If the storm is real then I think takes away from the rest of the movie and diminishes it.

However, it is *shot* differently than the rest of the visions/dreams but I agree that it represents his family 'being a part of it now.'

Also - there's a possibility he never goes on vacation. It doesn't make much sense to me that he can go on vacation but then AFTER that he has to 'spend time away from his family.'