Traveling together
We’ve been talking about Boomer trends, and last week, I was living out at least one of them: travel.
While many Boomers are now empty-nesters, I’m still in the midst of raising my children. But I’m realizing that six years from now, they will both be in college. Which makes me want to make the most of those years.
I grew up traveling the United States, visiting national parks, camping, hiking. I developed a love for nature and the outdoors. I am happiest when I am outside. I wrote about having an “outdoor soul” in my personal blog, if you want to check it out.
I’ve suddenly realized that my kids, who are now 12 and 14, have seen very little of the country. I feel I’ve neglected my duty as a parent to show them some of the treasures of our country, the beauty and the wonder of it.
So we spent part of last week hiking in Yellowstone National Park. My parents met us out there, so the kids got to see some amazing scenery and spend some time with their grandparents, who are veteran hikers and taught them a lot.
Yellowstone is a truly awe-inspiring place. Hearing my kids say things like “Wow, that’s awesome,” or “That is so cool!” about the things they saw there made it worthwhile. (you can see more photos on my Facebook page)
But travel has its challenges. I love my husband, but when we are at home, we are both so busy that we really don’t spend a ton of time together. So I’m not used to being with him 24/7. And for reasons I don’t understand, we bickered a lot. I’d like to blame him, but it was both of us. We have different ideas of what would be an ideal vacation. This one fit mine better than his, and I think that made things difficult.
Additionally, I am a person who needs time alone. The trip did not provide that. Five days of family togetherness got a little stressful.
So I’m glad I get to spend time in nature, show my kids the beauty of Yellowstone. But I’m glad to be home.
How about you, Boomer Babes? Do you find travel relaxing, or stressful? Do you and your significant others enjoy the same sort of vacations?
Posted: July 17th, 2008 under Family, Fun, Health, Parenting.
Comments: 7
Comments
Comment from Karin
Time: July 17, 2008, 10:21 am
Hi Keri,
Traveling with my family is stressful. Like you, I need alone time and my hubby and I have different ideas in mind for what makes a great vacation. I want to just chill out and relax, read, do some meaningful sightseeing. I like to have everything planned out. He wants to hit every tourist trap, investigate every town, doesn’t want to stick to a plan, can’t sit still for a day. I love him dearly, but after the kids are out of the house, I could see some short individual vacations.
Glad you had a great time, Yellowstone is beautiful. Our vacation’s lately have been revolving around sporting activities. Last year it worked out that we got to go to Washington DC in association with a softball tournament. That was great, got to show my kids and husband some great places.
Karin
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: July 17, 2008, 10:43 am
I usually travel without Scot. The times we’ve gone just the two of us, it’s fine. Add children and grandparents to the mix, and things change. This was also just not Scot’s kind of vacation, I think, so he complained–not about the trip but about strange things. Which made me complain about his complaining. Which made my teenager complain about us bickering. None of which was helpful.
When Scot told us the fourth gorgeous day in a row was “too bright, I wish there were some clouds” we all burst out laughing because his complaining had reached an all-time ridiculous level. But it still frustrated me.
I loved being in Yellowstone, I loved hiking. The family dynamics were tough.
So when the kids are gone, I’m with you, Karin. I love traveling alone, or with a girlfriend or two.
Comment from Cheryl Barker
Time: July 17, 2008, 12:37 pm
Anybody else travel with a hubby who wants to do all the driving — and then gets lost to boot if you don’t watch him like a hawk? 
Yes, our traveling can be stressful at times, but it’s usually balanced out with fun times, too. I imagine it’s that way for almost everyone.
Comment from Keri Wyatt Kent
Time: July 18, 2008, 4:01 am
Okay, so we all agree it’s sometimes hard to travel with the ones we love.
but what’s your ideal place to vacation? do you like the beach or the mountains, sight-seeing or just vegging? Do you come home from vacation tired because you’ve done extreme sports the whole time?
My dentist told me the other day she just got back from camping–which her husband loves but she hates because it is so much work!
What type of vacations did you have growing up? I think this influences our preferences as adults.
Comment from dianne
Time: July 18, 2008, 4:54 am
Now there’s where my husband and I differ. His idea of a vacation is the beach and plenty to do and non-stop TV. My idea of a vacation is (like you) being out in nature with NOTHING to do and NO TV!. Reading for as many hours straight as possible. Or on occasion, visiting a historical site. We’ve learned to compromise. We go to the beach. I get up early, he sleeps late. We spend part of the day being, part of the day doing. It works.
But you’re right - throw other people in the mix and it all goes haywire. If I never go on another family vacation in my life, I will be just fine!
Comment from Dotsie
Time: July 21, 2008, 5:58 am
Fortunately, Ross and I both love the beach. We love it alone, with family, with friends, or any mix of the above.
Keri, I feel badly because our kids haven’t seen too much of this country because whenever we go on vacation as a family, we hit some island. They’ve been to some of the most gorgeous beaches, but never seen any of our national parks. How sad is that?
One of my most anxious ridden vacations was when we took my MIL, and the kids to the Cayman Islands. I think it’s tough to do the grandparent/kid thing, especially when the kids are younger. Phew!
back to Home
Comment from suzanne eller
Time: July 17, 2008, 10:12 am
I love the fact that you don’t sugarcoat the bad, but share the reality of traveling. I love traveling with Richard. We talk and I watch movies and we stop a lot to view what’s on the way. But when we are together as a family, there ARE those things that come up. Ryan wants us to be stick-tights — everyone doing the same thing all the time. Leslie is like momma (and you, Kerri) and needs a little alone time in the mix. Melissa may tell me too strongly how she feels or what I need to do, and yet she’s also the one that loves to hang out and is excited about together time. It’s a mix of wonderful and normal and it’s real life. : )