Should travelers explore their home country first or travel abroad as often as they can?

My early memories of childhood holidays are climbing Snowdon in Wales, camping in the New Forest and swimming on beaches in Cornwall all in the UK, all an easy drive from home. All great experiences, and I’m sure they made me the person I am today. However, my son at age three has already eaten croissants and crepes in France, fed Kangaroos and Koalas in Australia, walked deserted black beaches and rain forests in New Zealand, viewed the rim of the grand canyon from a helicopter and seen monument valley. OK, he probably won’t remember all the fantastic experiences he has had, but you can guarantee that it can only have a positive effect on his personal development.

I was brought up to appreciate my home country holidays, however I always craved destinations beyond the UK, and by age ten I already had a dream and ambition about visiting New Zealand, eight years later this dream came true, and i truly caught the travel bug. When I met my husband he had never visited outside of Europe, I set to change his opinion of saying close to home as well.

Ten years later, and some of the destinations we have visited are Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Bangkok, Bali, Singapore, France, Norway, and the Canadian Rockies. We are now living in the USA for a few years.

We make a real effort to experience the culture and country as well as see the sights of any destination, and for this reason we will opt for Bed and Breakfast accommodation, get out of the car at more than just the standard tourist hot spots. We also believe in giving new adventures a try. Hang gliding in Queenstown, New Zealand, a 10 course gourmet dinner in a french chateau, and an elephant trek in Bali. I have also realized a lifelong ambition of galloping up a deserted beach on a horse whilst in New Zealand.

Don’t get me wrong, the UK has a lot to offer, and since moving to the USA I have craved off peak weekends in cosy cottage locations in Dartmoor and Devon and the simplicity that a week away in the UK offers. Also, with a toddler, traveling to more distant destinations can be a challenge. However, the excitement and experiences gained by traveling the world are unrivaled, and I would happily live out of a suitcase on the road for two weeks to experience the wonders of the world.