Quote of the Month
Life is uncharted Territory. It reveals its story one moment at a time. Leo Buscaglia
Mother’s Day Gift-Giving
Psst! I know the secret to gift-giving. It’s the fail safe option no matter the occasion - birthdays, graduations, sentimental Hallmark holidays…even the anniversary of the day you first ate at an Italian restaurant with your partner (not to be confused with the day you first ate Thai food with your partner!) I know the gift that any and everyone in your life will always appreciate. And it isn't flowers, candles or fancy dinners out. (Not that any of that isn't lovely too.) It is time.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, many will be searching for the perfect way to show their love. And I guarantee you that if you make time…for her, to honour her or to honour your feelings about her, you’re guaranteed to come out ahead.
How that time is spent may depend on where and how a mom factors into your life (given, chosen or lost). New moms might need time to themselves without having to worry about little ones. Moms in the middle may be wishing for time with the teens doing something that won’t erupt in arguments or snarky comments. And moms of older kids may be hoping for a visit where their phone stays in their pocket.
The gift of time works for Mother’s Day, but its genius is that it really works for any time you’re pondering gift-giving. My family gave up Christmas gift exchanges years ago. Instead? We gift time - together, doing the things we love, with the people we love. It hasn’t let me down yet.
And travel can factor into that gift-giving too.
What I love about travel - well, one of many things really - is that it doesn’t have to involve a huge financial cost. Yes, bucket list trips are the dream, but the act of leaving your house, gathering someone you love and exploring a place that is new to you - a block, a city or a country away - all counts equally. This year, whether for Mother’s Day or that Italian food-eating anniversary, why not scrap the expected, and show up with a gift of time instead.
Let me know how it goes!
This month’s travel highlights
I’ve been on the road a lot over the last few weeks and have been dutifully sharing the experiences on Instagram. The hope is that they offer you moments of joy during your scrolling. Pop over to @byheathergd for a glimpse of some of my most recent activities including a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, talking honeymoons on The Social on CTV and tips for sustainable travel in Hawaii.
Things to Share with your family this month…
Listen to Milwaukee Bucks basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo talk about what failure is not.
Introduce your kids to your childhood with author Judy Blume
Get sustainable fast using these simple climate change hacks
Prepare for your next trip to the U.S.A. The United States are ending vaccine requirements for foreign entry. Here’s what you need to know.
And here’s a story about a trip I did with my mom and oldest son, along with some pointers on how to make intergenerational trips work.
If you enjoyed this newsletter, don’t forget to share it on social media or forward it to a friend!
And we’d love to hear from you too. Message us on the social media platform of your choice and let us know what travel question we can answer for you!
Instagram: @byheathergd
Facebook: Heather Greenwood Davis
Twitter: @ByHeatherGD
TikTok: @byheathergd
LinkedIn: Heather Greenwood Davis
Website: www.heathergreenwooddavis.com
Blog: GlobetrottingMama