I grew up in a two-parent household, enjoying family vacations with my siblings, as the five of us traveled not only the beautiful United States, but also the world. I couldn’t wait till I had a family of my own, to show my husband and children both national and international wonders. Reality is though, I’m a divorced, single parent.
My daily routine involves mostly getting my son off to school, going to work, then picking him up from school to take him to whatever after-school activity he has that day of the week. Our schedules are busy, rushed, and hectic. That is our daily life. Travel gives us time away from all that. It gives us time to enjoy our conversations… Share the talks of the day so to speak. It gives us time to focus on our Mother-Child bond, rather than me asking him over and over again if he finished his homework, or tell him to push his dishes in the sink instead of leaving plates and cups all over our house.
Why Travel?
Anytime I share photos with friends, from my son and I’s latest adventures, I’m almost always met with a million questions. It doesn’t matter if we go just 2 hours up the road to Hershey, PA, or out to the National Parks of the west coast, or down to the warm seas of international beaches. People always ask me why I still travel, with a second parent’s help. As I mentioned above, it’s the BOND.
Traveling with my son not only gives me the time and moments to teach him about the world, but also gives us an opportunity to create special memories together. I want to show him “Look, time is valuable. And with my free time, I want to share it with you.”
It’s Not Always Easy
I’ll be honest, not every trip is a delight 24/7. We’ve hit our bumps, and snags, and at someone one of us gets in a “hangry” mood. It’s all about learning lessons. While I would love to declare I do this all on my own, I’ve learned that accepting a helping hand or two, is not such a bad thing. My parents or one of my siblings and their significant other (or something the whole crew!) now join us on the adventures that I believe will take more of a toll on me, rather than me going at it completely solo. My son and I still will go out and do our own thing at the latest destination.
I’ve learned that solo traveling, while important, is not always easy. Plan a trip for you and your child, but maybe it’s worth it to invite the grandparents along as well. Schedule both activities together, and activities apart. Knowing my family wants to partake in my son and I’s trips has definitely given me the courage to always plan and research more ambitious adventures than before!
Helpful Travel Apps
Of course with any travel, a parent always hopes for the best and that everything will run smoothly. When you are unfamiliar with the area and don’t always know where to go, traveling apps are always helpful! Earlier this year I shared a few of my favorite travel apps to use while on vacation. Click the image below to check it out!
Where To Next?
There is still so much of the United States I can’t wait to show my son. Right now he has Yellowstone and Alaska on his list! However, this kiddo has international on his mind as well. Iceland and Ireland are where he wishes to venture next year. (I told him only ONE international trip in 2020). We will see though!
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