Surrender to the journey.

In the years I was teaching, when parents called to say their child would miss class due to travel, I cheered. Travel introduces us to change, cultures, cuisine, and teaches inclusion as it expands our universe. 

The world is a benevolent place. Friendly, interesting, and generous people abound. Walks across Scotland and Portugal encouraged me to be curious and ask questions. This year, I’ll check out a few new places and look forward to chats in coffee shops, conversations in queues, and I’ll take pictures of the people I meet, not just the places I see. 

Here are my ten tips for travelers. Share with your children!  

1. Be a sponge. Soak up the culture, the cuisine, and be open to alternate routes.
2. Have an outline not a schedule.
3. Travel light. The less you take, the more fun you’ll have. 
4. Take gifts: A favorite poem, a handmade gift card, or even a postcard acknowledges the kindness of others. It’s gratitude in action.
5. Learn “Please,” “Thank you,” and, “Where’s the toilet,” in the local language. 
6. Leave jewelry at home and take a hat.
7. Write daily in a travel journal: what you see, what you ate, how you felt, what you thought, and who you met along the way. The more details the better.
8. Treat everyone with respect. 
9. Take home stories not trinkets. 
10. Surrender to the journey.