I’m a mother of 4, from New York, living in Florida for the past 20 years. I work as an Early Childhood Specialist. I currently work as a contractor for the Federal Government partnering with Head Start bringing Training and Technical Assistance to the Region. I travel for work and have a unique opportunity that allows me to go to many new places, often with locals and experience Cultures all over the US.  As a teacher for my local school district for many years, and working as an Instructional Coach, I gained insight into many of our learning styles and need for hands on quality experiences. I LOVE what I do in my work. Early Childhood and Travel go together so well because when we provide our children (and adult selves) new experiences, we build connectors in their brain. I have a Master's degree in Education Leadership, Bachelor's in Early Childhood, and AS in Fine Art. I have been able to work in schools my own children attended and have been a part of their educations’. It is important to me to be my children’s biggest influence and teacher. I believe by giving access to the real world around us I can help them connect to natural motivation and curiosity to expand their own learning.

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I don't use the tern "single" as a status, but to emphasize if I can make all this happen on a teacher's salary with only one income for a long period of time, I think anyone can. Most parents genuinely want more quality time with their children. I am sharing what has worked for me.  I am not doing anything outside the realm of possibility I just hope to use my experiences to make it easier for other families. Planning can be tedious, not planning can be costly (on both the time and financial side of an adventure!)

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As a single mama, it is a challenge to enjoy my family at home. Busy? That's an understatement. There is always a sport to attend, practice to get to, house to clean, something to do…. the list never ends. I love this list, and yet I find we get the best quality family time by getting OUT! And enjoying the places around us. My budget is always limited. Our day trips are often planned and executed with a lot of thought infused. I have planned many itineraries and shared with friends and colleagues to help them save money while making great memories. And so this blog started to make sharing easier. As my kids get older it's harder to make the magic happen. What I do find is we enjoy each other's company, and we are a very different tribe, that all get one another.  

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While reading you will see my children mentioned pretty regularly. Westley is my oldest, now 31. Jasmyn is my daughter, 28 and a has her own daughters! Joshua is 23 and recently graduated from Florida Tech. Darrien is 21, attending Eastern Florida. They help me plan our trips often by making suggestions, and we survey what's next on our wish list. We collectively rate and review all of our travels. While family business often takes me (us) back and forth to New York, you'll see many travels and blogs for how to experience NY. We currently are on back log of trips waiting to be lived. Life has gotten busy!! I am a Grandma now! My sweet Nasali is four, and our newest Sarai is a toddler, I am revisiting many of our favorites introducing the best places to my girls!

 

When we rate places, it's after a full-blown family conversation. We travel well together as we've been doing this for many years now. We discuss bests and worsts and we are all generally on the same page with our rating scale, but I tell you this so you know how much thought goes into these pages. I appreciate how my kids humor my whims and wishes, by waking up early and keeping to a schedule. And they appreciate my being flexible when they request their own wishes. I am happy you are a part of the story and appreciate feedback. PLEASE share your adventures and experiences as your favorite family travels as well. I started a Facebook page, Adventure Abundance to make connecting easier. Please comment and feel free to share!