Bob here. Normally you get to hear from Sue in these messages – but today you’re getting the B-team (“B” stands for Bob – thank you for asking).
Today is my dad’s 80th birthday. I’m struggling a bit with how to best mark the occasion, because he passed away 13 years ago. I miss him every day, but the pain and shock of having lost him suddenly at 67 years-old has eased in the intervening years, so my thoughts here are less about mourning him, and more about reminding myself about what can be learned from his life (and his death).
Fifteen years ago, Sue and I found ourselves at a transitionary point in our lives, so we put our things in storage and lived in Mexico for the year. Upon our return, we ended living in my parents’ house for several months, as we completed construction on our new home.
My parents wouldn’t take any rent money from us, so we needed a way to recognize them for having put up with us for 3 months. This was before Sue and I created the travel business, but sending my parents on a nice trip seemed like a natural idea (what else do you get people that have everything, besides experiences?)
My mom had Greece on her bucket list, and my dad mentioned that he had never been to Monaco. This was a bit of a shocker – he was in the Merchant Marines for two years in the 1960s and had been to almost every country that touched salt water.
Now my mission was clear. I need a trip for them that included both Monaco and Greece. The distance between these two countries necessarily meant I would be looking at a cruise. On a whim, Sue and I (and our young – at the time – son) decided to join them.
We spent two weeks in Europe, ticking off stops on my parents’ bucket list, and creating memories to last a lifetime. Those memories became that much more cherished when my dad died a few months later.
My mom and dad did some travelling before my dad died, and they always did lots of things with their kids, and their grandchildren. However, it’s fair to say that with my dad having passed away in his mid 60s, there were many trips not yet taken, and many memories not created. My mom has carried on, and bravely created her own memories, and realized yet more ticks for her own bucket list. But it often feels like there is an empty seat – even this many years later.
I learned many things from my dad, but perhaps the most important lesson is to do the things you want to do, with the people that are important to you… and do those things NOW.
For many of us, travel is one of those critically important things. As Sue and I transition through middle age (where time is infinite), and more towards retirement and grand-parenting age (where you have more leisure time, but are unsure of HOW MUCH of it you’ll get), we’re looking closely at our own bucket list.
Because we’re in the travel-trade, we are fortunate to get many travel opportunities. What has become more urgent is travelling with our family and close friends while everyone is able to do so.
I have a few years yet before I reach the age my dad was when he passed away. I plan to live longer than he was able to, but I don’t control that, so my goal now is to create those memories with important people without delay.
Because when your number’s up, it’s up.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Today I thought I’d highlight trips that would be great for multi-generational groups. The floating amusement parks that operate out of Florida do a great job of this. However, instead of highlighting those, I picked four trips that I think my dad would have really liked to have done with his kids and grandchildren if he’d had the chance to do so:
ALASKA
- 7-nights round-trip from Vancouver in July 2023 on board Celebrity Eclipse.
- This ship has children’s and teens’ programming, so there are activities and designated places for them on the ship.
- Visit Icy Strait Point (and experience the world’s longest zip-line), Juneau (to go dog-sledding at the top of the glacier), Hubbard Glacier (to watch the tide-water glacier calve into the sea), Ketchikan (to take in a logger’s show).
- Extend your stay in Vancouver for a few days, and take in the West Coast vibe, go for a walk in the rainforest, or just hang out on the beach.
- Balcony rooms start at $1250 per person. Four departures in July 2023
LOWER MISSISSIPPI CRUISE
- 7-nights between Memphis and New Orleans in March 2023.
- This is an opportunity to share the history, culture, food, and music of the American South with your kids and/or grandchildren.
- The American Queen has adjoining inside and balcony rooms – making this a great option for families and multi-generational groups.
- Fare includes pre-cruise hotel night, unlimited shore excursions, open bar, and wifi on the ship. Fares in March 2023 start at $2199 per person.
- This one is pure Americana – and paddle wheelers are really cool! You can take your kids to the engine room to check out how it all works.
MEDITERRANEAN ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST SAILING SHIP!
- 12-days between Rome and Venice in August 2023.
- Expose your kids and/or grandchildren to the ancient Roman ruins, Greek ruins, the spectacular shoreline of Croatia and Montenegro, as well as everything that Rome and Venice have to offer.
- You’ll travel on the 225 passenger Royal Clipper. On board, you can help the crew trim the sails, or use the water sports platform right on the ship. This one has all the charms of a small sailing vessel, but with cruise ship amenities like a pool, spa, library, and fitness center.
- Depart Aug 1, 2023 from Rome starting at $3070 per person.
EGYPT
- 12-days round-trip from Cairo in December 2023.
- Visit the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Valley of the Kings, go sand dune boarding, and take a felucca boat ride on the Nile.
- On three sailings in December, there will be specific activities planned for children both on board the ship, and ashore – including the opportunity to meet some local children.
- You’ll visit 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites on this trip – each with unique perspectives for children and teens.
- Depart December 16, 23, or 30 (2023) starting at $6399 per person.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
