A Mother/Teen Daughter Travel Blog
This weekend, Brooke had a competition in Indianapolis. Parents were given the option of attending, and asking me to go away for a weekend is the no brainer of all no brainers. I had absolutely no expectations, but was happy to enjoy a weekend with my daughter and experiencing a new city.
My mom and I have begun planning the unthinkable to many, but for us, this itinerary is as real as it gets. Between the two of us, we have compiled a “Must See/Do List” for each continent. We are sure we will travel to many of these places before the “BIG TRIP”, so we will cross those off as we go, leaving the unchartered locations for the 2025 trek around the globe.
Based on personal life situations, I never had the opportunity to study abroad so I am so excited for my son who just started college. He still hasn’t solidified a major, but what he is certain of is choosing to study abroad during his sophomore or junior year.
I’ve done thorough research on the programs offered at his university, read hundreds of reviews from the students and staff and even talked to my former students who have studied abroad during college and 100% of them all say it was the best part of their college experience. Think about it….when in your life are you going to be relatively unattached and as care free to travel and learn about yourself?
For all of my fellow Americans who are afraid to travel abroad due to the possibility of a terrorist attack, please, I beg of you, stop worrying! While I really try to empathize, I can’t help but feel frustrated with the lack of knowledge, information and logic. Despite the absolute horror and tragedy of each individual situation, the overblown daily paranoia spewed by our media only promotes irrational fear. I’m hoping the following facts help to alleviate any of this misguided fear.
Now that my mom has overcome her fear of driving, my life just keeps getting better and better! This past weekend, we spontaneously decided to head to the beach, as school is lurking just around the corner and we are certainly not ready to succumb to pencils and books just yet. No, we need a few more ‘sandy toes, sunburned nose’ memories for sure!
I can’t believe my mom has waited this long to venture to Niagara Falls. She hasn’t visited the falls since she was a child and was just as excited as I was to head there this July. It was basically the midway point traveling to visit family on the East Coast.
It’s hard to imagine a place more picture-book New England than the charming shire town of Woodstock, Vermont. My family and I just had the privilege of spending four beautiful July days here for the most memorable family wedding. Whether you are the skiing-hiking-kayaking outdoorsy type, an avid antiquer, foodie, or wine/ beer connoisseur, Woodstock will fulfill all of your New England desires.
Hi All, It’s Brooke!
I am beyond excited to tell you about an epic experience that I had on our drive home from Nashville. We made a pit stop at Mega Caverns in Louisville Kentucky. My mom didn’t tell me much about it, and honestly when we pulled up, I was confused. I knew we were going ziplining, so my eyes were fixed on the treetops. Boy, was I definitely looking in the wrong direction!
At Mega Caverns, you will be ziplining in dark caves a hundred feet beneath the earth’s surface! I didn’t even realize this was a thing and it is apparently the only one in the entire world! How cool is that?!
Someone recently asked me if I feel too old to be traveling? Don’t you just want to stay home and relax, Kristen? Isn’t it exhausting–all that packing, walking, dealing with airport delays, standing in customs lines, etc? Isn’t travel for those in their 20’s?
Here’s my response:
Aging is a privilege. We can complain about it, give in to the aches and pains, give up on taking care of ourselves and let the aging process dominate our existence. We can sit in our homes day in and day out and live each day as a repeat of the day before. I believe this disease is called GHDS–Ground Hogs Day Syndrome. (actually made that one up but it applies!)
Hi All! It’s Brooke. To summarize our first week with our French Exchange student, I have to be honest; it was not easy and not what I expected. Our student, Auriane, is extremely shy and introverted–probably the most shy person I’ve ever encountered in my entire life. At first I thought she was just probably terrified, but have come to see that besides the fear of being across the world from your family in a country where you barely speak the language, she truly is just a very timid person. I, on the other hand, am probably the most vocal, outgoing person, so our personalities really conflicted.
Pedis-n-Passports 