Travel has always been one of the greatest joys of my life. It gives me the chance to step away from the routine of work, volunteering, and day-to-day responsibilities and spend time with my family in a completely different setting. Over the years we have been fortunate to visit places like Greece, Belize, and Honduras, and each trip has left us with memories we still talk about today. What I have learned is that family adventures abroad are about much more than sightseeing. They strengthen bonds in ways that no other experience can and they open our eyes to the wider world.
Why We Make Travel a Priority
Our life in Hummelstown is full and busy. Between running MarDav Enterprises, volunteering at school and church, and being involved in youth sports, there are always things pulling us in different directions. Travel gives us the opportunity to pause and reconnect. When we are away from home there are no concession stands to organize or projects waiting to be painted. There is just us and the adventure ahead.
We make travel a priority because it allows us to create shared experiences. When we look back on family life years from now I know we will not only remember school drop-offs and dinners around the table. We will remember standing on the steps of the Parthenon in Athens or snorkeling together in clear blue waters off Belize. Those moments shape our story as a family.
Greece: Walking Through History Together
One of our most memorable trips was to Greece. Standing among ancient ruins gave us the sense that we were part of something much larger than ourselves. I will never forget the way the kids looked around in awe when we toured the Acropolis. It was not just a history lesson, it was a chance to walk in the footsteps of people who lived thousands of years ago.
Traveling in Greece also gave us the opportunity to experience another culture up close. We tried new foods together, from fresh olives to baklava dripping with honey and our favorite appetizer tzatziki. We navigated cobblestone streets and laughed when we got a little lost in the winding alleys of small towns. These experiences pushed us out of our comfort zone and reminded us that family travel is about discovery, both of the world and of each other.
Belize and Honduras: Discovering Adventure in Nature
Belize and Honduras offered a very different kind of adventure. Instead of ancient ruins we explored lush jungles and bright coral reefs. Snorkeling as a family was an experience I will never forget. Floating above colorful fish and looking for sea turtles felt almost magical. It was one of those moments where you all look at each other, masks and snorkels on, and you know everyone is thinking the same thing. This is incredible.
We also visited caves and learned about Mayan history. The kids were fascinated by stories of ancient rituals and treasures that archaeologists had uncovered. The natural beauty of Belize combined with its rich history gave us a balance of adventure and learning that made the trip unforgettable.
How Travel Brings Us Closer
Each trip brought us closer as a family. Traveling means you are in it together. You figure out directions as a team, you share meals you have never tasted before, and you laugh through the mishaps when things do not go as planned. Those shared experiences strengthen bonds because they require teamwork and patience.
Travel also gives us a chance to see each other in new ways. I watched my children show bravery as they jumped off a boat into the ocean. I saw them show curiosity when they asked questions about ancient temples. I noticed how they showed kindness when interacting with people who spoke a different language. These moments reveal qualities in your children that you might miss during the normal routines at home.
The Horizons We Gain
Beyond bonding, travel broadens horizons. It teaches us that the world is wide and full of people who live differently than we do. It shows us that our way is not the only way. It encourages gratitude for what we have while also inspiring us to think bigger.
When we return home from these trips, I notice how travel continues to influence us. The kids bring up stories in school essays. We cook meals inspired by dishes we tried abroad. We look at our own community through a fresh lens and with a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Why I Encourage Families to Travel
I know not every family can travel far, but even small adventures make a difference. It could be a road trip to a neighboring state or a weekend in a new city. What matters is that you experience something new together. Those moments of discovery bring families closer and create memories that last a lifetime.
If you can travel abroad, I encourage you to do it. Step outside your comfort zone and show your kids the wider world. The lessons they learn will stay with them forever.
The Final Destination
Travel is more than a vacation. It is an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and to broaden our understanding of the world. Whether it is climbing ruins in Greece, snorkeling in Belize, or eating shrimp on the beaches of Honduras, every adventure adds a new layer to our family’s story.
I will always cherish the journeys we have taken, and I look forward to the ones still to come. Because in the end, family adventures abroad are not just about where we go. They are about who we become when we experience the world together.