Valley-based boy mom and lifestyle contributor Nadine Bubeck (Mama B.) showcases a fabulous, family-friendly hot spot every month. This month, she’s taking a fresh spin on things, considering many of us aren’t leaving home.
While I usually write of unique family vacations, road trip-worthy getaways, and luxurious parent escapes, I thought it appropriate to honor our country’s current climate (AKA: quarantine).
The traveler inside of me is in denial, still holding onto my summer adventure plans with the hopes I don’t have to cancel, but deep down I know cancelling might be a harsh reality.
Regardless, I’m very grateful for this time at home with my family and making the most of it. In fact, I’m still trying to incorporate our love for travel… and here’s how.
Every week I have my kids spin the globe, close their eyes, and point to whatever place their finger lands on. We then take our randomly selected destination and learn about it… Google what it looks like, virtually explore important landmarks, and see if there are associated kid-friendly books/videos available on YouTube. It’s an educational experience and digital journey the whole family can enjoy.
- Exotic Mealtime
Yes, I know we’re all being careful about our food intake, refraining from dipping into our 
apocalyptic stash of canned goods, but if you can manage- incorporate travel into dinner. For example, dedicate Sunday dinners to taste-testing different cultures… make Mexican food, Mediterranean food, etc… and pair it with a festive dance party! Ole!
- Art
Have young kids and struggling to think of daily art projects? Yeah, me too. Research flags from around the world and have them try to draw them or pinpoint every state’s flower and make a springtime collage of all our country’s beautiful blossoms. There are so many ways to get creative from an artistic perspective while learning about different places.
- Make a bucket list…
…or list the places you’ve been and want to re-explore. Right now, so many people are seeing life in a new way- in a new perspective. There’s no better time to sit down with your family and pinpoint the top ten places you want to visit over the next ten years. Get your kids involved. Engage them… ask them why they want to visit their bucket list destinations of choice and ask them to draw a picture of what they’ll do there.
- Make a photo album of past vacations
You KNOW you have tons of photos in storage with no home… or plenty of iPhone pics that have yet to be printed. Well, now’s the time! Make picture books of your family’s favorite trips- it will allow you to “travel down memory lane,” while knocking off a to-do item you’ve been putting off.
Written by: Nadine Bubeck
Nadine Bubeck is a TV Personality, author, lifestyle blogger, and fashion designer, having founded Mama B. Designs: boutique apparel that benefits March of Dimes. The Valley-based parenting contributor is a blessed boy mom times three. (nadinebubeck.com)
