Lowered Expectations
There’s a scene from Danny DeVito’s 1990s hit movie, Other People’s Money, where he berates his co-star and reminds her that the purpose of life is to “make as much money for as long as you can. Whoever has the most when (s)he dies wins." His take on life has lingered in my mind for ages. Little did I know it would become the catalyst for our wild family adventure around the world. Over time, my thinking has evolved, and I’ve appreciated that life isn't just about stacking dollars; it's about stacking memories - preferably under the sun.
As we embark on a New Year and begin the initial stages of our epic journey, it's high time I spill the beans on the quirky principles we have concocted - and will try to adhere to - in order to make this adventure a dream come true:
Follow the Sun
The northern hemisphere might be our geographic reality, but the struggle for Vitamin D is practically a part-time job. It's like Mother Nature saying, "You want sunshine? Earn it!" Hence, our grand tour is a deliberate escape to warmer environments only, where our pursuit of golden rays is mission critical.
2. Save twice as much money and take half as much stuff
Life and travel may not be getting any cheaper, but here's the scoop: I refuse to penny-pinch my way through exciting experiences. I mean, imagine going to South Africa and skip seeing the Big 5 animals? That's like going to a buffet and avoiding dessert —unthinkable! And don't even get me started on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia - missing that would be like entering a library with empty shelves.
To pull off this budget-conscious adventure, we’ve had to slice and dice unnecessary expenses like a pro chef preparing a Michelin-star meal. We're a family of tech novices, often accused of being Luddites. So, when it comes to gadgets and gizmos, we say, 'No, thank you.' Each of us gets one carry-on and a backpack, because in our world, less is not just more—it's the secret sauce to stress-free travel.
For me, the joy of realizing how little you actually need in both travel and life is downright liberating. I'm convinced that the enjoyment of travel is inversely proportional to the size of your luggage. It's not just a journey; it's a crash course in minimalist living, proving that the less you carry, the more room you have for epic memories.
3. Lowered Expectations
The anticipation for our world tour is so thick; you could cut it with a butter knife. I have to be honest - since we shared the initial details of our upcoming trip I have had more people confess their harboring world-travel fantasies than I have lint in my pocket - and that says something.
Now, for us, this journey will be out of this world. However, at the end of the day, it's not a cure-all potion for our family quirks. We'll spend an unholy amount of time together, witness mind-bending sights, and probably misplace something crucial. But curing all our family quirks? Not likely. Our travel strategy? Keep an open mind and go easy on the 'solve everything' expectations of this trip. In reality, we've set the bar so low for this trip that even a seasoned Cirque du Soleil performer would find themselves in a limbo quandary.
4. The Kids are Alright
My kids are at an age now where you can reason with them - somewhat - and have a thoughtful conversation on a wide range of topics. During past trips, I would always try and tie in what we were learning to a core lesson or principle. The vast majority of the time, they would tune me out or move on as I was belabouring the point. While my attempts to tie lessons to our travels might not yield real-time results, I've learned that our little sponges soak up more than we give them credit for. So, if they can't discuss it with you immediately, fear not—they're just saving the conversation for a moment when it's most inconvenient for you.
In the grand scheme of things, our journey isn't just a series of dots on the map; it's a canvas painted with laughter, lessons, and the occasional lost item. As we approach the beginning of our adventure, I'm reminded that the real treasure lies not just in the destinations we will visit but in the moments, big and small, that have sculpted our family story. So, here's to more sun-soaked escapades, unplanned detours, and the joy of experiencing the world through the eyes of my extraordinary family. The journey continues, not just on the map, but in the chapters of our story waiting to unfold.
