Tips and Tricks for Italy + Greece

If you’ve always dreamed of heading to Italy + Greece, you’re not alone! Both are magical destinations that leave your eyes wide and your mouth watering. The people, the landscape and the food in both regions are second to none. It’s no wonder people flock in hoards to the beautiful shores of the Aegean!

You know what they say? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But how do you go about that exactly? If you’re heading to Italy and Greece and are feeling completely overwhelmed with all of the cultural nuances and ways to prepare, we are here to help!

So without further ado.. Here are my tips and tricks for navigating Italy + Greece like a pro!

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Cities like Rome and Athens are rich in history and architecture, but some uncomfortable realities that accompany that are smaller rooms, and no central heating and air, to name a few.  Unlike America, A/C is not a standard in Europe. It will unlikely be in many of the shops you frequent, or in the hotels. Adjust your expectations accordingly. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and heat protection to counteract the effects of the heat. Also, wear layers so that you can add and remove clothing as necessary.

DRESS CODE CONSIDERATIONS

Understand that when visiting many religious sites, you will be expected to cover up. A general guideline to follow would be to keep your shoulders and knee caps covered if planning to visit a church in Italy. Due to the heat, it may not be practical to fully cover up during the day, but have a scarf or coverup handy for your visit to religious sites. Some churches will provide a coverup, but many do not, and you will be denied entry if you don’t meet the dress code requirements. Take care to plan your clothing in advance to avoid missing out on seeing certain sites.

PICKPOCKETS

Unlike America, pickpockets run rampant in most of Europe. Again, you are unlikely to find yourself in any physical harm, but understand, your pockets WILL be picked if you aren’t on high alert. High traffic areas like the bus and the metro are a feeding frenzy for “little fingers.” Also keep your eyes peeled at large tourist sites such as the Colosseum, Vatican, and the Parthenon. Where the tourists flock, so do the pick pockets. A good under-your-shirt money belt will definitely help lower your chances of becoming an easy target. Another interesting note: keep your cell-phone close. Leaving it on the edge of a table while eating or next to you on the metro is inviting theft. I once saw a poor sap get his phone snatched off a table in a restaurant while the waiter was explaining the specials. You can never be too careful. If you care about an item, don’t advertise it. Keep any valuables out of sight and secured if you want to hang on to them.

ELECTRICITY

If you plan to charge your phone, dry your hair, or use small appliances on your trip, you’ll need to be aware that Europe has a few major electrical differences with America. For example, the outlet plug shape varies from our standard two prong outlet. Though there are a variety of outlet types acceptable in both Italy and Greece, they both use the F and C type, with two small round prongs. You can find images and details on this outlet type here.  You can pick up a small pack of outlet converters rather inexpensively at Target or Amazon like these here. Another crucial thing to bear in mind is voltage. In America, we use 120 V of power in our outlets. In Italy, the standard is 220V and in Greece it’s even higher at 230V. Small items like cell phone chargers are okay with just a wall adapter that changes the shape of your outlet plug, but if you plan to use bigger items like blow dryers and straighteners, you’re going to want to equip yourself differently.  Purchasing a wattage converter before you leave will allow you to use your home appliances without overpowering them with European voltage and spares them from a sad burned out death. You can pick one up on Amazon like this one here.  

MONEY

We already mentioned that keeping a money belt below your clothing is a good idea, but that is just one aspect of being money conscious in Italy and Greece. While credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, Greece is more of a cash-based country so plan accordingly by hitting up an ATM or converting Euros before your trip. Italy, on the other hand, is very credit card friendly, but if you are using your normal credit card from home, be aware that there can be fees for every swipe if you aren’t careful that can add up quick. Not only does your bank charge a fee, you will face foreign transaction fees per swipe as well. If you’re dead set on using plastic for the majority of your purchases, it would be a good idea to invest in a card that has zero foreign transaction fees. My go to cards for international travel are the Capital One Venture Card, and the Chase Business Ink. Make sure that you also report international travel dates to your bank before you leave to avoid having your card frozen while abroad. I also suggest changing foreign currency at your home bank a few weeks before you depart. Take anywhere from $60-150 with you in local currency. Once you are in Italy and Greece, you can easily access ATMs for any additional cash you might need. Be aware, both your bank and local ATMs will charge you an exchange fee, so you will want to budget what you need and keep your ATM transactions to a minimum to avoid those unnecessary fees. The worst place to convert money is the airport, so plan on exchanging money before you leave, or at an ATM once while in Europe.

