Seize the Moment
Just as we saw a robust return to business travel, families look for their next big adventure. To help with that search, we present the 2023 WhereverFamily digital edition, packed with inspiration for exploring the world together. We’re also thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Wherever Awards, the best family-friendly destinations, hotels, airlines and more as voted by our readers at whereverfamily.com.
However you define family, nothing reinforces our connections better than sharing a journey. My family didn’t travel far when my brother, sister and I were kids, but my parents were always ready to seize the moment and pack up the car for a spontaneous overnight or daytrip. I recall the joy of long days at the beach; riding coasters at amusement parks; and, in particular, the five of us staying in a tiny lakeside cabin in the Berkshires where we learned archery, rode horses and played mini golf. We visited living history museums like Sturbridge Village and Mystic Seaport where we had fun while learning. Educational travel opportunities abound for modern families; Richard Newton’s article on page 38 illustrates how you and your kids can become students of the world.
In our younger days, my husband and I camped and hiked the Appalachian Trail (discover some top U.S. campgrounds in Dale Leatherman’s article on page 26). More recently, we explored Ireland on a 10-day driving tour. For many years, we luxuriated in St. Martin, our favorite romantic spot to celebrate our anniversary. As we approach a big milestone anniversary next year, Becca Hensley’s roundup of romantic destinations on page 48 has me dreaming of a celebratory trip.
One of the great joys of traveling with children is watching the wonder on their faces as they react to all they see and do ... and, as with our own kids, inspiring them to pursue their own travels as adults and as parents. I think our two sons would agree our best family vacation was a week in Aruba when they were teens, especially the off-roading tour of the island’s desert. They each traveled to Europe as young adults, as I did. And now it’s exciting to see them passing the love of travel on to our grandkids.
I hope you find this issue helpful whether you’re planning a multigenerational cruise, a family camping adventure, learning as you travel, a road trip with young kids ... or, like my husband and me, rekindling an “old romance” in a new way. It’s never too early or too late in life to travel!