I would have to say my most memorable vacation was my first trip to Europe. My mother had recently inherited a small fortune from her parents and wanted to take me to Europe. She had talked about it since I was small, so I was quite hyped up about it. I had just turned 18 at the time and lived a fairly conservative lifestyle. I had gone on few trips but never left the country. Boy was I in for a surprise!

My mom’s friend had come along with us and brought her son who was around my age, which made this trip extra fun. Trent had long hair, wore aviator glasses, and had a pretty big ego about himself, but he was very good with the ladies which his relatively inexperienced new best friend was not.

We spent four days in Athens, which was really amazing to see how this ancient civilization was just basically in the middle of the modern city. We visited the Acropolis and many important museums and churches as well. I believe there is a picture of me standing on a mountain where John the Baptist stood holding a Bible. This was a powerful moment for me and although I wasn’t aware of it at the time, pushed me a little more towards becoming a history teacher.

Next was a cruise in the Mediterranean for six days I believe. We stopped at Mykonos and actually stayed there three days which was absolutely amazing for two American kids. Nude beaches, bars we could actually go to, I even managed to catch a few fish.

From there, we went to Crete and Rhoades. Crete and Rhoades are the home of two ancient civilizations and what is left of the Rhoades Colossus. I was especially impressed with the remains of the statue, it must of been quite a spectacle when it was still around. Rhoades still looked like it was the dwelling of a Medievil society because of the long stone walkways with stone buildings. It was essentially a huge fortress.

Last came Santorini, the beautiful home of a dormant volcano in the middle of the ocean. The last time this volcano erupted the center of the island collapsed into the sea, so all that is left is the rocky outcroppings where the small town of Santorini is located.

I met a wonderful Puerto Rican girl there named Danni Marie Panneli. We had quite the time and I was very sad to have to part ways.

All in all, it was a fantastic time and I really appreciate that time I got to spend with my mom during the two trips to Europe we took. I guess I have inherited my mother’s wanderlust because I have loved adventure and travel ever since.

The amazing thing is my son is going on a similar trip with my mom next week, lucky scallywag that he is. I hope it has the same impact on him as it had on me.

Just in case you want to check out some prices, these cruises are remarkably affordable right now

Prices on these cruises right now are excellent! Check out this deal from Holland America via Travelzoo for an 11 night-cruise in the Mediterranean – $744 for the least expensive cabin

If you looking a for something a little more upscale, Princess has a cruise starting at $1699 for a 10 day trip again via Travelzoo.

This link goes to Vacations to Go which has basically every cruise in the world listed. Some are up to 80 days! A lot of the cruises are discounted as they get closer to departure, I guess there is a good side of inflation. Check the deal below out (I am not making money off of this, I promise). I am copying and pasting because you have to give an email for vacations to go, and you may not be down with that at the moment. You only live once folks!

Thanks for reading my blog! It is much appreciated! Let me know if you found this informative, interesting or needing improvement!

Be sure to check out my post from yesterday if you have a moment on: The Pros and Cons of Being a Generalist

What is your most memorable vacation? (Copied and pasted from Vacationstogo.com)

FastDeal # 27599

15 nights departing July 23, 2023
Windstar ❘ Wind Surf

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Brochure Oceanview $23,596 Our Oceanview $4,099 You Save 83%

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Click for additional rates: SinglesEmail or Print this FastDealPrices include specialty restaurant dining and all non-alcoholic beverages.Promotions may not be combinable with all fares.Prices are in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change without notice by cruise lines until a deposit has been made, and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Prices include port charges but do not include airfare or (where applicable) airport or government taxes or fees. Prices and promotions are for new bookings only, in accordance with cruise line policies. Click any price to convert to other currencies.Covid-19 Requirements: Windstar no longer requires a vaccine or pre-cruise COVID-19 test for embarking guests unless required by one of the countries on the itinerary.

Date	Port	Arrive	Depart
Sunday, July 23	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy		5:00pm
Monday, July 24	Portoferraio, Elba, Italy	8:00am	6:00pm
Tuesday, July 25	Portofino, Italy	8:00am	10:00pm
Wednesday, July 26	Monte Carlo, Monaco	8:00am	11:59pm
Thursday, July 27	Cannes, France	7:00am	10:00pm
Friday, July 28	Sanary-Sur-Mer, France	8:00am	6:00pm
Saturday, July 29	Palamos, Spain	9:00am	6:00pm
Sunday, July 30	Barcelona, Spain	7:00am	5:00pm
Monday, July 31	Palma de Mallorca, Spain	8:00am	4:00pm
Tuesday, August 1	Cartagena, Spain	1:00pm	7:00pm
Wednesday, August 2	Almeria, Spain	8:00am	10:00pm
Thursday, August 3	Malaga, Spain	9:00am	11:59pm
Friday, August 4	Gibraltar, UK Territory	9:00am	6:00pm
Saturday, August 5	Cadiz, Spain	7:00am	11:59pm
Sunday, August 6	At Sea
Monday, August 7	Lisbon, Portugal	8:00am