything into one day.

    If I were planning this trip again, I’d seriously consider staying in the Jackson or Jackson Hole area longer. I’d give Grand Teton another full day and make time to enjoy the town itself.

    Sometimes the things you don’t have time to do become the best ideas for your next trip.

    The Old West Wagon Ride and Dinner

    Another memorable experience was the Old West wagon ride and dinner cookout offered through Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

    This combined a horse-drawn wagon ride through Pleasant Valley with a western-style dinner. It gave us something different from our days of exploring the parks and added another experience to the trip.

    If you’re planning a Yellowstone visit, it’s worth looking into the activities available beyond the main scenic stops. Just be sure to check schedules, availability, and pricing when planning your own trip.

    You can find the details here:

    What Did Our Yellowstone Trip Cost?

    A trip to Yellowstone isn’t just the cost of getting into the park. You have to consider flights, lodging, transportation, food, activities, and all the little expenses that add up along the way.

    Because we traveled with extended family, some expenses were split among three families. That helped make a trip of this size more manageable.

    For this breakdown, I’m focusing on the estimated expenses for me and my daughter, Ryli—not the entire group’s expenses.

    Our estimated expenses for two

    ExpenseEstimated cost
    Round-trip flights for two$703.20
    Our share of the Vrbo$1,227.33
    Our share of the rental car$133.33
    Yellowstone entrance fee$35.00
    Grand Teton entrance fee$35.00
    Jenny Lake boat tour for two$42.00
    Old West wagon ride and dinner for two$168.39
    Food and groceries$200–$250
    Estimated total$2,544.25–$2,594.25

    Our vacation rental cost $3,682 for the stay, divided among three families. The rental car cost approximately $400, also divided among the three families.

    Our food costs are estimates. We made breakfast at the cabin, picked up sandwiches and other simple lunches while exploring, ordered pizza one night, and ate dinner out in Bozeman when we arrived and before heading home. We also made room for ice cream along the way.

    Gas was paid for by my sister, so it isn’t included in our personal total. We also had a few small souvenir purchases that aren’t included in the estimate.

    This isn’t a perfect accounting of every dollar, but it gives us a reasonable picture of what the trip cost for two people.

    Our estimated expenses came to about $2,550–$2,600 for me and Ryli, before gas, souvenirs, and other small expenses.

    That’s a meaningful amount of money. But the question isn’t whether the trip was inexpensive. It’s whether the experience was worth what we spent.

    What We’d Do Differently Next Time

    Even though we loved the trip, there are a few things I’d approach differently if I were planning it again.

    I’d spend more time in Jackson.

    We barely scratched the surface. I’d like to explore the town, enjoy the shops and restaurants, and experience more of the Jackson Hole area.

    I’d give Grand Teton another day.

    The boat tour was a highlight, and I would have loved more time to explore the park without feeling rushed.

    I’d explore more of Montana.

    I really liked the Bozeman area. It had a character that made me want to see more of it, and I’d happily plan another trip focused on exploring Montana.

    As for Yellowstone itself, I feel like we saw so much of the park that I don’t necessarily feel the need to return just to do it all again.

    That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend going. Quite the opposite.

    I think Yellowstone is a trip everyone should experience if they have the opportunity. Its natural beauty, wildlife, waterfalls, and geology make it a remarkable place to visit.

    But I also believe that not every wonderful destination needs to become a place you return to repeatedly.

    Sometimes the value is in experiencing it once, appreciating it fully, and moving on to the next adventure.

    This trip also sparked something new for me: a desire to visit all of America’s national parks.

    I’d love to see more of them, discover what makes each one unique, and experience more of the incredible landscapes this country has to offer.

    In a way, Yellowstone didn’t just fulfill one dream for my dad. It started a new one for me.

    The Worth It Test: Was Yellowstone Worth It?

    At Worth the Making, we’re interested in a simple question: Is something worth the time, money, and effort it takes to make it happen?

    For our family, Yellowstone absolutely passes that test.

    Was it worth the money?

    Absolutely. It was a significant expense, but sharing lodging and transportation costs helped. More importantly, the money paid for an experience we couldn’t recreate at home.

    Was it worth the time?

    Yes. We spent several days traveling, exploring, and experiencing two extraordinary national parks. We could have filled those days with other things, but this was time spent doing something meaningful together.

    Was it worth the effort?

    Yes. Traveling with a large family group takes coordination. There were flights, rental cars, schedules, meals, and activities to manage.

    But the effort helped make an important birthday dream come true.

    Would we do it again?

    I’d absolutely recommend the trip to others.

    Personally, I don’t feel a strong need to revisit Yellowstone itself, because I feel we experienced so much of what we wanted to see. But I’d return to the broader region in a heartbeat.

    I’d spend more time in Grand Teton, explore Jackson properly, and discover more of Montana.

    And I’d happily keep working toward my new goal of visiting all the national parks.

