BISCUITS & JAM

by ALEXANDRA BADITA

“Put down the zipper!” my Mom chided, as my friends and I laughed and complied, sealing the raindrops out of our cozy tent.

Our group of three families had arrived in Padina, in the Bucegi Mountains of Romania, just before a light summer rain. The adults had hurried to set up the tents and rushed all of the children, ages 9 to 12, inside, where we happily entertained ourselves with cards and games.

Over the following days the warm July sunshine came back out to play … and so did we. One day, we braved the mysterious Ialomicioara Cave— home to the storied Hall of Bears and the Grotto of Zamolxis, an ancient fi gure some say is immortal! Another day, we hiked through the dense forest to play on the shores of Bolboci Lake.

As our group walked amidst the fragrant spruce trees, I remember craving a snack. When we (fi nally) stopped, I took from my little backpack some biscuits and a tiny jar of plum jam. The combination of fl avors fueled me to walk for another hour without any complaints.

One aft ernoon, we hiked up to Babele Peak, with an elevation of over 7,218 feet (2,200 meters), and got soaked by another summer shower. But we didn’t care! The days always ended with all of us laughing together over a campfi re. Aft er dark, we crouched around the dancing fl ames slurping instant soups without spoons. Tummies full and warm, the adults were soon ready to go to sleep. But, for the 10-yearolds, the party was just getting started.

We competed to fi nd the longest sticks and roasted marshmallows together with some fruits. The

combination tasted so delicious and the smell was so intoxicating! It took a long time to get us children to go to bed. Not even the possibility of a bear being attracted by the scent of our sweet treats was enough to convince us.

This camping trip happened years ago, yet the memories are still so fresh in my mind, partly because of the pictures from back then, but mostly thanks to my journal. That’s where I rediscovered my memory of the biscuits and jam!

I started writing in my fi rst journal when I was eight. Over the years, I kept that notebook – and all the other ones that followed – as treasured childhood memories. Little did I know that, 20 years later, this habit would shape my mission in the world and I would be teaching kids and adults about the art of journaling.

Today it’s well known that, whether away or at home, children who keep journals are more inclined to be connected to their emotions and express empathy and compassion with others. Journaling helps kids become more mindful of their experiences. They drink in more of the delicious details and secret them away for future enjoyment.

In my case, the main motivator for keeping a travel journal as a child was the anticipation of retelling the stories. I wanted to remember every moment so that I could impress my friends with the coolest summer holiday stories when I got home.

Truth is, there are numerous benefi ts for children journaling on vacation. The act of recording memories boosts the imagination and helps them be more mindful of each moment.

Start by sharing favorite stories from your childhood vacations—the more juicy details the better! When your kids see and hear you cherishing your travel memories, the desire will grow in them to save memories of their own.

When parents keep journals and write frequently, kids notice. Children tend to model their parents’ behaviors. If kids see you journaling, they will want to replicate your actions in their own notebooks.

As your children record their travels, they don’t need to share them with you. This privacy will enhance their creativity and self-awareness. They’ll pay greater attention, write more freely, and learn to identify their own emotions.

VIDEO VIDÉO

INTERVIEW ENTREVUE

MUSIC MUSIQUE

RECIPE RECETTE

COCKTAIL COCKTAIL

BOOK LIVRE

HappyMe Turn good times into treasured memories. These award-winning journals for children (and adults) help travelers record memories in the moment, so they can re-live them over and over again.

Sometimes, parents just want to sneak away to an all-inclusive resort for a little adult time. And that’s okay. If we did want to do such a thing, we might opt for Greece’s chill, new AluaSoul Zakynthos. Because we’re worth it.

Trendy parents don’t care if they were too busy to plan a trip. Last-minute Delta Vacations to something-for-everyone resorts like Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic are all the rage.

Yup, surprise vacations are a thing—wherein spontaneous families fill out a questionnaire and learn where they’re going … when they get to the airport! No decisions, no planning. Just pack everybody up and take off. #noworries #gowiththeflow

Closer to home adventure loving families are riding west on organized tours of national parks and monuments that include breathtaking adventures like canyoneering, rock climbing, rappelling, and even pre-arranged tickets to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival!

For families without a day to spare, Holland America offers 1-day coastal cruises from Seattle to Vancouver for under $100. And, bonus, kids cruise free.