When I was younger our family holidays were mainly driving trips within Australia. We were a family of four and to travel overseas was very expensive. Collecting air miles was not invented yet!I loved my car trips as we would leave super early when it was still dark and drive for two days dividing the trip with an overnight stay about half way. I loved being the only one awake while my Dad drove.It was our moment and I felt safe with him behind the wheel. It would not be unusual to see kangaroos on the side of the road. We started our kids holidays in the same manner on driving trips which we loved. The build up to our trip was huge and the kids would get excited as they would be allowed their treat foods to eat while we drove. Over the past several years, my kids have been super lucky and have travelled quite extensively with us to other countries.
Travelling allows you to open your mind and your heart to different cultures, food and people. When you venture out to countries and communities outside of your own, you get to learn so much. Where as my kids’ friends spent the summers in camps being told what to do everyday, my kids got to choose what they wanted to do and met people from all walks of life. They saw unbelievable sights and got a new appreciation for history and its importance.We have met so many interesting people from all walks of life which has shown my kids an appreciation for what they have.Conversations are engaging with the kids, phones are used for the sole purpose of taking photos.It is a time to connect as a family and to educate our kids.
Travelling within your own country is often forgotten as we are so enamoured with discovering exotic locations. Some of our fondest trips were right here in Canada and exploring what Canada has to offer and it is pretty damn beautiful!
So next time you are deciding where to go on a family holiday, just remember ” we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Now that’s a wonderful lesson to learn.