    Our rating: ★★★★★ Absolutely worth it

    Not because the trip was cheap. Not because we managed to see every attraction. And not because every part of the itinerary was perfect.

    It was worth it because we experienced extraordinary natural beauty, spent meaningful time with family, and watched my dad enjoy a place he’d dreamed of visiting for years.

    Those are the experiences that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

    Some Trips Are Worth Taking for Someone Else

    When I think about Yellowstone, I think about the waterfalls, wildlife, mountains, and incredible beauty of the landscape.

    I think about the boat tour at Jenny Lake, the Old West dinner, and the places I’d like to explore next time.

    But more than anything, I think about my dad.

    We took this trip because Yellowstone was somewhere he’d always wanted to see. Getting to watch him experience that natural wonder was one of the best parts of the entire trip.

    Family posing together at the Continental Divide sign during their Yellowstone trip.

    That’s something a price comparison can’t measure.

    The trip cost money. It took planning. It required time and effort.

    And I’d do it again.

    Because sometimes the best reason to take a trip isn’t to check a destination off your list or get the most out of every dollar.

    Sometimes it’s to help someone you love experience something they’ve always wanted to see.

    And sometimes, that’s what makes it worth the making.

  • What Does ‘Worth It’ Actually Mean?

    What Does ‘Worth It’ Actually Mean?

    Worth it doesn’t mean cheap. It doesn’t mean expensive. And it definitely doesn’t mean everyone else thinks it’s worth it.

    For us, worth it is a much simpler question:

    Did it make the time, money or effort we put into it feel worthwhile?

    Sometimes the answer is yes.

    Sometimes it’s absolutely not.

    And sometimes something costs more than we planned, takes longer than we expected or requires more work than we thought it would—but when we’re finished, we’re still glad we did it.

    That’s worth it, too.

    We started Worth the Making because we think there are a lot of decisions in everyday life that deserve a little more thought than “Is this the cheapest option?” or “Is this what everyone else is doing?”

    What should we make for dinner?

    Is that purchase actually worth the money?

    Is this project worth the time?

    Is a weekend trip worth the expense?

    Is hosting people at home worth the work?

    Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s no. And sometimes the answer is it depends.

    That’s what we’re here to figure out.

    Worth It Isn’t the Same as Cheap

    To us, something is worth it when we can look back and say, “I’m glad we did that.”

    Maybe it created a memory we’ll talk about for years. Maybe it gave us a feeling we didn’t know we needed. Maybe it brought people together around a table. Maybe it was a trip we’ll still talk about ten years from now.

    And sometimes, it’s something as simple as the way a room feels when people walk through the door.

    We want our home to feel like a place where people can walk in, take their shoes off, open the refrigerator and make themselves at home. A place where nobody feels like they’re imposing or that everything has to be perfect before they arrive.

    Our home is where friends turn into family, where ordinary moments become memories that last lifetimes.

    That’s also what we want the things we bring into our home to create.

    The decorations we choose aren’t just about making a room look pretty. We want them to create a feeling—peace, calm, warmth and welcome.

    The food we make isn’t just about putting dinner on the table. It’s about what happens when people sit down together.

    The trips we take aren’t just about seeing somewhere new. They’re about the stories we’ll tell when we get home.

    And the celebrations we create aren’t about making everything look perfect. They’re about giving people a reason to gather and making the day feel special.

    That’s what worth it means to us.

    It’s not necessarily about what something costs. It’s about what it creates.

    It’s About Knowing What Matters Most

    We don’t think something is a waste of money just because it costs more than the cheapest option. And we don’t think something is automatically worth buying just because it’s beautiful, popular or on sale.

    We think it depends on what you’re trying to create.

    Take Brian’s birthday party, for example.

    We didn’t go out and buy a bunch of decorations or spend money on an elaborate theme. Not because we don’t enjoy decorating—we absolutely do. There are parties where we’ll go all out with the decorations and theme because creating that atmosphere is part of what makes the occasion special.

    But for this particular birthday, that wasn’t where we wanted to spend our money.

    We wanted good food, a relaxed gathering and time with the people we love. So we put most of our budget toward the food and kept everything else simple.

    And it worked.

    We didn’t feel like anything was missing because we hadn’t spent money on decorations. We had what we wanted: a house full of people, plenty of food and a reason to spend the day together.

    That’s the difference between simply spending less and spending intentionally.

    It’s not about asking, “How can we make this cheaper?” It’s about asking, “What matters most to us this time?”

    Sometimes the answer will be beautiful decorations. Sometimes it will be a really good meal, a weekend away or a little extra money spent to make someone feel special.

    The answer can change from one occasion to the next. That’s okay.

    The goal isn’t to spend as little as possible. It’s to spend our time, money and effort on the things that actually make a difference to the experience we want to create.

    How We Decide If Something Is Worth It

    We don’t have a complicated formula for deciding whether something is worth it. And we don’t think there is one right answer for everyone.

