One way to enhance a travel experience is to stay at an historic property. These distinct sites offer a glimpse into the region’s culture and history and set the tone for daily and evening adventures. Price points and room styles vary from location to location. My trips have included a sparse room at a former U.S. Army barracks to an opulent suite at a restored Asian palace. Each experience has demonstrated why it’s important to occasionally select an historic place as a place to stay. 

I had visited Prague in 1991 and been sent to fill an empty jug with beer from the best brewery in Prague. 

I stumbled through the streets, found the clock that hangs over the door, and filled the jug.  I enjoyed some of the best beer I had ever tasted. 

This trip, I was hoping to take my children to the same place if it still existed.

Every day, students show up to learn. Whether they’re five years old in a traditional classroom or fifteen in a home school setting - or anywhere in between - there's curiosity, intrigue, and interest somewhere inside them waiting to be entertained and engaged. Some show up craving the excitement of learning, while others are there without any excitement, unless that necessary hook can grab their attention. Long ago, one of my favorite quotes grabbed my attention and hasn’t let go since.

Have you heard of Buy Nothing Day? It's a day celebrated worldwide to protest consumerism. Here in the US, it's celebrated on Black Friday, probably the biggest shopping day of the year. Buy Nothing day started in 1992 in Vancouver - and now is celebrated by over 65 nations. There's even a hilarious Buy Nothing catalog of items you want for Christmas and already have.

It’s important to take your kids when you travel – not only are you exposing them to the world, but you’re teaching collaboration, patience, great food, different cultures, languages, history, and more. But it can be expensive to take everyone, while you’re traveling.