I will never regret being able to give my kids the experience of visiting a foreign country because it opened up a whole new world for them and gave them a love of travel that they still have to this day. We took a trip to Spain when they were 16 and 18 but it wouldn’t have happened if life didn’t take the turn that it did.
My husband passed away in 2001. At the time, my kids were 11 and 13. That’s a tough time to lose a parent. They both acted out a couple of times but have turned out to become amazing and accomplished adults. I hope it’s because I did something right or perhaps it was just dumb luck.
A few years later my boyfriend moved in with us. We decided to take a 3-week trip to Spain. The kids were still in school but we planned to have them join us for the last week of our vacation. It was the first trip I had ever taken to Europe and it was the same for my kids.
My kid’s love of travel began in Madrid
My husband, bless his soul, never had the urge to travel other than for work. He had been to Africa twice for film shoots but was uninterested in visiting a foreign country.
Our plan was to land in Barcelona, take trains to Valencia, Seville, Granada, and Tormelinos, and then end up in Madrid. We would then meet up with my boyfriend’s brother who had designed the sets and costumes for a production in Madrid of La Boheme. It was going to be presented at the Teatro Real Opera House across from the Palace. The kids would meet us in Madrid so we could all spend a week there and go to the opera.
My kids stayed at home by themselves with an uncle checking on them. He drove them to the airport. I was worried out of my gourd because they had never been to a foreign country before or used a passport. Miraculously, they boarded their flight at LAX, changed planes at Heathrow, landed in Madrid, and took a cab to the hotel.
To add to my high anxiety, we were still on a train when they arrived and didn’t arrive in Madrid until the next morning. My boyfriend’s brother was staying at the same hotel and would be available if they needed anything. It turned out, I didn’t have to worry. As I sat sweating like a pig, they were having a ball checking out the sights. It was as if they had been traveling abroad all their lives.
The first thing they did was jump on a Hop on Hop Off Bus near the hotel and took a tour of the city. By the time we arrived the next day, they’d already been to the Prado Museum, the Palace, and knew their way around Madrid. I was impressed and hugely relieved.
They wanted to spend a day just with me so they took me to the lake at El Retiro park which they’d already scouted out near the Prado Museum. We had a relaxing time floating on a rented boat on the lake and enjoying the festive atmosphere in the park. Both developed a deeper bond with each other that they still have to this day. The drinking age in Spain at the time was about 15 and my kids happily took advantage of it. It’s now 18.
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It was so wonderful watching them in wide-eyed wonder as we walked through the cobbled old streets, the historic Plaza Mayor, and other medieval plazas savoring our share of tapas at rustic tavernas along the way.
We also went on an amazing day trip to Toledo, El Escorial, and The Valley of the Fallen.
On another evening, we had dinner at Corral de la Morería and enjoyed a Flamenco performance.
Our night at the Madrid Opera was a regal experience. We had orchestra seats and attended the opening night cast reception for the king of Spain’s birthday after the performance. The king stayed at home and watch soccer instead, but we had a fabulous time hanging out with the cast and crew. The kids loved the show even though none of it was in English and the Super-titles were in Spanish. Just the fact that they loved an opera floored me.
The short week we spent together in Madrid instilled the love of travel in my kids that has never disappeared. Since then they have traveled to many foreign countries all over the world.
Becoming world travelers
The next year, they both went to Europe for a month on a 9 country tour with a guy named Buzz who organizes trips for high school and college-aged kids. They had a ball and both jumped out of a helicopter over Interlaken, Switzerland, much to my alarm.
My son joined the Air Force when he turned 18 and now travels to exotic destinations on missions. He was stationed in Okinawa for 2 years, and has been to Guam, Puerto Rico, Curacao, Qatar, Tokyo, Germany, and various stops in between. His long hair is gone, and now he sports a crew cut. My daughter travels constantly because she has a great job and has taken me with her to Banff, Mexico City, Los Cabos, and Miraval Resort.
I’m glad I was able to inspire my kid’s love of travel and hope they continue to seek adventure. I started late (not by choice) and am now trying to catch up with them.
Do your kids have a love of travel? Did you inspire them? Please leave a comment below.
I share your love of travel and passed it on to my son & daughter. Probably one of my proudest moments was traveling to Madrid to visit my girl during her semester abroad.
She was masterful, directing us to the best the city had to offer. Cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. Suckling pig in Sogovia-yum. Tapas!! I loved being out of my element but completely in hers. It was an epic trip. Thanks for helping relive such good memories
Hi Dina, your trip to Madrid sounded like it was amazing! Isn’t it wonderful when you have a built in tour guide? I’m so glad your son and daughter are reaping the benefits of traveling the world also. I hope you have more wonderful trips ahead of you too, Mmmm! that suckling pig sounds so inviting. I’ll have to find me some.
Rebecca
OMG Rebecca, that little piggy was amazing. So tender, the waiter carved it with a plate, which shattered the ultra crispy porky goodness that was the skin. It was so simply prepared yet so delicious. Like all the food in Spain. I’m looking forward to one really great ‘adult trip’ with my kids before waiting for the grandkids to arrive. You’re never too young…LOL
Too funny Dina! One thing I noticed in most of Europe is that they love their pork. It’s one of the most ancient dishes. Your pork dish sounds scrumptious! I hope you’re able to take that trip soon!
I’m actually kind of the opposite. I don’t really travel unless its a family thing(Like my cousins 1st communion a few days ago) I don’t have a drivers license nor do I want nor need one(I take the bus(gas/insurance/repairs isn’t worth it) I don’t go outside much unless its something like Church, groceries, a Dr”s appointment or going to my weekly yugioh tournament. My parents love going out places for dances or plays or wine club meetings but I never really got into it. But this article reminded me of an experience I had where I proved my skill. My parents took me to this college application in the city and I was to return home on the train. I took the right bus but got off at the wrong stop and wound up finding my way home by taking a different train. But the train only went to a nearby city. So I figured out to take the bus in that city to the mall I often date my girlfriend at. I then took the usual bus home. it was a long trip but I found my way home. I’m content being in my local areas, but that trip revealed I can manage when its required.
Hi Chris, I know not everyone likes to travel..There are plenty of things to do locally too. Sometimes they’re the best. I love exploring Los Angeles which is a big city I know, but even small ones have all sorts of interesting things about them that are fun to do.
Thanks for the tip.. I never really considered that. i do like going around the city sometimes like to used shops to get video games.. Or to a nearby town’s mall to visit my girlfriend. i guess I’m not as travel resistant as i thought.I also forgot to mention in my previous post that I never left the continent yet in a way I was in Europe once. My parents had their honeymoon in soviet Europe in September and 9 months later in June I was born. So I may have been a few cells old, but I kinda was in Europe lol.
See, there’s a little worldliness in you. LOL
The article was captivating and i really loved the fact that you guys are close, getting to travel as a family. Spain seems like a really cool place, i will surely visit soon. You seem like you had a lot of fun. I’m really happy for you. Sometime last year i went for a Cape Town Tour with my mom and dad, it was amazing, getting to travel with the family is just great.