Comments on: Mondays are for dreaming: Future nomads

By: Michael McCamley

Michael McCamley — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:01:50 +0000

I love this post, Mara, and I hope you share it with your kids, or tell them explicitly that you wish this for them. They will need to incorporate it into their plans for their futures. My parents promised me a trip to Europe when I graduated college, but I needed to work and save up for graduate school. They reminded me of their promise when I received my MFA, but I was worried about finding a job. It wasn’t until the middle of my PhD that I finally took that trip, and that was only because my mother had passed away, had taken out several little life insurance policies for us kids, and my sister ordered me to use that money to travel, instead of surviving on it. The trip was wonderful, thrilling, life-changing, and bittersweet, because I wished I could share all of my experiences with my mom when I returned. Don’t let them talk themselves out of those trips you dream for them, because I want them to regale your with their travel stories .

By: Melanie@TravelsWithTwo

Melanie@TravelsWithTwo — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:26:32 +0000

Okay, can we talk about how cute your kids are?! Seriously, well done.

The heart of your post has made me realize that I’ve seen travel transform the 20-something closest to me.

My beloved first cousin used to be scared of strangers, planes, big spaces, tight corners…all sorts of things. But then she took a leap and traveled to Israel. And then Jamaica, all over the island. Then New Orleans, to help build houses. Then all over Europe, for a semester abroad. Then Nicaragua, to help build a school. Along the way she’s picked up new words, new friends and a great strength; she knows she can rely on herself, that she has a lot to offer the world…and that she doesn’t have to be afraid.

I hope your kids don’t have fears to begin with, but if they do, I join you in wishing them some travel and adventure. (And you, too, while we’re at it. )

By: Cailin

Cailin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:56:06 +0000

What a great dream to have for your children! I fear not enough parents think the way you do and more should! My Monday dream is to have that dream for my children when & if I ever have any and while I’m waiting to travel the world and see all I can see until then and after.

By: soultravelers3

soultravelers3 — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:15:11 +0000

Sweet thoughts Mara, beautifully written! I couldn’t agree more. Adorable photo too.

By: Kara Williams

Kara Williams — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:26:47 +0000

Love this post! And, as you mentioned in your comment to me on my diatribe, it echoes what I felt when I met at TBEX all of the 20-somethings who embrace backpacking/round-the-world adventures. (Of course, you in your lovely writing style, did it so much more eloquently than I did.)

Perhaps our kids will meet up in an Australian hostel 15 or 20 years from now?

By: In your words…#TBEX ’10 « Marenated

In your words…#TBEX ’10 « Marenated — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:11:23 +0000

[...] The Mother of All Trips explains how TBEX can inspire Future Nomads [...]

By: wandermom

wandermom — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:19:15 +0000

Cracking up at the “drinking beer” comment
Mara, I totally agree on all points. Thanks for describing this particular parental need so beautifully.
Michelle

By: Auntie B

Auntie B — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:35:05 +0000

I’m certain the drinking beer part will happen!! Great dream – and I’m guessing it will be their dream as well.

By: darcie

darcie — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:11:20 +0000

I dream to show my kids the world, ok, so, most likely not the world…but as much of it as I possibly can – namely – all 50 states by the time they graduate high school – we’ll see how I do…
I am much like you in that I hope my kids live their lives to the fullest potential – mortgages and other ‘grown up stuff’ can wait – I missed out on so much – but it’s not too late!

By: Debbie Dubrow

Debbie Dubrow — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:17:04 +0000

It was SO great to see you at TBEX. I have to say – I was just as inspired by the older faces in the crowd as the younger ones. I think it’s easy to think that you’re only free enough to travel in your twenties & it’s great to see that the wanderlust never dies…