It has been only a week since we returned from our adventures in Italy and I already can’t wait to go back. We had the perfect mix of family and our own travel time. I feel as if my life has changed. It is true that you need to know where you came from in order to know where you are going. I truly felt that this time. It has been at least 14 years since our last trip and this is the kids first one. I feel blessed that I was able to experience Italy as a child, as a twenty-something, as a married woman, and finally as a mom. I’m calling it travel instead of vacation because I have become acutely aware that there is a difference between the two. When you vacation you “get away” from your life, when you travel you “enhance” your life. Travel is life changing and vacation is taking a break from your life then going back to the same routine. We have traveled and things have changed. The other day I put together a platter of cheeses, cured meats, and cracked open a bottle of wine. My husband was busy working on his computer when I told him to join me outside. He said, “Now? Outside?” The music played and he worked, ate and drank and so did I. Here is what I learned….
I learned that:
10. my kids will be just fine if they aren’t involved in a 100 activities. ( I heard a few comments about all the ribbons, certificates, photos of sports, etc….. YES! It’s too much! The funny part is that I feel like I do 1/4 of the things that other people do, but no more. I’m saying yes to free time!)
9. when you have a choice between taking the stairs or the elevator you need to take the stairs! (My cousin told me that one and he’s right. This happened after he pushed the button for the elevator for us and ran up the stairs! We followed him and all laughed. It’s an easy way to stay in shape. Trust me, we did so many stairs!!!!!!!!)
8. you need to enjoy your food and drink. ( Not just when you are eating it, but when you are making it. Eating shouldn’t be mindless. Each bite should satisfy or it’s not good enough for your body. When you make your food it should be a labor of love. )
7. getting lost is the path to finding your way. ( We got lost, rained on, and laughed and laughed. All of us! This happened more than once and I loved these moments. We figured it out together.)
6. fresh is always best. ( I need to start eating seasonal again. We had a true farm to table experience. My boys expanded their palates, the food was good, and at times I could even see where it came from! My garden is making a comeback next year!)
5. going the extra mile to get something good is worth it. ( People had sent us places to get good food and drink. Every single time it was worth it. Sometimes at home we just go to someplace close because it is convenient and not the best. Go for the best. Do that every single time. )
4. Europeans have a better image of their bodies than we do. ( Every woman is in a bikini or half of one, whether they are 7 or 70. How awesome is that? Can you imagine what it would be like if we here in the states were that comfortable in our skins? That non-judgemental? I have never felt so comfortable at a beach.)
3. I need to make a plan and travel more! ( We met a server on our second day there and he told us about how he has been to every National Park in the US. He started visiting when he was in high school and every year after that! I live in the U.S. and haven’t been to half of them! I say yes to more travel!)
2. family is family. It doesn’t matter how far away or how long it’s been since you’ve seen them. ( So many wonderful things happened on this trip! I was able to tell a cousin was walking towards me from a distance without being able to really see him because of his walk! Then, I had my name called out at a mountain top bar by another cousin because he recognized me from Facebook!)
1. both kids and adults need to put their phones, iPads, and computers down and enjoy the NOW. ( I had all of these big plans of taking Instagram by storm, etc while on vacation. It didn’t work that way because I was in the moment. I couldn’t waste my time getting the perfect angle and posting all the time. I took photos because I enjoy taking photos. I posted my albums for my friends and family to see. My kids left their phones in our room because they also wanted to experience the day. I am blessed that my boys know that experiences are far more important than what is going on in the virtual world.)
Christine Luken says
I love #4! We could all learn from the body positivity example! I did not do any travelling this summer, but I definitely want to go to the beach this winter!
Nicole says
LOVE this. Traveling teaches us so many wonderful things about ourselves and other cultures.
L.C. @ A Life of Authenticity says
Your top ten list is so on point! I’m glad you enjoyed your adventure. I loved Italy when I visited and hope to one day take my kids. Thanks for sharing.
Jasmine says
#4 is something that I think we can all benefit from! I personally haven’t travelled much but I love reading about others adventures and what they’re experienced from it.
Khushboo says
I agree that eating seasonal is the best thing to do and I have been lost way too many times only to find myself at a beautiful place. Love your post ๐
jhilmil says
Yes, We need to enjoy NOW! These gadgets as such occupy 90% of our life’s times. They need to put off for us to lead a beautiful travel day!
C-Ludik says
Great post and good insights. I can relate to many points you mentioned ! I always took the stairs (#9) and for me, the best way to experience an area or a city is to pick a direction and wander. Getting “lost” allows you to stumble upon the city’s many secrets ๐
Sapana V says
I love traveling and it is always good for exploring new things and creating an unbreakable bond between the family members. You explore, you cherish and you learn new things.
Kim Croisant says
LOVE T H A T. Take the stairs!! I think I’ll always remember your words here in everything i do, not just traveling. Wise person you are and thanks for sharing all this.
Joy says
Wow Italy must have been a memorable experience! I traveled quite a bit this summer as well. It was well worth it.
Sophie says
Love this list and completely agree with them all. Trying to take the stairs more in daily life too!
Sophie | MapleTreeBlog
David Elliott says
These are some great lessons. And so cool that you learned that all while traveling. Putting our electronic devices to be in the now is so important. Plus you don’t realize the stress that is being put on you by having them around all the time.
Brandi H says
Traveling can definitely be life changing. I would love to visit Italy one day. It’s on my bucket list.
Kusum says
We did a bunch of roadtrips and also a big trip this summer. Totally agree, getting lost is the beauty of traveling.
xx, Kusum
Lavanda Michelle says
We travel as a family and they are always learning experiences. Schools allow you to travel and it count toward educational requirements. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn says
I loved all 10 of these! I especially love #2. Family is everything! I love seeing them whenever I get the chance.
Surbhi says
A big yes to free time, fresh food, no screen time and lots of travel!! We try our best to practice all of this consciously at home. Loved reading your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Louise Smith says
These are great life lessons! I really want to travel more. Hopefully 2018 will be the year I FINALLY get chance to do that ๐
Louise x