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| Photo: Courtesy of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts |
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Travel With Your Grandkids
The term "multigeneration family travel" is getting lots of attention in the tourism business right now. But this is one arena where Hispanics are ahead of the game. "We've always liked to travel with family, especially if the grandchildren are involved" says Kathy Keefe of the Travel Industry Association in Washington, as she notes that another big trend is upon us: "The interest in visiting historic destinations has definitely gone up, post September 11th," she says. With summer vacation time fast approaching, why not plan a trip with the grandkids that will teach them about their proud Hispanic heritage? If you choose sites that are fun as well as educational they'll never know about your hidden agenda! Gone are the days when abuelos were those sedentary, frail folks hosting the grandkids for a quiet Sunday visit. These days, more people are living longer, healthier, and more active lives than ever before. This increase in healthful longevity has occurred concurrently with the increase in the number of households with children under 18 in which both parents work. As a result of this coincidence of timing, today's grandparents often have the opportunity to build the sort of special relationship with grandchildren that helps a child to understand that the tapestry called "My Family" is woven on time's loom from threads of shared experience and memory. If you are a grandparent who has the health, interest, and means to travel with your grandchildren, you owe it to them, to yourself, and to your own parents to give the grandchildren that gift.
Whether you live under the same roof or across the country from your grandkids, taking a vacation with them is the perfect way to bond. Away from the distractions of everyday life, you and they can learn together how even generations that may ordinarily seem to have little in common can grow closer by sharing experiences that are out of the ordinary. Jennifer and Jessica Freeman of Aurora, Colorado, are two teenagers, ages 16 and 18. They have vacationed with their Mexican American grandparents a dozen times since they were toddlers. Together they have traveled across the United States, to Mexico, and to Europe. "It's great! We've gone places with my grandparents that my parents have never even been to. And, since my grandparents live out of state, they tend to spoil us when we travel with them," says Jennifer. The only downside of traveling with their grandparents thus far: "Sometimes we just want to sleep in, but our Nana is always on the run. She wants to make sure we don't miss anything, especially if it's educational, like an old cathedral or something. I guess it's because she is a retired teacher," notes Jessica. So, where are the best places to combine fun with a little history? Without question, there is no richer showcase of our Hispanic heritage than the Southwestern United States. California is a veritable treasure trove of historic sites, from the 21 missions along the historic El Camino Real, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma and all points in between. Spanish padres founded the state's first mission and fort in San Diego in 1769. Today, the grandkids will probably be more interested in a performance by the famous Shamu the Killer Whale or a swim with the dolphins at Sea World. Or, how about an African safari at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, or a wide range of water sports at Mission Bay Park. Just be sure to save some time for Old Town San Diego Historic State Park in the middle of the city. There you can explore what life was like for early Mexican villagers in the 1800s. In addition to five original adobes, there are shops, restaurants, and museums surrounding a quaint plaza. Combine the history of Old Town with the vibrant tourist trade of modern-day Mexico. Shopping and lunch in Tijuana are a short trolley ride away. |
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