If there were to be one thing I could say that I have successfully imparted to all three of my children (apart from my general clumsiness), it’s a love of travel – helped along by the fact that everything is such a huge adventure when you’re small (OK I am chancing my arm as to whether the 3 year old loves it as much as the rest of us, but indications are that he does!)…
My 11 year old has been used to a life where just popping across a border to explore on a weekend was completely normal. We would think nothing of packing the car up on a Friday and driving down to Venice to get up at dawn to explore while it was empty for example, so coming back to an island (that he still doesn’t really know!) has understandably been a bit of an ordeal at times (and not just for him!).
I have explained that whilst we are back we are incredibly lucky with the amount of travel connections we have on our doorstep from the UK, so it’s not unusual for find him scouring travel sites and planing where we might visit in the future (via Munich a lot of the time funnily enough!)…
He’s very lucky in that he’s had some amazing travel experiences in life so far, and I have a sneaky feeling that wherever we end up living in the World, he will be the first of my offspring to pack a rucksack and head off on slightly more dangerous adventures one day (he’s currently reading Levison Wood’s Eastern Horizons – Hitchhiking the Silk Road – which gives me reason to be slightly apprehensive!)…
When he does wander off, I will comfort myself with the fact that he was a global child and quite a seasoned traveller, and he should be OK, even if I have the following memories that often cause me to laugh out loud when they pop in to my head at any given time… Children quite often see another side to a place than grown ups do, and he has definitely chosen to see places in a different way across the years (I think out of all three of my siblings he has given me reasons to laugh the most so far whilst travelling….).
From the time we sprinted across Chicago Airport with him with one shoe in hand to make a flight to Florida (he was absolutely livid we didn’t have time to stop at a Cinnabon. So was I come to think of it)… To the time he spent as a cat whisperer in Santorini (everywhere we went he would have to spend at least half an hour talking to some cat or other when he was convinced he was some kind of Doctor Doolittle! This was the same trip both he and his sister surprised the canoodling honeymooning couple by leaping into their cliff edge plunge pool, which was more than mortifying!)….
Then there was the time he lost his temper with a huge Viking in Denmark, and attempted to take him on with a wooden sword even though he was a fraction of the “Viking’s” size and age! And who can forget the day he got his head stuck through the railings at the top of Copenhagen’s Rundturn (and his finger stuck up a lion’s nose in Frederiksborg!!)…. Or the day he decided he was an Ewok (literally from dawn till dusk!) at the thermal baths in Lake Garda, or when he recently became a break dancing champion at a huge Italian wedding…
I will forever treasure the memory of when he suddenly decided to sing for Saint Nick (and around 150 other people) one cold dark night in Austria (this is one memory that almost makes me cry rather than laugh though) and despite being brave enough to take that on, was completely petrified of bumping into Krampus on the way back to our apartment (understandably!).
He almost caused a security issue at Munich airport (takes after his father there!) after packing his own carry on luggage complete with beyblade guns that showed up on the scanners (I check everyone’s bags every single time now!), but perhaps most embarrassingly of all (and one I still can’t believe happened!) – he managed to set off the alarm on the Imperial Palace in Kyoto that was so loud it resounded through the entire park after accidentally stepping through a security laser. The image of clouds of birds rising into the air at the noise is etched on my memory!…
It’s probably no surprise then that he’s now a mini travel addict!! I have loved sharing these adventures with him and his siblings over the years, introducing them to the world has been nothing short of amazing – even if it can be slightly mortifying at times…
A good few years ago now, his Christmas list looked like this (I couldn’t actually do anything about Number 6 funnily enough!)…
This year Christmas requests involve football boots, technology, and perhaps not surprisingly, a map of the world on which to plan future travel adventures – which is why, when The Future Mapping Company got in touch to see if we would like to take a closer look at one of their beautiful magnetic maps, I knew immediately who would appreciate one the most.
They come in a range of styles and colours (and hanging systems!) – choose from cities, countries or continents as well as the entire globe – there’s even a constellation map that’s just beautiful. As the map is magnetic it doubles up as a notice board, and the tiny magnets that come with it are already dotted on a few of the 11 year old’s favourite places.
Despite the fact that this beautiful map is now hanging in the 11 year old’s room (which is usually a tip!), I find myself spending quite a lot of time studying it closely. There’s still a huge amount of the world I didn’t know existed!
I would really recommend The Future Mapping Company as a great place for a unique and educational wall map (for Christmas or beyond!) for the travel addict in your life however old they might be, and even if they might secretly plan future dangerous adventures on it… You only get one life and all that!
PS. The Future Mapping Company is also a small independent UK company which is another good reason to shop with them. I am trying to do as much Christmas shopping as possible from indies this year!…
We were gifted a future map for review purposes. All words and opinions are completely my own as always.
Nicky @Go Live Young says
I loved reading this from the perspective of a chid. Travelling with kids is the best #CulturedKids
Emma says
Thanks so much Nicky!
Christine @afamilyday says
Your son sounds similar to mine albeit rather more well travelled. My son has always been obsessed by cats and he seeks them out wherever we go (he’s had the rabies talk!). He also managed to set off an alarm at Hampton Court Palace; I don’t let him forget that one! #culturedkids
Emma says
Ha, that’s so funny! Thankfully we weren’t’ apprehended by anyone, we just kind of left! :D
Tilly Jaye Horseman says
I smiled all the way through reading this. Such a beautifully written post and a great way to remember all his experiences.
Oh and the map looks fab! I could do with a large version of just Europe for me so I can easily see more detail of the countries I tend to visit and want to explore further!
