Jardin du Luxemburg
I found Max standing with his mom outside of the kids pay park in the Jardin du Luxemburg, while his younger brother, David, and younger sister, Sarah, were playing on the playground. He was traveling with his family and had just gotten to Paris the day before. Max had an infectious grin and could have chatted about travel all afternoon.
Do you like to travel? Why or why not?
Max, 13 yr. old : Yes. I really like ancient history, so I like going to places that I have read about. Seeing all of the magnificent buildings and experiencing the culture directly in front of me is amazing.
Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Why?
Max, 13 yr. old : Greece. (2 different places in Greece actually) The Temple of Poseidon, just outside of Athens is number 1. I love Greek mythology, so seeing the cliff where Theseus’ father threw himself into the Aegean Sea was amazing. My friends and I climbed to the bottom of the cliff and back up. And number 2 would be Delphi. It was great there.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go? Why?
Max, 13 yr. old : Right now, I’d like to go and pop my head into the Roman Coliseum. We are going soon and I can’t wait.
What is the perfect length of a family trip?
Max, 13 yr. old : 2 weeks. 3 weeks is too long. I’d want to go home already. 2 weeks is perfect, especially if you spend a week in one place and then travel to a new place for a week.
What do you always want to have with you when you are traveling?
Max, 13 yr. old : A book or my iPod (which recently got stolen, but that is a whole other story)
What kind of vacation is your favorite; ie. camping, hotel, house exchange, safari?
Max, 13 yr. old : A resort in the center of town that is convenient and close to everything, so my little brother and sister wont whine (as much) with walking or traveling from place to place.
What advice do you have for other kids that travel?
Max, 13 yr. old : Slow down. Don’t miss anything. Learn all you can about the place you are visiting. And try new food.
What advice do you have for parents who want to take their child traveling?
Max, 13 yr. old : Don’t try to see too much. Really learn about one place, instead of going from place to place and seeing too many things. It is too much to handle otherwise.
Who is your favorite person or people to travel with?
Max, 13 yr. old : My friends. We had such a great time in Greece. Especially if you stay at a place that has no rules and you get to have as much fun as you want.
What kinds of things do you learn when you travel?
Max, 13 yr. old : You learn about people’s culture, I’d say. Overall, I see their values compared to mine.
When you are older, do you think you will travel more with work or on vacation? What kind of job do you think you might enjoy?
Max, 13 yr. old : Why not both? My mom says I could be a writer or a poet, but I’d love to be an archaeologist and travel to see and study ancient ruins. That would be my dream job. So, I guess I would travel a lot for that.
What has traveling taught you?
Max, 13 yr. old : Never forget your charger. But on a serious note…Expect the unexpected.