TIPPING

If you have a tour guide during any part of your trip, just know that it is customary to tip 1-2 euros after any guided tours. Similarly, you’ll want to tip any bus drivers (particularly ones who handle your luggage) for their services. We usually suggest $3 per driver per day of service. If you have a helpful waiter, they will certainly appreciate a few euros for good service as well. Some restaurant receipts will include a cover charge (coperto). This is a fee for setting your table. You may also see a service charge (servizio) usually around 10% already included on your ticket. Some restaurants will not have a fee at all and choose rather to include these fees in the menu prices. In the case that service has not been included, 1-2 euros per person is perfectly acceptable. Be aware that waiters aren’t reliant on tips as their sole source of income the way American waiters are. However, a tip for good service is always appreciated and for some services, the tourism industry for example, it’s expected.

PHONE USAGE

If you plan to use your phone abroad, make sure you call your phone carrier prior to leaving. The major ones like Sprint, ATT and Verizon have very reasonable international plans, however, you must add them before you leave to avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees. ATT, for example lets you use your phone as normal for $10 per day. If you don’t plan to stay connected, you can connect to Wi-Fi in the hotels. Just be aware the Wi-Fi can be spotty and often slower than at home, but hey, you’re in Europe. Enjoy the scenery and get your nose out of your phone 😊

FERRIES

If you plan to take a ferry at any point during your journey, there are some things you should know before you go. Ferry services are often behind schedule, so understand that you can be waiting for the ferry to arrive, sometimes much longer than you anticipated. They are affected by wind, waves and all other sorts of uncontrollable factors. The larger the ferry, the slower, but also the most likely not to cancel or delay. Be patient, and understand how it works. You will want to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before your boat leaves. Most locals won’t line up until right before, but getting there early will ensure a better seat and streamline the boarding process. Ferry’s take longer than flying, but they are really relaxing, beautiful experience. On big, slow ferries, you can sit outside and walk along the deck taking in the seascape. Most ferries allow you to stow your luggage on a rack on the boarding level of the boat. You are free to haul it up to the passenger deck and keep an eye on it yourself if you prefer. Most ferries have bathrooms, charging outlets and Wi-Fi, usually for a fee. They also have food and drinks for purchase.

Obviously, there is so much more to traveling in Italy and Greece than can be explored in this blog, but hopefully this will at least give you a leg up and keep you from looking like a total noob while visiting the ancient world. If you are looking for fun things to do while in Italy and Greece, feel free to take a look at our itinerary. These are only just some of the highlights, but it will give you an idea of how much time to allot at each location and how to pace yourself.

Happy travels!

Our Top 10 Travel Photos (Part One)

Travel certainly makes me feel alive. Sometimes I want to pinch myself because I can't believe what a dream my life has become.. and all because of travel. If you would've told me 10 years ago what my life would look like, I probably wouldn't have believed you. It's not too good to be true, it's not some magic elixir. It takes hard work and sacrifice, but it's completely possible to have your cake and eat it too. I've stumbled upon something that truly makes my heart happy and I want to shout it from the rooftops so that others can live their dreams too.

So along that vein, here is a walk down memory lane. These are some of my favorite travel photos from our recent adventures. Notice, I've named it "part one" because it was SO hard to choose just 10. Be on the lookout for more travel photo related blogs in the future. And until then.. take a look at our photo gallery. 

Without further ado, here are our top 10 travel photos... so far :)

1. Trevi Fountain, Rome

This is one of my favorites because it really captures the feeling of the moment--pure joy! Here we are throwing coins into the newly renovated Trevi Fountain, cashing in on the saying that promises a return to Rome to those that toss in a coin. To date I've tossed in 3 coins and the promise hasn't failed me yet. I'm so pumped to be headed back next summer. You can check out the itinerary here if you feel so inclined. The beautiful lady to my left is our guide, Elena. She really made our trip special because of her love of life, constant upbeat personality and love of travel. We are kindred spirits for sure!

