At this stage “Well Traveled” for us means variety. Although we have a few favorites we go back to again and again as a family like Lake Tahoe, Tuscany, and Hawaii, we thrive on experiencing new destinations. The thrill of learning about an unfamiliar place never gets old. We also like to mix in different types of vacations — wildlife viewing, cultural trips, camping weekends, luxury resorts, beach holidays, mountain settings — we are game for it all!
Q: How does your family make travel a priority?
We keep specific weekends open for getaways and always reserve school holiday periods for travel. This means we miss out on weekend sports (and team participation), as well as community activities. It’s worth it for us, but I know many families find that as their kids get older, finding activity-free time is a struggle.
Q: What advice would you have for parents looking to travel more?
Travel comes in all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Resources like Airbnb and VRBO have revolutionized travel, with and without flexible budgets. Likewise, if you are hankering for an international family vacation, make sacrifices during the year to make it viable. This may mean giving up smaller trips in favor of one big trip. We charge everything possible on a credit card that gives us airfare points — it’s amazing how daily spending can add up to enough points for an airline ticket or two.
Q: What are your top 3 must-have items when heading out on vacation?
1. The iPad has changed everything. I no longer stress about entertainment preparation weeks ahead of time as I know and unlimited supply of books, magazines, and movies is accessible online.
2. I lug a ridiculous amount of lotions and potions with me when I travel. This amounts to a “light packing don’t” for many, but I’m very picky about what I put on my skin and hair; hotel samples usually don’t cut the mustard.
3. I always bring a neutral Pashmina for warmth as it takes zero packing space and spruces up practically any outfit.
6. Where is next on your family’s travel bucket list?
We’ve been to many exotic destinations as a family. If I have to pick just one unique thing it would be sleeping in a tent in giant red sand dunes in Morocco on the border with Algeria. The entire experience was surreal and pure travel magic.
We’re heading to Sun River Resort in Oregon this summer and for our first rafting trip as a family down the Salmon River in Idaho with Middle Fork Expeditions. I need my summer nature fix and will get it in spades during both of these trips. I can’t wait!
What does being a well traveled family mean to you? Share with us in the comments below, or on Facebook and Join the WellTraveledFamily Movement.
