France, Switzerland, Portugal, Austria, Czech Republic, Scotland, Cape Verde. 7 countries, 7 different cultures and mentalities. There are the places our little troop of four set foot during our first year of transfer to Belgium.
I will always remember the comments of our families in Canada: "But you’re always travelling!" Or even "And the little ones, do they mind taking the plane or driving 8 hours?'' In fact, yes we travel whenever we have the opportunity, and kids don’t mind at all.
And here’s what works for us: NO endless lists of places to visit, but rather a list of desirables. A top 3 (or 5 at most) to see absolutely. Like that, no disappointments, but beautiful improvisations which allow us to experience moments rather local than the big tourist clichés.
Then, ADAPTATION and RESPECT are the watchwords. You just have to honor the rhythm and then the personality of each country. But above all, DON'T refrain from experiencing new adventures.
Why should we stop visiting our host continent when the borders are open to us and there are so many stories to discover on the European continent?
In search of adventure, open-mindedness rubs off on the whole family and makes it easier for us to adapt when we travel.
Whether it is the climate, different languages spoken, the physical terrain or even the food, each place has something different to offer. And I'm always more than happy to note that every adventure is full of positives.
For example, arriving at the airport in Portugal, I discovered how sensitive this country is to different demographics of people who travel. There, it is a priority in this order: Elderly, families with babies / toddlers and others. There are even public signs to remind people of this courtesy.
In Cape Verde, the locals were by far the nicest people we have ever met with our little ones. Even when they are fussy or a little impatient; locals never hesitated to come to us to help distract the children during meals so that we could have more time at the table.
In Austria, our hostess waited until 11:30 p.m. to welcome us properly, even though we were supposed to have arrived much earlier. She even offered to clean our clothes for free because our little one had been carsick during the drive.
In short, each time we meet extraordinary humans. Lovely people, with a mentality that ultimately comes very close to ours.
By traveling whenever we have the opportunity, we discover that the whole family benefits enormously: humanly speaking and culturally as well. We give ourselves a trip with life and that is priceless.
Remember this: it is by opening up to the world that the world then opens up to you.
So take advantage of every opportunity!