2. Arc de Triomph, Tour de France, Paris

This one captures my whole heart. I love this picture so much I have it hanging in my house. This trip was incredibly special for so many reasons. It was Roman's first international trip (he was such a trooper), and as an avid cyclist, it was the fulfillment of one of Jordan's lifelong dreams--to attend the Tour de France. It was incredibly special for him to share this moment with his firstborn son. This particular year was the 100th annual Tour de France, so the country went all out! There were jet planes flying overhead spouting plumes of red, white, and blue in their jet streams, the Arch was turned into an illuminated light show the likes of which I've never seen before. It was incredible. The winner was Chris Froome. Paris will always hold a special place in my heart, and this was an awesome way to experience it for the first time. I've been back several times since and it lives up to every single magical expectation, time after time. While the Tour de France won't be taking place when we return next March, we will definitely hit the Arch of Triumph again, along with many, many more Parisian highlights. Check it out here.  

3. Segrada Familia, Barcelona

There's nothing quite like experiencing living, breathing history being made right before your eyes. This photo is outside of the Segrada Familia, a masterpiece of art and architecture melded into one, by none other than Gaudi himself. It was breathtaking to watch as this centuries old masterpiece is still being constructed. Gaudi has his hand in so many corners of Barcelona. He really gives the city it's eclectic feeling and nowhere is that more apparent than at this magnificent cathedral. I can't wait to go again and see how it continues to progress. 

4. Stonehenge, England

This was a lucky shot captured during a long layover in England. We had just enough time to rent a car and drive out to Stonehenge before heading off to our final destination. While driving on the opposite-side of the rode felt much like taking our lives into our hands, especially while being so jetlagged, we were soon rewarded. It was unreal to drive down the country road and BOOM, there is Stonehenge off to the side. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that was someone's morning commute every day. 

5. Hot Air Balloon, Dubai

This was my number one bucket list item, believe it or not! I will forever have warm fuzzies about this dream come true. This was Christmas Eve, and we took a 4 am Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Dubai desert. We watched the sun rise, we rode over camel farms and had a crash landing--all before lunch time. This was definitely one of the most amazing moments of my travels over the years. Fun fact: my sunglasses fell off my head as we were landing this baby and I thought they were gone forever. Luckily enough, I found them only a few hundred feet away and unscathed. 

6. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

This has to have been one of the most surreal experiences of our entire lives, travel or otherwise. I'd always wanted to visit the Pyramids in Egypt, and we finally got an inexpensive chance when we were visiting Jordan's parents in Dubai. We booked a cheap, economy flight and a budget-friendly hotel and off we went. Amid recent turmoil we found ourselves as the only tourists in the area. This is a picture of the most mind-blowing moment where passersby wanted a picture of us, and not the beautiful background. I would highly recommend Egypt to any adventurous travelers out there. It is a country rich in history and art with so much to offer, no waiting in line, and a warm welcome from everyone. 

7. Fish Pedicure, Athens

This tops my list of weirdest life experiences. On a lunch break in Athens, we passed a shop that gave fish pedicures. If you know me, you may know I have an irrational fear of freshwater fish.. don't ask.. it's irrational. This was quite the hurdle for me as it both explores a cultural curiosity and conquers a lifelong fear. The fish basically eat all the dead skin off of your feet. I'm not sure how hygienic it is, especially considering the fact that it is outlawed in many countries, but all in all, it was a cool experience,  and if you are wondering.. it tickles like hell! While this excursion isn't exactly listed on the itinerary, we could probably squeeze it in. 

8. Gondola Ride, Venice

Who hasn't dreamed of riding in a gondola since they were a little kid? I certainly did, and let me tell you, it lived up to every single expectation. Winding through the narrow canals and listening to everyday life happening in the balconies and windows above is surreal. I love experiencing other people's worlds, if even just for an afternoon. Although it wasn't planned, I enjoyed that our gondola driver and I had coordinated outfits. As I was 7 months pregnant on this trip, I especially appreciated this moment to get off my feet and relax, the Venetian way. 

