When you travel with your kids it’s like another full-time job. Besides, after the travel you need another vacation to recuperate from your vacation. I first started travelling with my kids before my youngest turned 2. This kid got underneath my feet at the airport and I found myself on the floor. I was so embarrassed, but I kept my cool. And even after that, we have continued to travel. It can be stressful to travel with little ones. Trying to hold on them and your possessions is challenging. And for some reason, it always end up costing more than you bargained for. The good thing is kids grow up and travelling becomes easier the older they get. But none of that matters more than the memories that are created. Even when you don’t realize it, you are making a lasting impression on your kids and giving them memories to cherish forever.

Sometimes I have wondered if they even enjoy the trips. As boys, they tend to not show their emotion. Even though I try to schedule activities I think they’d like. It took me a while to figure out that they will enjoy it more if they participate in the planning. So, what I do now is let them know how many days we have for activities and get suggestions from them. I try to do at least one thing from both of their lists. One of our plans is to visit the Ripley museums. But we’ve been to amusement parks, arcades, botanical gardens, and beaches. The pools are often big hits as well.

Most of our trips have been by car. It’s so much easier that way, not to mention, cheaper. But I have found that I dislike long drives more and more. But somehow, I have managed to take us someplace that was more than a 7-hour drive. I think the most memorable trip for me was to Niagara Falls. Although we went for New Year’s Eve and it was freezing cold, it was an amazing trip. Seeing the falls in its natural glory and with nightly fireworks were the best.

Despite the locations, the most meaningful part of the trips is spending quality time together. Even though I continue to compete with the games and electronics, the time is so precious and irreplaceable. If they don’t now, I know someday they will appreciate the time we spent together. Hopefully, they will continue the tradition with their families.