| It's no secret...I love to travel! There's nothing like the feeling of going to places where you need your passport stamped and a good amount of time made to just enjoy someplace far from home. This wanderlust began when I was an exchange student (light) years ago after graduating high school. My first time abroad was when I was a Rotary exchange student |
from Dallas/Duncanville, Texas sent to live with foreign host families thousands of miles away across the Atlantic Ocean in Tarbes; Bagneres de Bigorre; and Toulouse, France. (Shout out to the Saut family!) It was one of the best experiences ever! I lived with two other French families and traveled throughout Europe to Germany; Austria; Slovenia; Croatia; Czech Republic; Italy; Spain... needless to say, I got around and now as a wife and mom myself, those adventures still influence and inspire me today. So how does a former exchange student, globe-trotting, polyglot parent?? We don't tell our kids about the world.
WE SHOW THEM!!
WE SHOW THEM!!
Hence, I created this full-length travel home video (below) that documents our daughters first-time in Paris, France. It's long- don't judge me- but ever see your child's eyes glow from the spectacular July 14th Bastille Day firework show or twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night or watch the expression on their face at a Disney Parade in Disney Land. Or watch them eat their first French croissant or "Fondue." It's a sight to behold. This video also features some dear friends whom I was able to reconnect with from my exchange student days. (Thanks for the memories and creating more.) We visited the Castle of Versaille, the Louvre Museum, the Jardin de Tuileries or "Tulip Garden," Disney Land Paris, the Eiffel Tower and more. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to visit my French host families due to the long distance from Paris but doing so is on the "TO DO" list for a future visit.
Interested in traveling with your kids? Here are some TIPS:
Save your money! I wish I was rich a could make plane tickets appear from thin air but I can't yet. So I did the next best thing. I opened a "travel" savings account for them and have been saving $$ since they were born. Once they got old enough at ages 7 and 5, we were on a plane to Paris.
Visit a friend. Let's say you've traveled a bit and some foreign friends will let you crash at their place. Problem is, that may not work too well with multiple kiddos. If space is an issue do what I did and rent a fully furnished apartment. AirBnB is a God-send. (Shout out to Murad!)
Any health issues that can happen, probably will happen so be prepared. Take your kids medicine and have a medical plan in place for when and if they get sick during travel. Lena was treated for a serious stomach virus in France but luckily she could be seen by a doctor who was referred by a friend.
Stay in a kid friendly environment. My kids and I stayed in Crimee located in the North-Eastern region of Paris where there's the Children's Science and Technology Museum, a geo-dome movie theatre, huge parks and everything else you need close by to accommodate the little ones. There's something for everyone with everything being easily accessed via Paris's extensive subway system.
Capture the moments. If this wasn't a personal project, this video would NOT be the length of a full-length movie but it is because they are ours and there's nothing like capturing your kids at a young age and reviewing those pictures or recordings and reminiscing on those precious moments throughout their lifetime. My heart melts every time I watch this video and I hope it does the same for you. Let alone, inspire you to travel with your family and friends! So what are you waiting for?! Press play and Bon Voyage!
Save your money! I wish I was rich a could make plane tickets appear from thin air but I can't yet. So I did the next best thing. I opened a "travel" savings account for them and have been saving $$ since they were born. Once they got old enough at ages 7 and 5, we were on a plane to Paris.
Visit a friend. Let's say you've traveled a bit and some foreign friends will let you crash at their place. Problem is, that may not work too well with multiple kiddos. If space is an issue do what I did and rent a fully furnished apartment. AirBnB is a God-send. (Shout out to Murad!)
Any health issues that can happen, probably will happen so be prepared. Take your kids medicine and have a medical plan in place for when and if they get sick during travel. Lena was treated for a serious stomach virus in France but luckily she could be seen by a doctor who was referred by a friend.
Stay in a kid friendly environment. My kids and I stayed in Crimee located in the North-Eastern region of Paris where there's the Children's Science and Technology Museum, a geo-dome movie theatre, huge parks and everything else you need close by to accommodate the little ones. There's something for everyone with everything being easily accessed via Paris's extensive subway system.
Capture the moments. If this wasn't a personal project, this video would NOT be the length of a full-length movie but it is because they are ours and there's nothing like capturing your kids at a young age and reviewing those pictures or recordings and reminiscing on those precious moments throughout their lifetime. My heart melts every time I watch this video and I hope it does the same for you. Let alone, inspire you to travel with your family and friends! So what are you waiting for?! Press play and Bon Voyage!
Feel free to post your travel or your desire to travel comments below. I'll read them and so will the rest of the world. Thanks for LIKE-ing and sharing. Au Revoir!
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