We're from Boston.

Sure we're off traveling the world and we have no idea where or when we'll settle down, but if you ask our kids where they're from, they'll always say Boston.  We lived there for 10 years, and we know the city well.

The folks at Knok.com asked if we would spotlight Boston as part of their 100 cities to home swap before you die.  I don't think the kids could handle turning down a chance to spread the word about the city they love.

This is a guest post by Nancy Harper who is shamelessly and justifiably promoting her new book:  Travellin’ Mama: A Parent’s Guide to Ditching the Routine, Seeing the World and Taking the Kids Along for the Ride.  Very Great Family Escapeish - I like it! 

Is it wrong to feign interest in Facebook, Twitter and all that jazz when one’s true purpose is simply to shamelessly peddle a few of one’s books?

Surely it’s better to own up.

Because after years of preaching the evils of Facebook, I have become a pathetic turncoat who really just wants everyone to do me a favour and go to my author page and “like” it so I can feel like Sally Field and be done with all this self-inflicted torture.

As the author of a book about long-haul travelling with kids, here’s what I’ve found to be true:

1)  That learning about social media in order to promote the book has been far more torturous than writing the book itself.

2)  Although I remain a technology-averse simpleton — a veritable stunned rabbit in the glare of the social-media headlights — I yearn for the day when a bunch of people will actually buy the book and then I can kick back and experience the following trajectory: Fame. Riches. Oprah. Afternoon chardonnay. Drug habit. Public meltdown. Shame. Rehab. Organic farming.

3)  That shameless self-promotion by social media does have unexpected merits, one of which is finding out I’m not alone in this insatiable thirst for family adventure.

Having discovered The Great Family Escape just a few weeks ago – inspiring, entertaining, and yes, social media-savvy — I now realize I’m just one of many, many parents looking for ways to take the kids on the road and stay out there as long as possible.

Last fall, a group of young travelers made their way around the United States on the Mama Bus.  I asked each of them to write a guest post for us about their most memorable moments.  This post is from 16-year old Jeremiah Wood.

The sun sent its first streaks of light early over the green mountains that surround my Uncle’s run down farm. My brother Jonathan, my Uncle and I ate a quickly ate our omelets made from Auntie’s fresh eggs, and then jumped in the truck and headed for the mountains. It was a two hour drive along dusty single lane roads, we were going to a logging site to see the machinery and learn about logging.

So let me ask you something.

Why is it important for kids to travel?  Why does it matter?  Does it matter?

Why is knowing about the world and becoming a global citizen a big deal?  Is it a big deal?

Obviously, we have decided as a family that teaching our kids to become global citizens is as important as math, science, and physical education.  Global citizenship is a school subject for us.  It permeates our education.  It is part of our lives on every level.

I believe in helping my children become global citizens via education, but why?  Why is it important?  What makes global learning good for kids?

I've got a little project for you worldly folk.  I could use your help and ideas.  I want to get a discussion rolling.  Your contributions and comments are greatly appreciated.

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My brain has been on overload a bit lately.   Too many things to discuss and think about.  So many questions.

Why don't Americans travel more?

Why do some people live longer than others?

What is the coolest hotel on the planet?

What if we could all just start over?

Interesting thoughts.

I'd love to hear what you think.

About a month ago I received an email from a young traveler who had recently found herself trading in her junior year of high school for a round-the-world education.  She had started a blog called Dear Lunch Table, and once I paid her blog a visit, I couldn't help but wonder how a 16 year-old goes from sitting behind a desk to traveling the world and blogging about it.  So I decided to ask KJ, and 4 other young people, to share some of their thoughts on traveling the world.

Enjoy!
 

Recently I read an article about a parent who had decided to publish a book about the challenges life brings after having children.

The essence of the book is simple:

I regret having kids.  I can't do the things I want in life anymore.  All they do is whine.  20 years of my life is lost.  Don't have children!

Now, I'd love to give you the title and author of this attention-seeking masterpiece, but I just can't do that.  Why promote nonsense?

Instead, I want to use this parent's silly agenda to set the record straight.

It's not your kids that are stopping you from doing the things you want in life - it's YOU!

For most, Boston is a tourist destination deeply rooted in history and tradition.  People come to stroll the old alleyways, learn of America's revolution, and take part in the amenities of a modern city.  But I've lived here for 10 years now and for me the city's draw extends way beyond Fanueil Hall and the Freedom Trail.  Boston offers some great outdoor opportunities for families as well as some excellent museums and parks, and many of them are FREE!  A family trip to Boston doesn't have to be all about Red Sox hats and lobster pins.  There is so much more to see here.

Did you know you can ski in Boston?  Or that you can camp for only $6 dollars on islands with spectacular city views?

Of course I love the museums and shops as well, but it is Boston's outdoor secrets that really make the city special for me.

This is part 6 of 8 in a series close-up looks at America through the eyes of its youth.  Today 11-year old Elisha Miller takes us to Fort Leonard Wood Army and Marine Base in Waynesville, Missouri.

One of my favourite parts of the trip was going to the Fort Leonard Wood Army & Marine base, in Waynesville Missouri. This was my first visit to an Army and Marine base in the USA.

Any limits in the world were created by us.

I'm not really sure why we sell ourselves short.  Fear and doubt I guess, but there sure are a lot of things we can be doing out there.

I didn't think too much about traveling years ago, but now it's my life.  I started reading and meeting others who were traveling the world, many with kids, and they're having a fabulous time.  Exploring ancient cultures, climbing the highest mountains, swimming with sharks!

Here are 15 wonderful family adventures from 15 traveling families.

Click On The Photos.  Meet The Families.  Steal Their Ideas. And Get Traveling!