#TravelTuesday – Recreating Travel Memories At Home
From long weekends with family to trips of a lifetime, travel memories are forever part of our lives. Recreate those travel memories at home to make those experiences last forever.
People travel for a variety of reasons. From the annual family summer vacation to ultimate bucket list trips, the time away from the daily grind is filled with life long memories. But how do you keep those special moments alive? Recreating those travel memories at home can bring back those happy moments again and again.
Special Travel Memories, photo by Cristine Struble
Think of a favorite vacation. What made it special? Maybe it was the picture perfect honeymoon on a romantic beach. Maybe it was the annual summer getaway to the grandparents’ lake cottage. Maybe it was a trek to a natural wonder. All of these moments and millions of others have special meaning to the people who travel. Instead of gazing longingly at pictures, why not recreate a moment from that special trip.
Granted, some special moments cannot be recreated at home. It is unlikely you will have the opportunity to dive with a shark at home or climb to the top of a mountain in your back yard. But, some aspect of any trip can be recreated at home. From a special meal to a unique experience, find a travel moment that you can share with others in your life.
Special travel experiences turned into travel memories.
Previously, my family had the opportunity to travel to South Africa. It was definitely a once in a lifetime trip. From encountering the Big 5 on safari to diving with Great White Sharks, our family has memories, and photos, that will forever be special to us. But, friends and family don’t want to watch safari videos from Kwandwe Private Game Reserve for hours. How could I share one of our travel memories with them in an exciting way? I recreated a safari experience using a ladder stop.
Ladder Stop, photo by Cristine Struble
While on safari, the rangers created a ladder stop. While the sun set, snacks and beverages were set out in the field on a ladder. Long plank boards held plates of food and chilled beverages. Small lights were set intermittently on the ladder. The simple idea was quite picturesque in the safari backdrop.
This ladder stop has become a favorite idea of mine for parties. Granted, there are no wild animals in my backyard, but the ladder display is perfect for and outdoor party. Snacks, drinks and even serve ware has been placed on my ladder stop.
While my guests may just think this display is cute, the ladder stop reminds me of my trip of the lifetime. Every time I recreate this travel memory, I think fondly of the trip that meant so much to me.
Travel memories at home, photo by Cristine Struble
Think about your favorite vacation. Maybe you have a special serving bowl or the resort always used a particular flower. Incorporating these small details into a party, special event or even your daily life can keep travel memories alive.
Another great way to recreate travel memories at home is with food.
Often when our family travels, there is a favorite meal that stands out. Sometimes the meal is elaborate and other times it is super simple. Recreating a favorite travel meal can be as simple as asking the chef or restaurant for a recipe.
Favorite Travel Meal Memory, photo by Cristine Struble
During one trip, my kids became obsessed with make your own brownies at Grootboos Private Nature Reserve. After each meal, the chef would bring a plate to the table with all the ingredients to make a brownie. The kids could customize the brownie with extras like M&Ms or nuts too. After mixing the ingredients at the table, the kids went with the chef to the kitchen to cook the brownie. Even when tempted with other desserts, the kids would ask for the make your own brownies.
Recreating Travel Memory, photo by Cristine Struble
Before we left for home, I asked the chef for the recipe for the make your own brownies. The chef nicely wrote up the simple recipe. Now, when my kids want a special, yet simple treat, we make the same brownies that we had on vacation. Granted, we may not have a Le Creuset mug to serve the brownies, but we savor every bite. Who would have thought such a simple idea would bring long lasting memories?
Next: #TravelTuesday, Sip And Savor South Beach Inspired Cocktails
These examples of travel memories are special to my family. How might you recreate your favorite travel memories at home?