9. Nice, France

I think everyone on this trip could agree that the evening we spent exploring Nice was one of the highlights of our travels. Watching the sun set over the pebbled beach was beautiful beyond words. While we did misplace our GoPro camera this night, it didn't taint the joy we felt this entire day. I think most of us started planning our return trip that night. I especially loved that two of my besties were with me on this trip. These two lovely ladies have been such beautiful additions to my life, and I consider them two of my best friends, and we wouldn't be what we are if it weren't for travel. They say, friends who travel together, stick together.

10. Zaanse Schans, Windmill Village, Netherlands

This was from our most recent travel adventure to Amsterdam. We were celebrating our anniversary and this windmill village was the highlight of the trip. It was beyond quaint. We watched a clog-making demonstration, we sampled gouda cheese and chocolate, and we explored the winding pathways and ivy-clad cottages of this fully operational village. It wasn't just a tourist trap, it's an actual town where people still live and it's a definite must see on our upcoming tour back to Amsterdam. 

Travel doesn't have to be out of reach. It does take some prioritizing and planning, but it's totally achievable, even on a limited budget like ours. Take a look at some of our upcoming tours, and start living your dreams today. 

The Top 6 Things to See in Paris (Because let's be honest, picking only 5 is too hard)

With millions of traveler’s visiting Paris every year it’s understandable why many of its landmarks are some of the top tourist attractions in the world (with good reason). First time visitors can often be overwhelmed trying to prioritize which attractions to visit and how long to spend at each one. We hope this list helps you identify those that might capture a little piece of your heart, and make you leave saying, “Paris Je T’aime!”

#6 – The Palace of Versailles

This one hits number six on our list because of its sheer beauty and historical significance. No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to this glorious work of architectural majesty, commissioned by King Louis XIV himself as a home-away-from-home, and located just outside the city center. The luxury and opulence is on display from first arrival as even the entry gate is overlaid with pure gold—It’s no wonder the French people took issue with such excess with times as hard as they were. See both Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s private chambers and take a stroll through the glorious Hall of Mirrors. The palace is home to an impressive art collection including “The Coronation of Napoleon in Notre Dame” and was the site of the signing of the famous Treaty of Versailles, the document officially ending WWI. Complete your tour with a stroll through the Palace Gardens. There you will find a seemingly endless labyrinth of fountains, flowers and sculptures as far as the eye can see. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and enjoy a nice ice cream cone or some freshly-made macarons, both readily available on the grounds. Make sure you set aside a few hours to really take in this glorious work of art.

#5 Notre Dame de Paris

If you’re in Paris you cannot miss the glorious Notre Dame! Known affectionately as “Our Lady of Paris,” this titan of French gothic-style architecture will leave you speechless. Explore the cathedral and see why it inspired Victor Hugo’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” From the stained-glass windows, to the naturalist sculptures, and significant religious relics, it’s no wonder why this Cathedral comes in at the top of the list as the most visited church in the world. For a few euros, travelers can even climb to the top of the tower and take in a breathtaking panorama of the city skyline. For the romantic-at-heart, lovers can leave their mark on the famous love-lock bridge nearby by placing a padlock on its rails. It is said that throwing the key into the Seine represents an unbreakable love. While the government has been cracking down on this practice lately, you can still see rebellious lovers carrying on the tradition and further solidifying Paris as the city of love.  

#4 Louvre Museum

At number four we have the Louvre Museum in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. Because of the high number of visitors it attracts, it has been named most visited museum in the world.  With over 300,000 pieces of art in its collection, 38,000 of which are on public display, it’s easy to see why the Louvre attracts so many art lovers each year. Among the most famous works visitors can admire are da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. You’ll definitely want to set aside a few hours to explore this vast museum. The collection includes antiquities from the ancient Greek, Roman and Etruscan civilizations, a vast array of prints, drawings and sculptures, decorative arts and so much more. There is something for everyone. Visitors can do a little shopping or grab a quick bite to eat at any of the shops and cafes located just below the museum. The building itself is housed in the former Royal Palace and the various wings are set up along the former Royal Apartments throughout. Make sure you take time to explore the vast Tuileries Garden just outside the Museum as well. The garden stretches all the way from the iconic glass pyramid to the Place de la Concorde. The Egyptian obelisk in the square stands in place of the guillotine that took both Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s head. Visitors today will notice breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and the carousel as they take a relaxing stroll through the garden.

