Take the Trip

Last month we traveled with friends to Manzanillo.  Its a beach located on the Pacific coast of Mexico that is about 3 1/2 hours from our home.  We went with three other families rented a house and made zero plans.  You know what?  It was the best trip ever!  Seriously.  All 10 kids got along. All 8 adults got along too 😉.  The kids swam, built sand castles, we sang all the 90's country songs, laughed til we cried and ate until we couldn't eat anymore.  It was a wonderful time and so many memories were made.  I am so thankful we just took the trip.  We didn't over analyze the housing or the agenda.  We just hopped into the car and off we went.  No regrets.

On the way home it led me to wonder why we don't do things like that more often.  I think there are several reasons. 

 1.  I think it takes an effort to NOT have a plan.  

• We are creatures of habit. We like to know what is coming.  We like to know how out time will be spent and we like to know the cost.  Not just monitarily...

2.  New places can be scary.  Where will you eat? What will the accommodations be like? How will      the days be spent?

• It doesn't hurt to do a little research on the front end - especially when traveling to a new place. Since we live in Mexico, most of our adventures are here.  We always check here to make sure it is safe.  I also like to know about toll roads, gas stations, restaurant or grocery stores around our accommodations.  
• I usually pack a cooler for snacks since, unlike the US, there isn't always a gas station or fast food restaurant every few miles.  And I always pack these for the girls to be able to go to the bathroom ... anywhere.
• For when you get there - I love trip advisor to find things in the area to do or places to eat.  I have also found from living overseas that sometimes facebook is a really helpful resource.  It seems that even if a company doesn't have a website, they have a facebook page and they are usually full of helpful information.  

3. And the last and most important reason, I my opinion is... traveling with kids is hard.  Sometimes it seems like it's just not worth it.  But I am telling you - IT IS.  

So -pack the suitcase(s). The cooler. The sand toys or hiking shoes or tent or whatever it is and just go. Go make the memories. Go see something new. Go. Just Go. Just take the Trip.