We have taken some awesome vacations as a family. It is a blessing, to be sure. Some things we have learned:
1. You can't plan enough. Research. Research. Research. My husband would give accolades to tripadvisor.com as well as Evernote. Tripadvisor for ideas and reviews and Evernote for keeping track of it all.
2. Even though you have planned, you still have to be flexible.
3. There are some pretty amazing places in this world.
4. People all over the world are generally good. Generally.
5. Internet is vital. Wifi too. How did we survive without it?
6. When you travel overseas, buy an inexpensive phone and/or local SIM card. It has truly been a life saver.
7. Get outside of your comfort zone. Be adventurous.
8. Take lots of pictures. Take pictures with you in them.
9. Take time at the end of the day to write down your experiences, people's names, places you've been. Details are good because if you ever return to an area, you will have valuable resources already.
10. Talk through your trips in the planning stages. You realize what you have forgotten.
11. Pack light.
12. Bring gifts.
13. 5-Star isn't always twice as good as 3-Star.