#3 Montmartre

One of the most quintessentially Parisian experiences is taking a stroll through Montmartre, a section of the city located atop a hill in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. Montmartre and has a rich artistic history mostly due to the famous artists that once inhabited its streets. Home to artists such Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso and van Gogh, Montmartre is oozing with artistic inspiration and creativity. Take time to visit the Sacre-Couer Basilica or “Sacred Heart” located on the highest point in the city, and serving as a stark contrast to the rebellious neighborhood it sits amongst. Visitors can also visit the famous Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the Can-Can dance, and inspiration for Baz Luhrman’s film “Moulin Rouge.” Montmartre is the Paris most visitors come to see, an endless array of street performers, artist and musicians. Soak it all in as you sit at a streetside café watching the city come alive.

#2 Eiffel Tower

Our number two comes at no surprise. No trip to Paris would be complete without a stop to the most iconic structure in the world, the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can view it from many spots in Paris, from the street, a café window, a rooftop terrace, from the Seine, along the Champs Elysees, but nothing rivals a trip to the top! Travelers have two options to ascend this mighty structure: by lift, or by tackling it’s 669 stairs on foot! This trek is not for the feeble, but will be worth every single sore muscle! Those that brave the climb will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking views of the city, and one that can’t be seen from anywhere else in Paris. Nighttime visitors will get to witness as the tower comes alive, sparkling every hour on the hour. Enjoy a glass of champagne from the first floor or book a reservation in advance at the world famous restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel. Few experiences will rival the Eiffel Tower, so make sure you add it to the top of your list if you plan to visit Paris.

#1 Catacombs

Our number one location in Paris may come as a surprise. While it is on the macabre side, the underground Catacombs de Paris are a MUST SEE! Located deep below the city streets, this underground ossuary houses the remains of over six million people.  Serving as resolution to Paris’s overflowing cemeteries during mid-to-late 1700s and its literal lack of after-life real estate, the Catacombs were created in the former mines that tunnel for miles underneath the city. The walls are constructed with actual human remains with femurs and skulls lining the walls from floor to ceiling. While this may seem like something out of a horror film, visitors will find the catacombs oddly serene. Public events are sometimes held in these subterranean caverns, offsetting the ominous feeling one might typically associate with a venue of this nature. Visitors should plan on spending roughly an hour on this tour, and should get in line early, as this not-so-secret treasure has become a bit of a hot spot lately.

With so many amazing possibilities, it’s no wonder Paris is one of the top tourist spots in the world. One thing’s for sure, you can’t go wrong with Paris. Whether you are on a long layover, or have set aside a week or more, you will be sure to have a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to choose from. For more inspiration head to our Paris + Amsterdam itinerary at www.landandseetours.com/paris.

Happy travels!

Why travel is important for PEOPLE

I recently read an article that frustrated me. Its title boasted the top 6 reasons why travel was important for young people. It gave compelling reasons that in my opinion, solidly supported their argument. Among the reasons were claims that travel pushes you outside of your comfort zone, it can boost self-confidence, heighten your global sensitivity, make you more adaptable, provide you with networking opportunities, and lastly, create an environment that helps you with language immersion. Folks, these are all wonderful reasons to travel, and in my experience, they are all true. My problem with this article lies less with its claims that travel is vastly beneficial, and more with the semantics and the narrow scope of who society feels travel is appropriate for.

Let me be clear, traveling while you’re young is one of the greatest, I repeat, GREATEST gifts you could give your children. Those of you who were blessed with the opportunity to travel young know what I’m talking about. I was one of those lucky few. My entire life was up-ended (in the best possible ways) because of travel. My issue is this concept that it’s only for the young.

