I loved number 1 in particular. We went to Rome and Puglia last year with our three kids and I remember coming across all the "viral" places to go. I happily ignored and instead went on recommendations from a friend who used to live there, my own research, and gems we stumbled upon while there. Trying to manufacture an experience instead of actually living the experience is the opposite of what I want from a trip. I guess some of my intentions are: 1) Immersing in the culture 2) exploring the place 3) Expanding my horizons with my kids 4) Disconnecting from my life and obligations from home 5) Eating all the delicious food and 6) Teaching my kids the importance of respecting other cultures.
Sometimes I find it so hard to drown out the noise of all the "viral" spots! But like—we all don't need to go on THE EXACT same vacation. Imagine how dreadfully boring that would be!! Loved your list of intentions, especially helping your kids expand horizons and learn about other cultures.
I love this list of questions. My partner and I struggled with picking a destination for an upcoming spring trip because we are often overwhelmed by all the choices and not enough constraints. Definitely going to refer back to this for our next trip, as well as the activities we’re still planning for our upcoming trip (in Amsterdam & Copenhagen)!
Right?! It turns out constraints actually make things easier in the end. Hope this framing helps you make the most of your upcoming trip(s). I'm jealous—Amsterdam and Copenhagen sound like a dream!
Being intentional with travel is such a good idea. My boyfriend and I are doing the same for a trip to Mexico this April - we decided that we can still do some historical/cultural items but what we really want is to deep dive into the incredible food scene Mexico City (and I'm sure San Miguel) offers.
I love this concept so much! We took a similar approach (maybe for the first time ever?) with a trip we took last summer. It was, honestly, maybe one of our most memorable - and certainly one of our most fulfilling. There's something to be said for aligning travel plans with that you want and need!
I just went through this! We were also planning on staying local for winter break but family schedules got switched around and we could go out of town after all. I was frantically searching flights and itineraries for Gibraltar/Morocco vs Thailand/Singapore with 2 months notice and I just gave up because it was too short notice to plan and none of it felt right. Ultimately we went to Singapore for 6 days which was perfect. Some would say that's too many days and that we should have also done a side trip to KL or Bali but honestly I stuck to my intentions for this trip which was to eat yummy food and take our time exploring without rushing/dragging the kids everywhere. And it was great to not rush from the last day of school to immediately going on a flight, and also to come home with plenty of days to adjust before school/work resuming the following Monday!
Traveling slowly is so underrated! These days, I’d rather spend more time in each place than do a whirlwind tour of six cities in two weeks. I’m even starting to prefer going to the same destinations again and again to see what else I unearth each time. Singapore sounds like it was wonderful and the perfect trip you needed at this moment in time. 🤎
I loved number 1 in particular. We went to Rome and Puglia last year with our three kids and I remember coming across all the "viral" places to go. I happily ignored and instead went on recommendations from a friend who used to live there, my own research, and gems we stumbled upon while there. Trying to manufacture an experience instead of actually living the experience is the opposite of what I want from a trip. I guess some of my intentions are: 1) Immersing in the culture 2) exploring the place 3) Expanding my horizons with my kids 4) Disconnecting from my life and obligations from home 5) Eating all the delicious food and 6) Teaching my kids the importance of respecting other cultures.
Sometimes I find it so hard to drown out the noise of all the "viral" spots! But like—we all don't need to go on THE EXACT same vacation. Imagine how dreadfully boring that would be!! Loved your list of intentions, especially helping your kids expand horizons and learn about other cultures.
Really loved this one, Teresa!!
I love this list of questions. My partner and I struggled with picking a destination for an upcoming spring trip because we are often overwhelmed by all the choices and not enough constraints. Definitely going to refer back to this for our next trip, as well as the activities we’re still planning for our upcoming trip (in Amsterdam & Copenhagen)!
Right?! It turns out constraints actually make things easier in the end. Hope this framing helps you make the most of your upcoming trip(s). I'm jealous—Amsterdam and Copenhagen sound like a dream!
Being intentional with travel is such a good idea. My boyfriend and I are doing the same for a trip to Mexico this April - we decided that we can still do some historical/cultural items but what we really want is to deep dive into the incredible food scene Mexico City (and I'm sure San Miguel) offers.
I love this concept so much! We took a similar approach (maybe for the first time ever?) with a trip we took last summer. It was, honestly, maybe one of our most memorable - and certainly one of our most fulfilling. There's something to be said for aligning travel plans with that you want and need!
100% agree that this was one of the trips that filled our cup the most because we had been so thoughtful about what we needed 🤎
We made the coconut curry fish tonight - so good! Scottie loved it too 👍🏼 Next up is the sake steamed sea bass :)
Yay! Scottie is the ultimate stamp of approval!!
i made the sake steamed sea bass last night and it was sooo good!! ty for the rec, can’t wait to try the other ones.
So happy you loved it—I just made it again last night, too. Would love to hear if you have any other fave fish recipes on rotation!
Such great trip tips! Just added “The Art of Gathering” to my audible for an upcoming flight ✈️ 😉
I reference it regularly before hosting any important dinner/meeting/gathering! Hope you love it!
I just went through this! We were also planning on staying local for winter break but family schedules got switched around and we could go out of town after all. I was frantically searching flights and itineraries for Gibraltar/Morocco vs Thailand/Singapore with 2 months notice and I just gave up because it was too short notice to plan and none of it felt right. Ultimately we went to Singapore for 6 days which was perfect. Some would say that's too many days and that we should have also done a side trip to KL or Bali but honestly I stuck to my intentions for this trip which was to eat yummy food and take our time exploring without rushing/dragging the kids everywhere. And it was great to not rush from the last day of school to immediately going on a flight, and also to come home with plenty of days to adjust before school/work resuming the following Monday!
Traveling slowly is so underrated! These days, I’d rather spend more time in each place than do a whirlwind tour of six cities in two weeks. I’m even starting to prefer going to the same destinations again and again to see what else I unearth each time. Singapore sounds like it was wonderful and the perfect trip you needed at this moment in time. 🤎