I have decided to take a cruise vacation with my 13 year old daughter, Elizabeth.  At first I was having servious doubts about traveling alone with her.  Let’s face it, a 13 year old doesn’t want to hang out with their mom.     She’ll maybe have dinner with me but that’s about it.  She’ll be in the teenage hang outs.  Then I’ll be forced to be by myself, do things alone.  This can be a little intimidating. Like everyone else, I like staying in my comfort zone, Thank you very much!    Why is it so easy for the younger ones to make new friends or venture out on their own?  They love the adventure of it all.

Then I read an article in Cruise Magazine’s Port Hole. The article was entitled “Table for One” by Janet Groene.  The article is about how going on a cruise alone is an adventure in self discovery.  Getting to really enjoy you trip, learning and discovering your destinations without having to consult others, learning about yourself and the things you love about traveling.  I thought “maybe that’s just what I need”.  I can relax and enjoying just being alive.  Think of it as an adventure, not… (dum dum dum) I’m traveling alone.

Dinner each evening will be a great time to meet new and interesting people that are also on the cruise.  Should always sit next to someone new each night so you get to know different people.  You never know who you will have something in common.

I want to do alot of journaling and taking pictures of the destintions that we’ll be seeing.  Take in some shows alone…THAT is really stepping outside my comfort zone for sure.    I want to see what makes others love these destinations and discover what I love about the destinations.  Most of all I want to relax and enjoy being with my daughter, even if it is just at dinner, and come away with an even closer relationship.