How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

When Was Your First Time?

in Travel on

I’m in the middle of preparing for something kind of exciting.  A little out of the ordinary?  I’m headed to Cancun Mexico with…. my Hubby, my daughters and oh SIX of their closest friends.  Yup. six.  We will be a party of 10.  Am I crazy?  Maybe.  I’m destined to go down in history as either the coolest Mom ever, or the one you read about on the news who made the dumbest move of all time.  All kidding aside; they are good kids and I’m looking forward to a week of laughter and sunshine.

All this planning and excitement did get me thinking back to the first time SassyHubby and I packed our bags and made our first trip to Mexico with just our brood.  That time, it was just a little different, and yet so much the same.  We were so much younger.  A family of four, our girls just 6 and 3 and we had no idea what we were getting into.  In the end, it was fabulous and worth fighting those butterflies and doubts rolling around in our heads.

We accepted an invitation to go and stay with my parents in Bucerias.  If you’ve not heard of Bucerias it’s worth a Google.  Bucerias is a charming little beach town of cobble stone streets and palm trees located a mere 20 minutes North of Puerto Vallarta.  More than 10 years ago it was a tiny little village.  The minute we arrived we were head over heels in love.  Enchanted.  Chickens crossed the street at regular intervals, children played with abandon on the beach, and the people were friendly.  There were many Canadians living there, calling it their home, living their.   And the proximity to the bustling Puerto Vallarta made it the perfect location if we wanted to take in a tour or do some major shopping.

We spent our days playing on the beach.  Splashing in the ocean.  Eating too much food.   Taking in the sites.  Exploring as a family and re-conecting in a way we never had before.  We were just outside our comfort zone and it was exactly where we were supposed to be.  It was the moment we realized our little family of four was ready to explore, the moment I knew I was raising travellers.  It was our first real adventure as a family and we’ve been travelling ever since.  I’m thankful for every trip, every cottage vacation, each Caribbean island we’ve had the honour of visiting, every little road trip, and that one big jaunt access the pond.  I’m grateful we’ve grown up travelling together and looking forward to our next big adventure.  I hope they just keep coming.

Do you remember the first trip your family took?  Where did you go….or where are you dreaming of heading to next?

    • Comments

    1. Wow sounds like a fun adventure! I’ve never been to Mexico but my daughter goes every year and loves it,maybe someday i will join her.

    2. I’ve never been to Mexico but I’ve been to other places like St.Lucia, the Dominican Republic, Aruba and Hawaii 3 times but it’s hard to find places that are totally wheelchair accessible and even though it’s 2017 it’s still really hard to find.

    4. I think it was maybe Disneyworld? Or was it Cuba….I’m not sure anymore. But either way, the warmth, the people, the fun cannot be forgotten

    5. I’m excited to be going to Mexico (Mayan Riviera) with my little family for the very first time next month. My kids are 3 years old and 9 months. I’m starting to think about the to-do’s before we go. Did you need any special vaccs/shots before going to Mexico for the first time? Thanks in advance!

      • You’re going to love the Mayan Riviera! I’d make a quick appt with your paediatrician just to discuss. You don’t NEED anything, but some Doctors may recommend you take along some pedalyte or oral hydration solution of some kind for your kiddos just “in case”. (my girl are now 15 and 18 and I still pack it! I’ve never needed it). Other than that, the usual. Don’t drink the water, everything in moderation, be a little cautious of the sun and have the best time ever!

    6. I don’t remember my first trip as a child, I was just under a year old, but I do know I took my first steps on an airplane somewhere between London and Toronto… I have been lucky to have travelled extensively as a child… The first trip I took with my boys (as a family) was to Peru; we packed the youngest into a baby pack and backpacked all over the country.

    7. I first went to Puerto Vallarta with my parents when I was 14, special time 🙂 You will be the coolest mom ever!

    8. This sounds perfect! I love the idea of bringing along GF for you girls. Not crazy at all I bet everyone will have a blast!

    9. Our first beach vacation with the girls will be this year (51 days and counting) to Punta Cana. They have traveled with us before but to DisneyWorld and the west coast (BC).

    10. Hmmm We’re in Toronto so our first trips as a family were to visit more family in PEI or BC. Our first BIG trip was to England – before he turned 2!

    12. Sounds like a fun adventure! I’m sure you’ll always look back with fondness on such an exciting trip!

    13. Sounds like a lot of fun! My first family trip was when I was 7 years old. The Children’s Wish Foundation granted me a wish and I chose to go to Disneyland in California and meet Mickey Mouse. Since I was a sponsor child, I also made a commercial with Howie Mandel. I also met several other celebrities while there. The Barenaked Ladies met us for coffee every morning, we chilled with Telly Savalas and I got his classic line, “Who loves ya baby?”. As a 7 year old I was thrilled he gave me a lollipop…amongst many other amazing memories in one special trip.