    What feels worthwhile to us might look completely different from what matters to someone else.

    But there are a few questions we come back to when we’re deciding where to spend our time, money and effort.

    1. What Are We Really Trying to Create?

    Before we spend money, we try to think about what we actually want from the experience.

    If we’re hosting a birthday party, do we want an elaborate theme and beautiful decorations? Or do we want a relaxed afternoon with good food and people we love?

    If we’re decorating a room, are we trying to make it look a certain way, or are we trying to create a space that feels peaceful, comfortable and welcoming?

    Those aren’t always the same thing.

    When we know what we’re trying to create, it’s easier to decide where our money and effort will make the biggest difference.

    2. Will It Make the Experience Better?

    Not everything that looks good on paper actually makes an experience better.

    A more expensive ingredient might make a meal memorable. A thoughtful decoration might completely change the feeling of a room. A carefully planned trip might give us memories we’ll talk about for years.

    But sometimes the extra expense doesn’t add much at all.

    We try to ask ourselves whether the additional cost, time or effort will genuinely improve the experience—or whether we’re doing it simply because we think we’re supposed to.

    3. How Will We Feel About It Later?

    This is one of the biggest questions for us.

    Will we remember the experience? Will it make someone feel loved or welcome? Will we be glad we made the effort?

    Not everything has to create a lifetime memory to be worthwhile. Sometimes the value is in an ordinary Tuesday dinner, a comfortable room at the end of a long day, or a slow morning spent together.

    But we want the things we put our resources into to contribute something meaningful to our lives.

    4. Is There a Better Place for That Money or Effort?

    Every decision involves a trade-off.

    Spending more on one thing usually means spending less—or giving up something else—somewhere along the way.

    For Brian’s birthday, we chose to spend most of our budget on food instead of decorations. That made sense for the kind of gathering we wanted.

    For another celebration, we might make a completely different choice.

    The point isn’t to find the cheapest option. It’s to decide what deserves our resources most in that particular moment.

    5. Would We Do It Again?

    Sometimes we don’t know whether something is worth it until we’ve tried it.

    Maybe a purchase doesn’t live up to expectations. Maybe a project takes twice as long as we planned. Maybe a trip costs more than we thought but gives us an experience we’d never trade.

    Looking back honestly helps us make better decisions the next time.

    Would we do it again? Would we spend the money again? Was the result worth the effort?

    And if the answer is no, that’s useful information, too.

    Being honest about what wasn’t worth it helps us recognize what is.

    The Worth It Test

    We don’t think every decision needs a spreadsheet, a pros-and-cons list or hours of research. Sometimes you just need to step back and ask whether something delivered what you hoped it would.

    That’s why we created The Worth It Test—a simple way to look honestly at the things we try, buy, make and experience.

    Here’s how we rate them:

    ★★★★★ Absolutely worth it

    It delivered what we hoped for, created something meaningful, or made the experience better in a way we’d gladly choose again.

    ★★★★☆ Worth it, with caveats

    We’re glad we did it, but there are a few things we’d change next time.

    ★★★☆☆ It depends

    There were good parts, but whether we’d recommend it depends on your priorities, budget or circumstances.

    ★★☆☆☆ Probably wouldn’t do it again

    The cost, effort or result didn’t quite justify the experience for us.

    ★☆☆☆☆ Save your money

    It didn’t deliver enough value to justify what we spent. We’d choose differently next time.

    These ratings aren’t about telling everyone what they should value. They’re about sharing what we learned so you can decide what’s worth it for you.

    Because what works for our family, our home and our budget might not be the right choice for yours.

    And that’s perfectly fine.

    A Good Life Is Made Up of More Than Things

    When we think about the things that matter most to us, they usually aren’t the things we spent the most money on.

    They’re the meals we shared. The people who felt comfortable enough to open our refrigerator without asking. The birthdays spent in our backyard. The quiet mornings together. The rooms that make us exhale when we walk through the door.

    Sometimes creating those moments takes money. Sometimes it takes time, planning and a little extra effort. And sometimes it means knowing what not to spend money on.

    We’re not trying to make every day extraordinary or turn every ordinary moment into a production. We’re simply trying to be more intentional about how we spend our resources and what we want our lives to feel like.

    That’s what Worth the Making is all about.

    We’ll share the recipes we make, the spaces we’re creating, the celebrations we host, the purchases we’re glad we made, the experiences we try and the things we probably wouldn’t do again.

    We’ll talk about what things cost, what they took to pull off, what we learned and whether we’d do them again.

    Not because we have everything figured out. We don’t.

    But because we believe a good life isn’t built by buying everything, doing everything or making everything look perfect.

    It’s built by choosing the things that matter to us and making room for more of them.

    Because it’s not necessarily about what something costs. It’s about what it creates.

    And that’s what makes it worth the making.