I remember the first time I read the book, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. It tapped deep into parts of my heart I never even knew existed. I devoured it. It changed me in ways I find hard to explain even now. I’ve recommended this book to everyone who will listen. While I’m sure other women in their 30s would enjoy this book, the idea that ONLY women in their 30s could find value in this read is preposterous. I’ve seen people of all ages, both genders, different nationalities and religions connect to this book. It is one of those life changing reads.

Travel is like that. It is AWESOME for young, unattached people, but does that mean that there is no benefit for anyone else? Do we stop needing skills like adaptability, communication, and empathy past puberty? I think we live in an awesome society, but arguably, one that has clearly defined territories.

They say, get your traveling done while you’re young, before you “settle down.” I think again, semantics are to blame here. To “settle down” is to settle. It’s in the very phrase! Don’t get me wrong, I have a beautiful family, a dog, I own my own home, we have new(ish) cars—to society I am “settled down.” However, I have no intention of settling. I traveled a good deal while I was young, but I didn’t magically wake up one day and say, “Oh, that’s it. My travel tank is full. Now I’m done.” No. In fact, the exact opposite happened once I started having a family. I still yearned for travel and culture and adventure, but now I had purpose, people to share it with—young lives to shape. I would hate for my children to grow up and think that creating a beautiful family and planting roots is somehow settling or that if they choose to have a family that it means their traveling is over. I want them to collect moments, to make memories, not just store up a bunch of items in a house they’ll never pay off. I want them to seize the day and live life to the fullest with the people they love the most in the world. But the odds are, they won’t get this message from society. Society will encourage them while they are young to explore, to dream and to adventure, but then it will say, “Okay, you’ve had your fun. It’s time to grow up!” Why does growing up have to be settling? Why can’t we show our children how to LIVE?

I’m reminded of a high school friend who recently went on a months-long European adventure with his 80-something-year-old grandmother. He posted a picture of her in her sweet little nightgown at the curb of the airport, about to go on the adventure of a lifetime. They posted little updates along the way and I couldn’t help but admire her. She is exactly the type of woman I hope to be in this life--completely throwing caution to the wind, not letting age or limitations or society tell her that her time is done. She was living every single day to the fullest and not letting any barriers stand in her way. By society’s guidelines she should be taking it easy, enjoying her golden years curled up under a blanket, knitting with her lap dog, but not this one. She was traipsing across Europe, seeing things she’d always dreamed about. There was no “settling” with her. There is something so magical about taking control of your life and doing what makes you happy, regardless of society’s expectations.

Life can be whatever you make of it. I really do believe you can have your cake and eat it too. I am a teacher. I do not make a lot of money, but I have a full and blessed life—one that I hope has many more years to it. But I know one thing for sure--when I am on my deathbed, I plan to die with a life full of memories and absolutely no regrets. This is my not-so-secret wish for you too. Get out there and make the life you want.

Mystery Man

Somewhere out there is a man who has no idea how our chance encounter has altered my life (and maybe a few others too). I don’t know where he lives, what he’s doing now. Hell, I don’t even remember his name—but I do know I’m grateful we randomly met.

He was assigned the seat next to mine on a 9 hour flight to Rome. I felt bad for him. I’m sure he hadn’t bargained for such a long-haul sitting next to a 5-month-old and a stressed-out new mom covered in baby puke. Poor guy. Naturally we got to talking and I asked him why he was traveling to Rome. Turns out he wasn’t. It was just a stopover on a trip to Amsterdam to see the Tulips—he and 30 other passengers. I was flabbergasted. It got better. Not only was he traveling with 30 other people, they were senior citizens and he was LEADING them through Europe. I didn’t even know people did that.

He was raised on a farm, got married young and naturally became a farmer himself. He saw that as his bread and butter and his way of life until noticing a huge void in the senior community in his town. He was from somewhere in the Midwest and wanted to make a difference so he started by hiring buses and taking seniors on day trips to get them out and about. From there it grew into a full-fledged tour company and he had entirely devoted his life to connecting people with the world around them, personally escorting them every step of the way. I’ll never forget what he said. He said, “I was a farmer. I have no education, but I’ve seen the entire world and now I get to share that with other people. Do you have any idea how fulfilling that is?” Talk about living your dreams, right? He asked me, “What are you doing with your life?” I took a hard swallow and said I was a high school English teacher, feeling suddenly unimpressed with myself. “Perfect,” he said. “You need to start sharing the world with your kids. If someone like me can do it, what kind of an impact can someone like you make? You have your whole life ahead of you.”