#FarawayFiles
Emma says
Thanks so much Tilly! :) x
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
This is such a sweet post! I really loved reading about your travel addict’s memories and misdemeanours. We’ve got quite a few of these ourselves. It’s so inspiring seeing the world through your children’s eyes and such a wonderful way to ignite wanderlust and a real sense of excitement in seeing the world. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Emma says
Thanks so much Clare! x
francesca says
This is a lovely idea! I think the best part of traveling is because of our children and this is a wonderful way to keep memories of it. #culturedkids
Emma says
Thanks so much Francesca. That’s so true! (: x
Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels says
I love this map – Pickle has travelled since he was 9 weeks old – he is now 6. There is no better way to learn. Kaz
Emma says
There really isn’t! Thanks Kaz x
Kids of the Wild says
What fabulous travel memories your boy is going to have. Lucky thing, he sounds very well travelled. The map sounds good too. I love having a world map displayed to look at over breakfast, but s magnetic one sounds perfect. #CulturedKids
Emma says
Thanks so much Lucy! (: x
Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels says
you’ve given them a truly amazing childhood! #culturedkids
Emma says
Thank you Tanja! (: x
Mellissa Williams says
He sounds so well travelled. My son isn’t really interested in travelling as much as we are but does enjoy our trips to Orlando
Emma says
Orlando is a favourite here too! Thanks Mellissa! (:
Annabel says
Lovely post! Love the idea of nipping over the border to Venice to see it at dawn. And interrupting the honeymoon couple is very funny!
Emma says
Thanks so much Annabel! (:
Katherine says
He’s one lucky duck, he’s going to have so many great memories to draw on when he’s older. And now I’m wondering what the fascination is with Munich? Not that I don’t like it, I’ve just never been. #CulturedKids
Emma says
We lived there for almost 6 years and he is NOT happy about being back in the UK! :D Thanks Katherine! :)
Stephanie says
You’ve made some amazing memories! I think I got the travel bug from my parents too x
Emma says
I think I got mine from my parents too! :D Thanks Stephanie! (:
Allison says
That Christmas list.. haha! I have one that probably wants to send one of her little brothers to the North Pole. Honestly though, there is never a dull moment traveling with kids. Your son sounds so fun. #CulturedKids
Emma says
He is a very funny travel companion. Thanks so much Allison! :)
Usha says
What a wonderfully told story. I am still chuckling, thinking of the honeymooning couple being startled. He is full of beans and such a joy and love his Santa list. I love the fact that Travelling has become second nature. Happy travelling and a thank you so much for sharing this lovely anecdote. #culturekids
Emma says
Thank you so much Usha! (: x
Angela Milnes says
Having your children travel with you like this will be very educational. I love your little family adventures.
Angela.
Emma says
Thanks so much Angela! (:
Trish says
Your young traveller has done so much – some great stories here, many of which I remember reading (especially the Austrian singing story!).
I’m always pleased to see my own son, though not necessarily racing around the globe at the moment, at least very comfortable with transport. Nothing about travel worries him – he can suss out bus, train and flight timetables with ease. So I’m pleased I’ve taught him something from our family exploits.
And I LOVE the magnetic map. I’ll have to investigate as I think it would be lovely either for me here at home or for Rory.
#farawayfiles
Emma says
It really is a fabulous map. Thanks so much Trish! :) xx
Scarlett Roitman says
Isn’t it wonderful that your children think of travelling as second nature. They are truly globalised kids. Your stories had me giggling. As I have 3 girls our travel stories are not quite as mischievous. #CULTUREDKIDS
Emma says
It truly is second nature for them. Thanks so much Scarlett! :) x
Grand Adventure Story says
We have a magnetic world map up in our kids playroom which they love studying. The eldest especially loves showing off about his trip to New Zealand (he was three months old) to his younger brother who clearly didn’t exist yet! I have a feeling they’ve both inherited my wanderlust – which I’m sure will make for a few sleepless nights once they go off on their own! #CulturedKids
Emma says
I am trying not to think about the wandering off on their own bit! :D Thanks so much, and thanks for joining in with #Culturedkids!
Vyki from Museum Mum says
So many lovely memories. Travelling with kids definitely adds its own unforgettable moments! And what a perfect gift for him too #CulturedKids
Emma says
Definitely!! Thanks so much Vyki! :) x
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays says
Fantastic, I need a magnetic map! #CulturedKids
Emma says
It’s so lovely, I am very jealous! :D Thanks Catherine! :)
Laura Dove says
Oh I love this! There is nothing I want more for my children than to have them travel and see the world. I think it’s the greatest teacher of all.
Emma says
I think it really is. Thanks Laura! :) x
Olivia Jade says
It’s good that he has had so many travel experiences at a young age. He will grow up wanting more and more traveling! :) xx
Emma says
He already does! :D Thanks Olivia! :)
Rachel says
I love that there is so much learning done as you travel but im totally down with being an Ewok in perhaps an environment you might not find one lol x
Emma says
Quite an unusual Ewok environment! :D Thank you! x
Melanie says
Travelling is AMAZING!! I think a child who is well travelled is a good thing, as confidence grows xx
Emma says
Definitely! Thanks so much! :) x
Val Rees says
Love him to bits…..you forgot the time he got his head stuck through the railings in Copenhagen!
Emma says
Funnily enough his other Granny said that too. I am not sure how I managed to forget THAT incident. Have added it! :D
Lorelle says
What great memories you have shared. It’s great that you have kept that Christmas list too! Adorable.
I hope your kids continue to grow up with this passion for travel :)
Emma says
Thanks Lorelle, I hope they do too. I think it’s in their blood! :D x
Treasure Every Moment says
That’s such a good idea! My daughter isn’t that well travelled yet, but we hope to go abroad next year as I love travelling :)
Emma says
Happy travelling! Thank you! :)
Victoria says
Hilarious!!!!! Love him!xx
Emma says
He does make me laugh (most of the time!) :D xx