Kimberly McCreight is a published author who traded her legal career for the world of writing. Her novel, Reconstructing Amelia, has been compared to the bestseller Gone Girl. But beyond her writing, McCreight has a passion for travel, which she shares with her family.
A Baptism of Fire: My First Travel Lessons
McCreight’s childhood lacked travel experiences, a fact that fueled her adult desire to explore the world. Her first international adventure took her to Japan, a journey that she describes as a “baptism of fire.” This trip, during her college years, introduced her to the realities of travel, particularly the need for careful planning. Her climb up Mount Fuji, though exhilarating, was a stark reminder that guidebook recommendations can be misleading. She learned a valuable lesson: always double-check what you read before embarking on your trip.
Adventures in Europe and Beyond
After college, McCreight lived in London for a year with her husband, a time that further fueled her love of travel. Being in the UK, with its easy access to other countries, allowed her to explore France, Italy, and even Russia. However, she learned that some destinations, like St. Petersburg, can be expensive, so proper budgeting is crucial.
Family Travel: Embracing New Experiences
McCreight emphasizes the importance of exposing her daughters to diverse cultures. She believes that travel broadens horizons and helps children step outside their comfort zones. While her older daughter inherited her fear of flying, McCreight believes it’s worth it to push past those anxieties and embrace new experiences. She vividly recalls her honeymoon in South Africa, where the vastness of the landscape left her feeling insignificant, a humbling experience she can’t wait to repeat.
Balancing Budget with Adventure: Finding the Right Vacation
McCreight acknowledges the high cost of Disney vacations and suggests alternative family trips, like a visit to the South of France. While she recognizes the challenge of persuading her daughters to embrace travel, she’s proud of their willingness to try new foods and explore unfamiliar destinations.
From Skiing to Volcanoes: Embracing the Unexpected
McCreight’s travels have taken her from the slopes of Vail, Colorado, to the lush jungles of Costa Rica. She admits her skiing skills leave much to be desired, but she embraces the challenge and uses it as an opportunity to connect with her children. Her Costa Rica adventures, however, are filled with stories of her own backpacking experiences, reminding her that travel can be both exhilarating and daunting.
Learning from Mistakes: Planning for the Future
McCreight acknowledges that her travel experiences have been filled with both exhilarating moments and unexpected challenges. Her mistake of underestimating the difficulty of climbing the Chichen Itza pyramid is a lesson she learned the hard way. And her less-than-positive experience with a beach holiday in St. Thomas taught her that planning is crucial. As she looks to the future, she’s determined to embrace her love of adventure while learning from past mistakes. Her next big trip? A journey to either Macchu Picchu or Kilimanjaro, a testament to her adventurous spirit. This time, she’ll be sure to pack the right footwear!
