Quote of the Day:
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine
TB read an article on Budget Travel’s website this weekend titled “15 Places Every Kid Should See.” It was interesting, but once I got to percolatin’ on the topic, I found my list was a lot different, and not only because it extends beyond the border. The LS will only be under TB’s iron hand for another fifteen years. We travel a lot, but suddenly I feel a little panicky, because that’s not nearly enough time to show her everything we’d like. Oh well, we’ll pick ’em off one at a time and see where it leads. Here’s my list, always subject to change:
- Washington D.C.–The article specified the Lincoln Memorial, which I thought was silly not only because the Lincoln Memorial is kind of boring but because ALL of the D.C. landmarks are essential. Besides, I like Jefferson’s better.
- New York City–The article I linked again got specific, naming Ellis Island and Ground Zero on its list. I’ll buy those, but mainly I just want her to be there and soak in the energy and the vibe of the place.
- Glacier National Park, MT–Along with Hawaii, in a totally different way, this is the most beautiful place I’ve been so far. It will still be beautiful when the glaciers are gone in ten years, but different, and a little sad.
- Hawaii–Because in addition to a hundred obvious reasons, she can learn how to surf. Such knowledge will only make her all the more formidable.
- Skiing in Switzerland or Austria–For the beauty, for the thrill, and for the experience. I want her to feel at ease in foreign countries and among foreign speakers, and to see that there is a lot of world out there to justify keeping a current passport forever.
- The waterfall in Phoenix, Mississippi. Because Phoenix is where one line of her people came from and because that waterfall holds such a prominent place in my own childhood memories.
- Tahiti–It is the most exotic and far away place I can think of to visit, I’ll only go once, and I want her to be there with me.
- Alaska–The most beautiful place the Rambler has been. And it would be cool to catch the Northern Lights.
- Highway 1 through Northern California, then onto 101 up through Oregon–With the top down, the ultimate American Road Trip.
- Belize–I’ve been reading about lost Mayan ruins, hidden waterfalls, water cave tubing, jaguar sightings and monkey accompaniment. Sounds like a gas.
- Costa Rica–An active volcano, beautiful beaches and jungle adventure (with ziplines) in a place where the National Parks are supposed to be spectacular.
- Disney World–But only once. Before she’s five. And once more before she’s twelve. And that’s it.
- San Francisco–So she can stare blankly at anyone who rants about how San Francisco values are ruining our country.
- The Bahamas out islands–Everyone should know the joy of perfect beaches beyond the sight of condominiums or mansions and beyond the sound of a muffler.
- Whatever single place she can dream up that she thinks would be the most unlikely place she will ever see. If its accessible by plane, train or automobile, we’ll get her there.
Travellinbaen 
Wonderful list and wonderful idea to put on your must do list with your girl. I had lunch with my dad on Friday (chicken salad and beer – can it get any better?) and I told him I wanted to travel back to Grand Cayman and to Costa Rica. It was one of the most special events of my life traveling through the UK with IR for his 21st birthday. He was a well traveled person before he left for UM – it sounds like LS will be as well. That is a great thing – you learn so much by traveling and how you handle yourself in the process.
As for my dad, he is pretty sure his traveling days are over at age 72, just not feasible and my mom will not go anywhere. He would love to go back to Roitan, Honduras even though our family members have left there now. I’d like to be able to take him but I think our mother would be hell to pay in the process. Moral of that story is – get it all in before the health goes.
That is too bad for your Dad, maybe he’ll surprise himself.
I should have added a sentence asking the TBU where the places are they would add as “must see” for kids. I know the Grand Canyon came to my mind right after I finished the above, but it’ll have to be number 16. I can’t put it above any I listed.
Number 14 never gets old.
I would add Williamsburg VA and/or Harpers Ferry WV to the list. They still stick out as two of my favorite trips as a kid.
Excellent article TB. I would like to add the castles and churches of Wales, Eastern Austria and Bavaria to the list. As a bonus, there is a local tavern in every village through which one travels on the way to each new spot–each with its own local beer to sample (not so much for the kids).
Since we are discussing world travels, I have some news that will make all of you feel a bit old. My little brother is currently in Europe traveling with his girlfriend. He proposed to her, and she accepted—–in Slovenia of all places!!!!
A girl that will travel to Slovenia is a keeper! Congrats on your new family member and yes, it does make me feel a bit older but happy to see the next generation progress in a positive way.
Hopefully your brother has a bit more stamina. Such a proposal from MD:
-MD: “Will you marry me?”
-GF: “YES! I WILL!”
-MD: “Uh Oh, oohhh…… I, I, I promise that doesnt always happen”…..then falls asleep.
MD, I’m happy for your big bro……but smily strikes again
MD, congrats to your little brother!
TB, I’d have to say my most well-rounded, and down to earth friends, are the one’s that have travelled the most. It such a great perspective to add to your life experience, especially at a time when you are just beginning to understand the world.
Make sure you get the LS to check out study abroad programs when she gets to college. I was pleasantly surprised at what I found when I went to the study abroad office. It led to one of my great personal adventures. And it was also nice to be the excuse for JL to get to touchdown in Europe.
You know I would follow you where ever you landed no matter what!