Niece Project 5.0 Travel Decisions
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“Have you decided?” I asked Lindsey with excitement and anticipation about where her big choice was going to be. However, this was niece number 5, I should’ve known the answer is never that easy. When I started this Niece Project journey in 2012, I thought the travel decisions on where they wanted to go would be easy for the girls; I had no real restrictions, the world was their oyster! I expected to have them choose places like Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and maybe even New York City.
Instead, I had hours of agonizing with them as they tried to narrow down the whole world into one place. Some of the girls were more decisive than others, Bethany always knew she wanted to go to Italy, Evie had it narrowed down to 3 countries, Megan knew she wanted to go to South America, and Allie knew more about where she didn’t want to go than were she did want to go. But there was no one that just came out and chose a decisive “I want to go to X”.
Check out this list of gifts for friends going traveling
These broad choices of countries were actually a blessing for me, as they had the effect of involving me more in the process. I realized that the ‘where’ is actually when the Niece Project journey begins for me – at the decision point of narrowing down an itinerary. I’ve been more actively involved in the travel decisions than I had expected – but in a good way.
“I want to go to Australia and New Zealand,” Lindsey said with excitement. I was happy that she had an answer, but at the same time I knew there were a few challenges with that answer; namely that it was a huge area that she was choosing! Australia is as big as the entire US, and New Zealand is further away from Australia than one would think; a big country on its own. And then there was the issue of seasons. I normally always took the nieces on their trips in the summer as that’s when they have the most free time and we don’t have to worry about school.
“That’s great, however, our summer is their winter,” I reminded her, “do you want to go in their winter?”
As we went through this conversation, we started to narrow things down; she wanted to go when it was warm there, which meant that we’d have to go in December and work around school and the Christmas holiday. This also meant that we would only have about 2 weeks of time, which wouldn’t be enough to do both countries, she’d have to choose one.
To find out where Lindsey chose to go for her big trip, read the entire story here
Disclosure:
We will be guests of Intrepid Travel on this Niece Project adventure. Check out their great family travel opportunities. Family doesn’t always have to mean the conventional family, it is also for aunts and uncles!
I’m also partnering Exofficio to provide us some comfy and innovative travel clothes, a brand I’ve been wearing and gushing about for years!
As always, all opinions expressed on the site are my own.
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I’m officially in three years with my niece project…meaning, I’m putting money into their account for savings until I can take them somewhere. I’ve recently bought them world travel coloring books to maybe start to get them excited about going. My sister-in-law talks to them about it and my older niece changes from Egypt to Hollywood to Disneyworld to Paris. So, we shall see. My other niece (who is autistic) will be more of a challenge and not sure that she gets it just yet at six.
But I’m super excited to see where they pick. I think when they get to be 12-13, I might sit them down and talk about choices and the world and country. I’m also looking at buying them journals at some point so that they can write down places they hear about as options.
I’m not sure you will have this blog in 10 years, but if so, I hope to submit a guest post.
I adore the range of Egypt to Hollywood! Congrats for already planning on it. It definitely takes prior planning and saving. Most people think that the ‘project’ starts when you get on the plane – but it doesn’t…it starts way before that…and the decision on where to go is a hard one. But I love it – it teaches them to dream a bit and I think that’s great for any kids! Good luck and yes – you can definitely guest post!! And if you ever want to do a post simply about how you are preparing financially and with your sister in law or your nieces years in advance – I think that would make a great story to share too!!
Good choice Lindsey! Your aunt is quite adventurous so you guys should have a blast 🙂
Yay! However I think ever year I get older these girls test my sense of adventure even more. I figure they are keeping me young!
In Bay of Islands, New Zealand walk to the Marsden Cross (a mini kiwi Camino de Santiago).
How long is the hike? Will def. look into it if we have time!! Thanks!
Sherry, I think that’s a great idea. I will look at writing something up for you. I put other money in than just for their birthdays and Christmas.
Super – when you have an idea or outline – just email me at info [at] Ottsworld.com!
Thank you for sharing for interesting post with us.great photos that you are sharing in this blog.Your blog contain amazing ideas about the travailing,thanks for your great article.
I’m looking forward to this, I love your Niece Project!
I love this idea so much! I can only hope that I have the means and parental approval when my nephew and niece are old enough! I’m already asking at what age they’ll be allowed to fly to visit me…I had a younger cousin who flew to Seattle on his own from Chicago at the age of 10 and we had so much fun!
Sherry you are definitely the cool aunt. New Zealand sounds like a great place to visit with your niece. I don’t plan on having kids and I’m not an aunt (maybe one day), but if I ever become an aunt I would love to do a niece/nephew project like this. Showing your nieces that travel is possible and there world is out there for them to explore and discover is a wonderful gift.
Loved learning about your niece project and sharing my own version with you…such a lovely coincidence and so much we have in common! I am still waiting for niece #2 to decide where she wants to go on her trip. And I look forward to seeing the places my nephews choose. I never thought to write about them but after seeing your blog I may just do that!!
HI SHERRY,
Thanks for the wonderful sharing your “Nice project 5.0 travel decisions”. After reading your informative post I have known that you are very experienced women about make a travel decision. Will you share about your next nice project travel decision? I really love it and return to read it. Thanks in again.
I’m doing something similar. Taking my nieces on a trip for their 13th bday. I ask them to provide me 5 options and then I pick one. We go someplace in the US. I took my f1st niece to DC last year. The 2nd is turning 13 next year. I need some ideas as she has no idea what / where she wants to go. She’s not into museums like her sister.
I think the hardest part for them is to make such a big decision…it’s really hard! All of my nieces had trouble with the decision process. Some more than others.