Growing up, my dad traveled for work and was clever at accumulating miles and points that fueled trips for him and my mom. The first one I remember was to Jamaica, which sounded magical and tropical. They came back with stories of eating goat curry (weird but reportedly delicious), tasting Jamaican Rum (intriguing), and relaxing in the sun (slightly boring to my 12-year-old mind).

When I was in my early 20s, Dad orchestrated an unforgettable family trip to Paris, thoughtfully mapping out every move. From the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower to the quaint charm of Montmartre, his meticulous planning made sure we experienced the city in all its splendor. My brother, sisters, and I probably didn’t appreciate all that went into that trip, but we did create lasting memories and a love of discovery. I’m sure er did more than a little eye-rolling when the daily agendas were presented over our breakfasts of pain au chocolat. Now, as a parent myself, I find that I’ve inherited his excitement for planning and exploration, and I’m eager to instill the same love of adventure in my kids.

Unplugging out West

This summer’s big adventure is a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon, a place that promises both awe and inspiration. Its vast, rugged beauty offers a humbling reminder of nature's power, and I can't wait to share this with my family. I picked this destination because we haven’t done much exploration out west, and my husband hasn’t been to the Grand Canyon either. If I’m honest, I’m also really looking forward to being completely off the grid. Like most, I spend much of my working day online, and my kids utilize screens for work and play, so a few days of unplugging will be good for all our eyes and brains.

The trip includes a day at a working dude ranch before the rafting and two nights in Las Vegas after the adventure. My kids have never been to Las Vegas, and we have fun dinner reservations and plans to see Chriss Angel’s Mindfreak magic show one evening. It will be fun to see the boys’ reactions to the barely controlled chaos that is Las Vegas at night.

Future Horizons: London Calling?

Looking even further ahead, I’m mulling the idea of a trip to London someday. This city, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a different kind of adventure. I’m already researching everything from historic sites like the Tower of London and the British Museum to modern attractions like the London Eye and the bustling Borough Market. The prospect of attending a football match or the Harry Potter experience live adds an extra layer of excitement for both the sports enthusiasts and literary buffs in our family.

Involving my kids in the planning process is a part of the fun. We spend evenings watching travel shows such as Somebody Feed Phil, whose unparalleled enthusiasm for experiencing traditional foods and meeting the locals who make a place special is an inspiration. Every location he visits becomes one for our bucket list: Kyoto. Edinburgh. Oaxaca. As Phil says, “A good restaurant is like a vacation; it transports you, and it becomes a lot more than just about the food.” This sentiment has informed many of our adventures, foreign and domestic. It’s fun to imagine that we will discover our own gems in each town, as Phil does, and make memories there. Including the kids in gathering ideas gets them invested in the process as well as the destination, and it’s a way to keep the spirit of adventure alive in our everyday lives.

The Healing Power of Anticipation
The past six months have been particularly stressful for our family, and having these trips to look forward to has been a beacon of hope and the promise of better days ahead. Travel planning has provided a positive focus, helping me navigate through the challenges with a sense of anticipation. It's a reminder that no matter how tough things get, there are always new horizons to explore and new experiences to look forward to.

For me, travel is more than just visiting new places. It’s about creating memories, learning about different cultures, and growing together as a family. It’s about the joy of anticipation, the thrill of discovery, and the comfort of shared experiences. Just as my parents did for us, I hope to pass down a legacy of wanderlust to my children, showing them that the world is vast and full of wonders waiting to be explored. And if they roll their eyes at the detailed itineraries and early morning starts, I’ll just smile, knowing they’ll appreciate it all in time—just as I did.