On the morning of my departure to Chile, I woke up feeling the normal jittery rush of anticipation and excitement that travel brings me. You would think that after all these years, I’d somehow get used to it but that same restless nervousness about going on an adventure far from home never seems to leave me. After a restless night’s sleep of tossing and turning, it was finally time to start the long haul to Santiago. The babysitter had arrived to help out with the kids and our family dog, the dinners were made and frozen in the freezer, and my bags were packed with everything I’d need for the next nine days. All I needed to do was get into the cab and I was off.
This trip marked the 13th trip I’d taken with my dad since I graduated college. Over the years, we have been to many special places together ranging from the Himalayas of Nepal, to the vast stretches of rugged earth of Iceland, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the bush of South Africa, the urban jungle of China, and the mountains of Argentina, Bolivia, France and Peru. Together we have experienced a lot of adventures, and in all of my travels, I have never ever met another father-daughter traveling duo before.
It took me some time to realize that it was unusual and not something you see every day. Mother and daughters traveling together is much more common and I too have been fortunate to have traveled with my mom. But a father and a daughter traveling together was something unique. Despite the occasional awkward stares of those who thought I was his much younger wife, traveling as a pair has started many conversations of curiosity among strangers and opened many unexpected doors. It is something I would never trade for anything and an experience I hope to continue with my own children down the road.
Sunrise over the Andes
Perhaps the most profound impact that father-daughter travel has had on me is that it has given me a deeper understanding of myself. Each and every trip we have taken together over the years have been like a patch of a quilt that has made me who I am today. I’ve learned about our shared family history and of the memories we’ve shared together and apart. About the times when my father was a child and when he met my mom, eloped to Europe in the 1960s and began a lifelong love of travel. I’ve learned to be curious, to take chances and to be adventurous. I’ve learned that the world is an amazing, spectacular place in which my thirst for exploring it will never be fully satiated. I’ve become a dreamer and a lifelong lover of travel. All of these gifts I credit to my dad and my mom too who also loves to travel (but perhaps not to as crazy as places as me!).
So as I began to share the highlights of my trip to Chile on the blog, I hope to instill a passion for exploring the world together with family. It is a magical experience that is bound to be unforgettable. It has been a wonderful gift and for that I am truly thankful.
At the Morado Hanging Glacier
Stay tuned…coming up next is a walking tour of Barrio Bellavista to see some of Santiago’s most vibrant street art!
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It is a wonderful gift to be able to travel with your dad! My dad and I have always had a special bond as well; I was the oldest, a tomboy, and was interested in all the same things my dad cared about, so we spent a lot of time together when I was growing up. I still travel with both parents on occasion, and I almost managed to drag just him along to Cape Town a few years ago, but I’ve never taken a long trip just with him! Lucky you – glad it was another a great trip for the two of you.
Oh thanks Lexi! Yes it was fantastic. We have had so much fun together and I’m so glad he is able to do all this. He is amazing! Hiking glaciers at 75. Hope I can be as fit as he is when I’m that age. 🙂 As he always says, age is just a number. 🙂 It is your attitude.
How fortunate you are to have traveled so much with your father — and to collect so many happy shared memories (and life lessons) with him along the way. Can’t wait to follow along on this journey with you!
Thank you so much! It has been incredible. We’ve had so many laughs and fun experiences.
Savor every memory. What an invaluable gift to both of you.
Thank you Sally. I agree, it is priceless.
RUT!
🙂
you both look happy and wonderful in that image!!!! so glad that the two of you continue your very-special trips!
Thanks Lisa! We had such an amazing time together! So special!
We always traveled as a family, but my dad and I shared many miles and hours of rides both in Nebraska and in Wyoming, so I know what you mean.
janet
Yes very special time together, right. 🙂
I’ve never travelled with my father – apart from family trips, but I think he instilled in me my sense of adventure and love of the wild. When I was young he took me to see talks by famous mountaineers and adventurers. In those days the talk was accompanied by a slide show. I still remember them over 40 years later!
Wow, wonderful! I am hoping as well to instill a love of adventure and curiosity in my own children. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
How fortunate you are to have had these intimate experiences with your father and how blessed for you both that he is once again experiencing good health that affords him the ability to continue these treks. I am looking forward to hearing more about your time in Chile. It is very timely for me personally as we are planning our adventure there in a few months.
Thanks LuAnn! Yes I feel so blessed and you will love Chile. It is a very special place!
What a blessing to be able to travel with your dad. I think what you two have must be really really special.
alison
Thanks Alison! Yes it is very special. I’ve traveled with my mom as well. Not as much as with my dad but we all have a wonderful relationship. I know it is priceless. 🙂
How wonderful that you can continue your adventures with your dad! Cherish them because time flies so quickly.
Yes it is so true. Even time with my own kids is flying. I just wish it would slow down!
I think a father – daughter duo is great! My daughters do a number of skiing and camping adventures with their father. I sometimes get invited, but I’m a little less adventurous. Plus I think it’s great they spend this time together.
Thanks so much! Yes I love spending this time with my dad. My mom and I also travel but she is not interested in hiking. It is so special. Good to hear your daughters spend time too with their father! Wonderful memories! Thanks for stopping by!