WARNING: You may not want to come home . . .
I love hearing travel stories, don't you? I love hearing which iconic sites were their highlights and especially the really, cool and unique experiences they had "by accident", or so they thought. Some of the best memories were not actually about the iconic destination itself, but the experiences they had. First time river cruisers are typically amazed at the experiences they have aboard the ship (AMA Waterways) . . .the sampling of local wines while cruising past hilltop castles and rolling vineyards; the gentle ride along remarkable waterways. "We saw magnificent cities, historic villages and bespoke experiences." It is not uncommon to hear that they are already planning their next trip with new friends they met during the wine & chocolate pairings or dining at a local wine vintner's home. What I love most about these stories are . . . traveling to new places is exciting, but sharing the experiences with others is what really makes the EXPERIENCE!! It always reminds me that while I LOVE exploring a new destination and meeting new friends, what would make it even better for me is experiencing these once-in-a-lifetime adventures with my family and friends.
If you are like me, initially I'm planning a couple or family vacation, but when the plans begin to come to life, the excitement is contagious and I don't want any of my friends and family to miss out on this . . . and quickly it turns into a group vacation which ends up being loads more fun. One really memorable trip that we talk about so often was a trip that began as a group of 4, turned into a group trip of 50 friends and friends of friends. I couldn't wait to begin the trip because I couldn't wait to meet my friend's friends, etc. I may not have known everyone on our group roster, but several of them became friends we looked forward to many future travels with. There is something about bonding on vacation that you just can't describe. Some friends went in different directions and we may not have traveled together again, but it is still great fun when we do see them at social gatherings to laugh and re-live times on that trip.
If you are on an excursion with others while on vacation, can you relate to wishing it were your friends and family you're having these adventures with? It's easier than you may think!!