He praised me for my bravery in taking a 5-month-old to see the world and encouraged me not to stop there. At the time I was embarking on what I believed to be my last trip to Europe. I’d been once before in high school and had high hopes of becoming a world traveler. I promised myself that one day I’d go back. But one day turned into one year and slowly life began to happen. Before I knew it I was married and had a baby on the way. Society told me my chance was gone. We praise the young unattached twenty-somethings, encouraging them to seize the day while they can and explore and so on, but once motherhood calls, we are supposed to kill that hunger to roam and replace it with an urge to compete with other mothers about who’s birthday party was the most pinterest-worthy, who breast-fed longer, and who sacrifices more for their children. It’s a great calling, don’t get me wrong, but I never considered that there was an alternative way—that I could (with more bags and more work) wrangle my own children and traipse through foreign lands. I especially didn’t think I could do it with other people’s kids. Was it a lot of work? Totally! Was it worth every hassle? 100%!!

The mystery man and I exchanged pleasantries the rest of the flight, but his words stayed with me. What was I doing with my life? Is it really possible to share the world with kids like that? Senior citizens, sure, but students?

It took me a little over a year to work up enough courage to take my first trip, and also a gentle nudge from a colleague, but I took the leap and it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I used other tour companies as a crutch at first, believing that I needed them as a security blanket, that I was just some frail little woman who needed their knowledge of all things travel. It didn’t matter that I had over 15 years of travel experience or that I’d lived abroad for a year. One day, with another gentle nudge, this time from my husband, it hit me. They are just dudes in a cubicle. They are no different than I am. The only thing that separates me from that man on the flight is that when my dreams come knocking, fear makes me ask them to come back another day. I was tired of paying big bucks for someone else to do something I enjoyed so much—the planning was the fun part. Deciding where to go, what untouched gems to discover, local traditions to learn from, flavors to taste for the first time—these are the things I love, and things I totally didn’t have a hand in when I was outsourcing tours to someone else—I was petrified that I wasn’t worthy.

Sixteen countries later and my very own tour company and I can’t believe I ever worried that one trip was going to be my last. But collecting stamps in my passport is hardly the best part. By far the travelers are what make the experiences so worthwhile.

Watching travelers is hard to describe. It warms places in my heart I didn’t even know I had. I’ve witnessed many beautiful moments while traveling. Here are a few of my favorites. I had the privilege of watching a dear friend of mine come alive after heartbreak, realizing her life isn’t over just because her marriage was. She took a huge leap in coming on the tour and watching her take the reins of her life—refusing to be a bystander--was a beautiful thing to witness. Another great memory was watching a couple on the brink of divorce rekindle their love for one another while on tour and rebuild a strong and healthy foundation for their family. I’ve seen strangers take on other travelers as their own children when they were in a tough spot or low on money. I’ve seen beautiful friendships (that would NEVER happen in a traditional school setting) develop and blossom as a result of travel. I’ve seen students who receive special services absolutely flourish with self-confidence and adaptability as a result of travel.  Barriers are broken down. People are challenged, and they ALWAYS rise.

I could go on and on, but I promise I won’t. I have been able to truly realize how blessed I am because of the experiences and connections travel has helped me form with students, friends, family, and strangers who become some form of all of these things. If you have traveled with me or entrusted your children to my care: THANK YOU! You guys are amazing! I truly believe that giving your kids the experience of travel is setting them up for a lifetime of success. Also, those that invest in themselves and travel know what life is all about: people, history, culture, connections—you name it, travel does it!

I wish I could find that man and thank him, but the likelihood of that happening is slim—believe me, I’ve spent hours randomly searching “Midwest Senior Travel Company” and scouring pictures on the internet hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. My students, friends and anyone who has traveled with me and benefitted from travel have him to thank! I wish I could tell him to his face, but since I can’t—let’s honor him by living our own lives to the fullest every day. Whatever that means to you, get out there and DO IT! For me, that’s sharing the world, one person at a time. If that sounds like your cup of tea too, come with me! Seriously. No catch. Just us making the world our oyster. We may know each other well, we may just be acquaintances, or total strangers, but I know after traveling we will all feel like family.

