But why do we travel?

...and what does it mean to us? The whole alphabet thing has been a running source of amusement for many, envy for some, and confusion for most. But, it truly speaks to who we are as a family and where we put our priorities.

We could have had nicer, newer cars, or a bigger house, or better furniture, or a thousand other more common things that folks in our demographic spend their money on. Instead, we chose to travel-- a choice that continued to confirm itself with time.

Travel has given our children perspective. They have seen poverty in Guatemala and Kenya. They have seen wealth in Dubai. They have observed a cosmopolitan lifestyle in Copenhagen, Paris, London, and Dublin. They have seen agrarian living in Belize, Panama and Kenya. They've witnessed the effect that the United States economy has on the world -- both good and bad. They have met intensely interesting individuals. They have met those who make some in the world dislike Americans. They have acquired enough information to allow them to make a choice regarding who they want to be. By beginning our travels when they were very young, and continuing throughout their school years, our children have routinely visited places that they have studied, and studied places that they have visited We never force fed them on history or culture, rather we let them pick it up at their own pace, whenever something struck their fancy.

There has been a ripple effect as well. Several of our friends and family who had otherwise settled into the "Disney World and down the shore" routine have begun to opt for more distant and varied destinations.

As of July 2012, we had traveled with the kids to 50 countries and all 50 states.  

Grace has entered the travel industry with the intent of bringing our experiences to others. Let us share our wealth of knowledge in helping you plan your next trip.