Adventures may be closer than you think...

Ya hopping on a plane to escape to a far away city or a mysterious country is great and all, but sometimes all it takes is a few hours in the car for an equally exciting adventure. Don't get me wrong, traveling to countries with unknown cultures and exploring different languages is something that everyone should experience, but what ever happened to the simple joys of a road trip? Pack some necessities, grab some snacks, burn a great CD and pile in the car...simple as that! Sometimes the best trips are the spontaneous ones. So I have a challenge for you. This summer, when you are complaining and bored with "nothing to do," grab a friend or two, pick a spot you've never been before, and indulge in a little weekend getaway. 

Take Note...

I never would have thought that a little book of scribbles and thoughts could mean so much and bring back so many great memories. When I took my very first trip to Europe my mom insisted that I write in a journal to record all of the days events. As a typical 12 year old, I thought no way I was going to waste my time writing! But as we we all know what mom says always goes, so I did it (very unwillingly). 

But as the trip went on I started to enjoy writing in my journal because it allowed me to really soak in all the things I saw and ate and heard all in that one little day. And now, years later I could not be more thankful for that little journal I thought I hated so much. In fact, every time I've left the country since that first trip to Europe I have continued to keep a detailed journal of my journey. I write down the activities I've done, the different foods I've tried, and all the things I saw. I also always take a little brochure or keep my ticket from each monument or landmark and stick in my journal too! 

Sure pictures are great, and boy do I take a lot of them, but a journal helps you see the pictures from a different point of view. Its a little insight of what you were thinking or feeling when you were exploring that new culture and adventuring all over a different country.

So remember, take a little journal to come away with you and devote a little time to it each day....I promise you won't regret it!