The importance of good travel companions

It's no surprise that I live for jet setting, but we all know there's much more to a memorable trip than hopping on a plane. That's just step #1. Then, countless things have to fall perfectly into place to produce a memorable trip. Now, perfectly does not mean ideal or expected, don't misunderstand me. Spontaneity and the unexpected can be exactly what makes a trip absolutely unforgettable. Other factors are the location, the length, the accommodations, food, history learned, people you meet, immersion in new cultures, and then most importantly, the person you share it all with!

I don't care where you've gone, if you're fighting with your travel partner the whole time, you'll hate it, if the person you're with is uninterested, well that's boring and they're weird, if you have nothing in common, you won't be able to decide on what to see or do, they may not know how to compromise or share, and that would make the trip very tense. It's great to travel with someone you have a wonderful connection with, someone with common interests, and someone you feel very comfortable with. These shared memories are what make a relationship with someone.

I've been lucky enough to go all over the world with my family, travel with many friends all throughout Europe, and also take friends to Argentina to see my family with me. There have been those friends that I can spend 24 hours a day with and friends with whom I had to compromise with or be okay doing our own thing throughout the trip. As a side note, splitting up while on vacations is totally fine and even recommended! Another important thing for me, anyone I date or plan to settle down with will have to pass the travel test fairly early on. If they have any chance at all, they have to love to explore, and we have to travel well together. Another test they have to pass, though not related to travel- the mom test. It might make me dorky, but anyone that plans to see me fairly regularly, as in more than 2 or 3 times, will have to know that my mom is my BFF so she has to like them. I think by admitting this, it goes to show how old I'm getting, but truly, mom DOES know best! Well, at least mine, she's one smart lady.

What do travel and mom's have to do with each other?  In honor of Mother's Day, I have decided to write this tribute to two of the most important things in my life. Travel, since that's the focus of most of my writing and I can't imagine my life without it; and then the person who has made travel not only possible, but worthwhile- my mom (sappy moment, awww). Aside from the obvious reasons like the fact that she created me, and paid for countless family vacations, etc. She's also my favorite travel companion. She is knowledgeable and skilled enough to be a travel agent when it comes to planning trips, and thankfully she's taught me well in that department. As any of my friends can tell you, if we're not together, we're on the phone numerous times a day, so there's never a lack of conversation when we take trips together. We tend to enjoy the same things and have similar personalities, and another thing that has come with me getting older is realizing just how alike we are. This is not a bad thing! Our distaste for sleep and affinity for caffeine mean that we are like energizer bunnies while on vacation and get to see and do as much as we possibly can. While traveling with friends is a blast, there's a level of comfort with a mom that there probably never will be with anyone else, so even if there are arguments, it's no biggie and all is forgotten by the next coffee break time.

So there you have it, my favorite travel companion is my mom! Here are some photos of good times we've had and hopefully a preview for more travels to come!

 Our travels started early on with many trips to her hometown of Buenos Aires, even though my short, chubby legs meant she had to carry me everywhere.

 I now appreciate our trips a little more, like our stops through Monaco.

Loving the architecture and art of Gaudi in Barcelona. 

That's not a Mom and me photo, that's my mom and dad, but how many parents would go to foam parties in France with their kids? This was way too much fun. 

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. Because chocolate goes well with coffee. 

We can appreciate snow but would both rather be at the beach! 

On our beloved beach vacation in Menton, France and doing one of our favorite things- outdoor art market!

I love looking back through these old pictures! I can't wait for the next vacation!! It's in the works so I'll surprise you guys with it next time. *hint: it's the opposite side of the world!*

I love you Mommy, Happy Mother's Day! 

<3 Gaby