So the Adventure Begins
I've always wanted to travel. I would love to travel the world someday. So in 2020 I've decided to embark on some adventures. It started in 2018. I found a really good flight deal from Chicago to Bangkok, Thailand for less than $600. I know right? Crazy. At the time a flight to Vegas was almost $400. So I thought I'd rather spend a little extra money and go further. My Aunt and I went together. Both have some anxiety issues. I had been out of the country before, to Mexico and Curacao. Both amazing. Anyway, we planned our trip together. It was great, sometimes the planning is the best part! We flew to Chicago, then to Japan, then on to Bangkok. We stayed over night in Bangkok. We went to a market there. Being the shoppers that we are it was a good time, fun experience. The next day we fly to Singapore, where we stay at the magnificent Marina Bay Sands. If you have the chance to go to Singapore, please do it. Even their airport is amazing. If you can only fit in a long layover here, that would work, they do layover tours and I would suggest doing it. We stayed in Singapore for 3 nights, we live lavishly here. It was amazing. We went to the China Town area, where of course we could shop. We walked around the bay, with amazing views, we had a perfect view of the Marina Bay Gardens from our Balcony. We walked through the gardens, we ventured through the underground mall. It was pretty amazing. We headed back to Thailand. Southern Thailand, where the beaches were. We stayed in a small hut like accommodation. Right on the beach. The views of the water were amazing. (travel tip: DO NOT stay at an elegant hotel and THEN a hut). After we got over the shock of our accommodations in Thailand, it really wasn't that bad. It wasn't anything special. But it was cheap and worked for what we wanted. Thailand was amazing too. We relaxed on the beach, had Thai massages, had awesome mango sticky rice, life was good. We ventured out to the downtown area with the shops and restaurants. We also did a boat tour where we saw some of the Thai islands. We swam with some fish and swam through a cave. Got a little sun burn but totally worth it. The last day before flying out from the island we went to an elephant sanctuary. An ethical one. No riding or chaining up the elephants. We got to feed and bathe a few of them. One kicked me, she obviously could sense my tension and anxiety. We had planned the tour before we went to the airport. So I was super anxious about missing our flight and what would happen, I only wish I would have enjoyed the elephants more. But regardless, still an amazing experience. Finally we flew back to Bangkok, where we would stay overnight before catching our flight back home. I must say that all the flying we did, only the way home was bad. Probably just because I was tired.
In 2019, I went to Belize. Not for vacation, but still did a little wandering around. And would love to go back and visit. It was a beautiful country and lots of friendly people. We were able to see some of the Mayan ruins. I love being able to see how the people of the past lived. I can barely live without my cell phone. Later in 2019, I took my daughter to the other side of our state for a little weekend girls get away. It was awesome. We had a good time. And she did pretty good for our 1st trip together.
Now, for 2020. We have so much lined up and planned. Next month, my daughter and I go to Toronto. We're taking the train, she will love it. I am excited to see. I have our train tickets book, our airbnb booked, and I have decided that we will do an airbnb photo walk experience where a local photographer will take some pictures of us at local hot spots. We haven't done professional mommy daughter photos, these will be the 1st. I am excited and nervous. I definitely want to lose weight before these pictures, but I know I can't wait around to live my life until I lose weight. And I want my daughter to have these memories of us together. Regardless my size. Because she loves me anyway.
Next up, momma's going to Nashville with some friends. No kids. A nice long Memorial day weekend. it will be amazing. I'm super excited, this just came up so I don't know all the details. But who cares. I just want to go and have fun!
Summer 2020 is going to be a hit. I've been looking at trips during my company holidays, so I don't have to use all my vacation time. And I really want to take my daughter out of the country. One of the places I was thinking was Costa Rica. I had been researching to see where it would be fun and safe for travel with me and just my 3 year old, when I came upon a opportunity to travel with other solo mothers and it just so happens they are traveling the weekend of 4th of July. It's like God is talking directly to me, this is so meant to be. So, her dad and I are going to the post office this weekend to get her a passport. I want to get her a cute passport cover. She is forever going to be my travel partner. I'm really excited to experience all these new things with her. And the idea of going with other solo mom's is really helping me to not be so anxious. It totally will be fun!
Later in 2020, a solo trip. Details are not all planned out. Somewhere amazing though. I'd love the beach, but I'm not opposed to sipping some coffee with a beautiful view of snowy mountains. Stay tuned. This is my year. My travel year. My year of greatness. I'm claiming it. I know God has it ready for me, he's just waiting on me to be ready. And I finally am!
Where have you been that's amazing? Tell me your stories. Tips for traveling alone or with a toddler welcome.