Though I am quite content to spend time in my own home, I am also a fan road trips. I grew up living far away from extended family, and vacations typically meant car travel to see them. When I was still young, I moved to Pennsylvania, far away from my own nuclear family. My own kids have been traveling since they were quiet small, and we’ve learned how to manage the demands and challenges of a long trip together. As they have become young adults, I find that my own daughters are delightful traveling companions – after all, I’ve taught them to travel the way I want to: early starts, lively music, quick stops, ice cream as often as possible, and taking bikes or dogs along whenever we can.
My latest road trip has been a quick journey to Iowa where my younger daughter is enrolled in the same college where I graduated. This means long miles on the interstate and stopping to see my dad in the Chicago area. It is always a treat to notice familiar sights from my younger days and lots of changes, too. They bring back all kinds of memories of times past and the people who filled my life then. New places always give me a sense of adventure, as we explore what is unfamiliar and exciting. And, of course, the flexibility and freedom of car travel can’t be beat.
Traveling is always an adventure. Visiting places we’ve been many times before may not always be exciting, but there is always the opportunity for discovery of new things in old places, as well as discovery of new perspectives within ourselves.
Peace,
P.S. If you are taking a trip this summer (road or air or boat or whatever) and would like to share some photos and reflections, we’d love for you to be part of the LSC TRAVEL BLOG! Find out more here!!