Consider a family group cruise not to the Caribbean

One of the joys of travel is to experience something different from life as we live it. Connecting to and learning about a new culture, way of life, environment, cuisine, etc. can bring a new perspective to your own life. But often we forget about connecting to and learning about our own culture and history, what went before that made us who we are as a nation and culture.

I was put in mind of this on a recent cruise to Canada and New England. I was astonished to realize just how much of my public school American history I had forgotten but also how much came back to me! As I was experiencing a day long tour of Boston, I kept thinking how wonderful it would be to share this experience with an entire multi-generational family group. And with that sharing rediscovering our American roots.

Imagine the lively conversations after a day of visiting churches built in the 1700’s (just what does religious freedom mean?), the site of the Original Tea Party (what was that really about?), and the site of the “Shot Heard Round the World” (how loud would that have to be?). Here is a great opportunity to rekindle the awe and pride you have in the founding fathers of the US, learn how much the women of the era contributed (often from not that far behind the scenes), plus experience a lot of history up close and live, not just pictures. It really is different when you can lay your hands on it, smell it, and hear it. Plus with this much learning opportunity, the school aged participants can still be learning all in the guise of vacation fun.

So when planning your next vacation, you might want to consider something close to home but still with a lot of opportunity for learning and reconnecting.