That is part of the bonding process too. But it is not the only way to bond. Mix things up to settle the family down. The one guarantee to have a bad vacation is to spend money you don't have or try to take an expensive vacation and create long-term problems. Most nontraditional families have suffered financially as well as emotionally.
Money can be one more reminder of our losses.
Be realistic about what you can afford. Talk to the children openly about the vacation budget. There are many ways to have a vacation without spending lots of money and still have a great time. In fact, it might be better as the focus is off of doing things and more on being together. Stay overnight with relatives who might live in different spots of the country or world.