Taking Flight

I've yearned to travel the world for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is on an airplane. I remember the bumpy circular patterned-floor of the airplane aisle and the massive chairs of the airport lobby. I'd scoot to the very edge of the seat and stretch my feet out, but, like most three-year-olds, I had a long way to go before my stumpy legs would ever reach the floor. I remember the flavorless pretzels the air hostess passed me right after she pinned a shiny silver set of wings on my shirt. I felt so important.

It was a memory that was to stick with me for a long time.

I don't know where we were headed, but likely it was to visit family in North Carolina or maybe this flashback that I can't seem to shake comes from the long trek back home. We were living in Hawaii at the time--a long way from my parent's childhood homes and far from the tight-knit families they both came from. Neither of my parents are big travelers so it's still surprising to think that they ended up on Oahu--and even more curious that they spawned a child like me. In many ways I'm an anomaly. I don't have the laid-back personalities characteristic of my family, preferring details, deadlines and organization, over their go-with-the-flow approach to most ventures, I don't have their beautiful tan skin, after a bout in the sun I have a lobster tone that no one would ever describe as 'sun-kissed', but even more odd is the fact that I have always felt an insatiable urge to roam.

Maybe I keep going back to this early memory because it was so unusual for us--our family trips consisted mainly of long car rides to places we had friends or family, never flights--or maybe it was because my best friend would come home from choir trips with exciting stories of riding trollies through the steep streets of San Francisco or buying knock-off purses in Manhattan. Whatever the reason, the desire was there--unfulfilled. That is, until my Aunt Julie invited me on a trip to Arizona with her family when I was ten years old. We had long since returned to the East Coast permanently and they were going on a family vacation with three of their children. The boys had each other to pal around with, but their daughter was solo--enter moi! 

It was incredible! Not only did we have the most amazing vacation--riding through the desert on horseback, dune-bashing in a hummer, line-dancing with certified cowboys, and swimming until we were wrinklier than prunes--I got to fly again!

It lived up to every childhood fantasy I'd imagined it to be. I watched as the buildings got smaller and smaller, my face glued to the window watching the ground below. It mesmerized me as the scenery below changed from green and fertile to dry, mountainous and brown. The fact that I ate breakfast on the east coast and would be having dinner in the desert was exciting. I imagined myself jumping through the cotton-candy clouds like a trampoline and sat in awe at the blueness of the sky above and below. From then on when planes would fly overhead it would blow my mind to think that those tiny little moving dots were filled with people just like me. I wondered where they were going and found it hard to fathom that enough people flew every day to keep the airlines in business--flights were still a pretty foreign concept to me. I remember hoping that I would grow up and have the kind of life that required air travel. I made a vow that if I ever had children I would take them on a plane and show them how exciting the world was. I wanted them to know what I now knew--that life wasn't the same for everyone. Unlike the large oak trees I climbed and the crawdads I fished out of the creek, some people saw roadrunners, scorpions and cactus blossoms when they walked outside. I knew that other places were different than my little east coast world, but now I had seen it. 

I really haven't changed all that much. Instead of quenching a thirst, that trip lit a fire--one that can't be contained. My desire to explore this world has become like a wildfire--starting with me but rapidly spreading to my friends, family and students, one by one. I still get thrills from travel, but now the strongest thrill of all comes when I see that spark lighting in someone else. When I see someone else coming to the realization that life as they know it isn't necessarily "the way"--that through experience we shape how we view the world. I hope to have as many experiences as possible before I exit this Earth. I hope my own children are blessed to see people from as many walks of life as possible--to learn that just because people have different philosophies than they do or alternative lifestyles that contrast with "their way," that we are all just people. Travel does that. It makes us realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how we are all connected to one another. 

Don't stay in your tiny corner of the world with only like-minded people your whole life. Be a pioneer, a game changer--travel, experience, taste, and do as many things as you can. You'd be surprised what you'll find.