I Get It (Wanderlust) From My Mama
Today, April 7th is a very special yet sad day for me. It is my late Mother’s birthday. I know that she is watching over me with pride, laughter, and horror. I am trying my best not to get into too much trouble yet I did get my mischievous and adventurous spirit from her. She had wanderlust in her bones, loved to travel, and I definitely inherited that from her.
While we did not go all over the world, I have some incredible memories of travelling with my mother. As a child, we travelled to the Philippines during summer vacation and had stopovers in Tokyo and Hong Kong. We took road trips to California to visit family friends during high school. I can remember going to Chicago and Indiana with her sans Pops twice (once as a child and as an adult. There were also so many weekend trips to Seattle and Portland with my parents. Wanderlust set in early since I travelled with my parents as a child.
My mother always supported my desire to be far away even though she never wanted me to leave her side. She was my greatest supporter, my very best friend, and confidante. She always encouraged me and never stifled my crazy dreams. I can’t believe that it has been almost three years since we lost her. Not a day goes by where I don’t miss her and long to call her and share my stories with her.
Happy birthday, Mom! I miss and love you like crazy. My life is not the same without you.
The love of my life, my stunning mother:
Glamorous in HK – She had wanderlust too
She was so chic! In Hong Kong again
Mom in front of Buckingham Fountain in Chicago
Being wrapped up in my Mom’s love on the Oregon Coast when I was a teen
My Mom and I on the 80th floor of the Aon Building in Chicago
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HELPFUL GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS
- Flights: Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner or Momondo. I like these two booking sites because they both search all websites and airlines around the globe including budget airlines.
- Accommodations: I use Booking.com or Tripadvisor to find the best rates on hotels. Hotels.com offers a free night after booking 10 nights
- Get up to $40 off your first Air Bnb stay by using this code!
- Travel Insurance: Having gotten sick on my travels in the past, I never travel without being insured. You never know when something may happen. For my round the world trip and extended long-term travel, I use World Nomads. For other trips, I have used Roam Right and they cover activities like extreme sports.
