Still a Solo Traveler
Most of the time I am a solo traveler. Something first seen as scary and a disadvantage easily became something I loved quite quickly. I love traveling alone. I can do and see whatever I want, whenever I want. And when things get stressful – I almost miss a flight or my train is delayed 6 hours or I have to make an unexpected stop in some tiny town in the Czech republic for 5 hours – there is no one at which to get angry or with whom to argue. The stress starts and ends with me and because of that, it isn’t that stressful at all. Even if it is, it may not linger as long because two people aren’t simmering and rekindling that stress back and forth.
Sometimes a Family Traveler?
Many of you know, that I’ve been dating CP for several years now and he isn’t even solo himself. In fact, he’s a package deal and comes with an instant family in the form of two little boys…D & D.
So now, occasionally I am embarking on what are possibly my hardest trips yet: family travel.
This entails good and…the not so good.
Not So Good:
• Too frequent fights and subsequent stressful reprimanding
• Too frequent questions about EVERYTHING (besides the ‘requisite’ are we there yet?)
• Not exactly the light packing at which I am so good. We can have double the luggage, plus an unwieldy car seat.
• For this foodie, it means much less interesting meals, and far too many burger and pizza joints.
• Less adult fun (yes, of all kinds)
• More tears, whining, complaining and sulking (not just me!)
Good:
- More fun and silly times
- More car sing-a-longs
- More experiencing places and things in new ways
- More excuses to eat junk food (ugh!)’
I am hoping that the ‘good’ list will continue to get longer as we go along!
We spent a week in Colorado visiting CP’s family in Longmont (near Boulder) and my family in Silverton (near Durango) high in the San Juan Mountains.
What did I learn?
Kids don’t listen.
Kids talk back.
Sometimes video games are necessary for sanity.
Parenting is hard, exhausting work.
Kids are crafty manipulators.
But they can also be cute, sweet, and make me laugh.
Stay tuned for more fun…and tantrums from Colorado!
Paradisus Punta Cana All Inclusive Resorts
Great Story! Colorado is my home town currently overseas, boy do I miss it sometime! Hang in there it can be fun ~ although some days I think being a solo traveler might be FUN! I write all about how we traveled 21 countries with kids without going crazy! Stop by! Stacey
Thanks Stacey! Where are you from?
How much fun!
Thanks Andi! I feel very fortunate to travel in many different ways.
Dear Lisa
As usual, I enjoyed your latest, especially since you covered a subject that I am very interested in. Great pictures. I am now looking forward to a continuation of the trip so that I can get a glimpse of your family.
Happy New Year, Jerry
Hi Jerry! Thanks so much for your comment. Although I like to travel solo, your son is my favorite travel partner…well favorite everything! Great guy and great dad. I really am a lucky girl.
Love your honesty! I can see how traveling with kids would be a big adjustment.
Thanks Laurel! It’s true…it’s not something I desired, but I actually think travel itself made me more open-minded to anything…even traveling with kids! If I can show them the world and teach them that same open-mindedness…that will be fantastic!
Beautiful photos Lisa, so lovely to hear how things are going. You and “CP” look very happy together as well as the boys. Loved seeing your photos of Jasper – we had a great time in that area in 2011. Love, Jan and Mark
Kids sure do make things interesting. Especially when it’s all new territory for you. I’m glad you still had a good time though! Colorado is great! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
There is a day coming soon when I will end up on a family vacation with my sister and my nephew (and probably other in-laws), and I have to admit it scares the hell out of me.