Many of my cherished childhood moments stem from exciting escapades with my amazing aunts and uncles. These adventures were often filled with challenges, but they also brought joy and valuable lessons. They marked my first chance to step into an adult role and break free from the routine I experienced at home.
Returning the favour
As an uncle to my now-grown nieces and nephews, nothing brings me more joy than sharing experiences similar to those I had in my youth. My aim as their mentor is to inspire self-reliance and critical thinking, all while navigating the fine balance between encouraging them to take risks and knowing when to ease off.
Building a plan—and anticipation
Involving the children in planning enhances their enjoyment and learning during our trips. Before we embark, I love to stoke their excitement with captivating tales about our upcoming adventures while also establishing key guidelines to ensure a safe and fulfilling journey for everyone involved.
I also initiate a group chat with my nieces and nephews to share intriguing facts I come across while researching our travel destination. I send them links to fun activities we could try and teach them how to evaluate both positive and negative reviews. Furthermore, I share the apps I’ll be using for weather monitoring and language translation, preparing them for what we might need, in addition to teaching them how to navigate other apps for surf conditions or ski reports.
These days, airports can be quite hectic, filled with throngs of people, lengthy lines, and extended wait times. To stay nimble, we each limit ourselves to one carry-on and one personal item. We take the time to measure and weigh everything to avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.
I prioritize items that serve multiple functions while traveling. Here’s what I always keep close at hand:
- Stretchable, water-wicking pants with secured pockets for valuables—comfortable for flights, horseback riding, or exploring the jungle
- A waterproof jacket to shield against storms and pesky insects at night
- Comfortable athletic shoes—suitable for rushing through airports and navigating hiking trails
- A compact backpack that fits as a personal item at airports—also handy for beach trips and grocery runs
- A tailored first aid kit for local activities and creepy critters
- Sun protection items such as a sun shirt, hat, and sunscreen
- A self-cleaning water bottle
Sticking to a budget
In terms of holiday spending, I ensure my nieces and nephews have access to all the healthy meals and water they require. Any additional treats like junk food or sugary beverages are their responsibility. I want them to grasp the value of choosing between fun daily treats or lasting mementos from our adventures.
Additionally, I “prepay” them for the chores I expect them to manage while on the trip, such as cooking, tidying up, taking out garbage, making morning coffee, and keeping our living space organized.
Avoiding danger
Thorough research is essential when planning a getaway to an unfamiliar place, especially if you’re not fluent in the local language. It’s crucial to understand which local wildlife or insects could pose threats and learn how to respond appropriately.
During a trip in Costa Rica, I encountered my first scorpion sting. Thanks to prior research, I remained calm when I felt my lips go numb, as I was aware that the venom was non-lethal and that an antihistamine would aid my recovery.
Always team up with a buddy on adventures; it’s essential to keep an eye on each other. A moment of inattention could lead to being swept away in a rip current.
- When you arrive, test local mobile carriers to find the best and fastest option for your phone.
- Prepare a printed map that includes locations and directions in case your phone’s GPS fails.
- Familiarize yourself with local parking and taxi payment rules to avoid being taken advantage of.
- Store images of your passport on your phone along with contact info for the nearest hospital and police station.
- Always devise a plan in case the kids become separated from you or get lost.
Beating the heat
My teenage companions are eager to return home with a sun-kissed glow. However, sun safety is paramount, so I impose a strict rule of no more than one hour of sun exposure during the initial days of our trip, mandating sun shirts and hats for the remainder of the day. I also limit surf and snorkeling sessions to one hour to prevent sunburn, especially when swimming on your stomach.
Surfing early
It’s widely known that the best surf waves are caught early in the day. A slow start often leads to missed chances. Getting out to enjoy activities at dawn—whatever they may be—makes the experience far more satisfying. The temperature is cooler, the photographs turn out better, and you’ll avoid any lines.
Eating healthy
I enjoy showcasing that, even while on vacation, it’s possible to maintain a healthy diet by preparing delicious meals. I encourage the kids to take charge of meal planning and cooking for one day.
We collaborate on our menu, ensuring it features at least three colors (aside from white and brown) on each plate. I also challenge them to learn how to pronounce the ingredients in the local language before shopping. I take on the role of sous chef to help them bring their culinary ideas to fruition.
Preparing a backup plan
Every trip typically has its fair share of letdowns, which is why I always maintain a backup list of alternative activities. For instance, if the surf isn’t up or the wind is bad, we can switch to horseback riding or ziplining in the jungle. My advice? Keep a ready list of potential last-minute bookings to prevent wasting precious vacation time searching for alternatives.
I wish you and your travel companions safe and enjoyable journeys!
