Does your family accept that you travel?

Topic Type: Other

Does your family object to your travelling?

Wild Child
Post Count: 26

Msg: #1 50 weeks ago, January 4th 2009

Mine has given up on trying to change me (gads, at least I HOPE so). When I was right out of high school, it was, "you should meet a nice guy and settle down", or "women aren't supposed to be travelling around like that", or "it's not safe", etc. I tell my aunt (my father's sister) that I was adaopted, b/c I'm the only one in my family like this, and have loved travelling and moving since I was little. My brothers always hated moving. Mind you, I have a good job, one that is very portable, so it's not a matter of my not 'carrying my own weight' or anything. Just curious if anyone else has run into disagreement with their family, especially if they are female.

[Edited: 10:17 - WildChild ]

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14863

Msg: #2 50 weeks ago, January 5th 2009

Hello Wildchild

Mine has given up on trying to change me

Lucky you, that they have given up. I no longer see mine and one of the reasons is that they wanted to control every aspect of my life and I dont think they would ever give up. My parents that is. My current family (boyfriend and daughter) think my travelling is great.

I'm the only one in my family like this

I am too. :)

....if anyone else has run into disagreement with their family, especially if they are female.

When I was 19 and wanted to travel around Europe with my ex, my parents insisted that I would end up as a pregnant hippy whose macho Australian boyfriend has left holding the baby. After the trip there was no baby and not a single tie dyed item in my wardrobe.
He wasnt macho, but my parents think that all Australian men are macho.

Mel

[Edited: 15:49 - Mell ]

Snap Shot Stacey

Stacey Hatton
Post Count: 243

Msg: #3 50 weeks ago, January 7th 2009

I'm a 24 year old female who has been talking about working in Europe since I was 15. I'm finally making moves to go alone and I'm amazed that my family is being very relaxed about it. I thought my dad would go on about it being dangerous, but he backpacked Europe alone in the 1970's and seems to think things haven't changed much and I'll be fine. It's my mum that's a bit worried. I'm really fortunate that they haven't tried to lecture me... yet. I fully expect one closer to when I leave, but it's nice to know that they know they can't stop me going and that it means a LOT to me to get this out of my system (if that's possible).

Jo Trouble

Jo McCarthy
Post Count: 3141

Msg: #4 49 weeks ago, January 11th 2009

No objections from my family. Mind you, all my siblings have travelled a fair bit. Mum thinks I'm brave for going off on trips by myself, but I've been doing it since I was 18 so it doesn't seem a bit deal to me :-)

J A Thornley

jules goes wandering
Post Count: 1

Msg: #5 49 weeks ago, January 11th 2009

my own mother has always said i should travel, but then she did from the ages of 16-22 when i was born, the lady spent about 3 months in her native country, England, so i have always wanted to and been encouraged to travel, i will be leaving soon but not yet due to family probs, e.g my mum but hey you should go anyhows life is a laugh and you only live once.
there is nothing in the world worth worrying about,
for if you can change it then do, and
if you can not change it,
then why worry

have fun,
jules

Woz

Woz goes Eastbound!
Post Count: 22

Msg: #6 49 weeks ago, January 12th 2009

My own mother has also often said I should travel, yet now that I'm organizing myself she's telling me about all her reservations about it. Typical mom stuff though, nothing too unexpected! I think once I'm finally on the road she'll relax and be happy I did it.

Kari12

Kari Redmond
Post Count: 20

Msg: #7 49 weeks ago, January 12th 2009

My parents were fine with me traveling until it turned into living abroad. Like my vegetarianism at age 10, my folks thought this travel thing was a phase I was passing through, until I decided to move and teach in another country. When I moved to my second country I was a little worried about telling them, however this time they sort of expected it. Now they brag about me, mom says I am a beatnik and follows my blog religiously. They also like the oppertunity to come and visit me and have me as a personal tour guide!!

wisetalk

wisetalk85
Post Count: 11

Msg: #8 49 weeks ago, January 13th 2009

Actually most of my travellings were done when I was young. So naturally I travelled together with my parents. This was because my parents use to get holiday return tickets during the new year holidays. So we got the chance to visit several places. However I hope to travel on my own next time.

crescent

Jennifer L
Post Count: 12

Msg: #9 49 weeks ago, January 15th 2009

My parents have very big problems with me wanting to travel, however, they also know that they can't force me to not travel either. The problem is that they worry is all. Simply being protective parents.

amyuyma

Amy
Post Count: 32

Msg: #10 48 weeks ago, January 15th 2009

I come from the investment banking world and my parents had a huge problem with me quitting to travel for a year until they saw some changes in me... namely being just more in tune with what's happening around the world, being able to talk, debate about issues, a more open mind, picking up languages, having reliable friends and resources at all corners of the globe. I now have a different skill set from any of my old classmates still stuck in tall buildings, only knowledgeable about headlines which affect the markets and their paychecks. My parents see that it has done good for me and taught things past what an ivy league education ever could have.
Past "social responsibilities and norms," my parents do worry a bit, but after I was mugged at gunpoint in South Africa and wandered into the epicenter of an exploding war zone in the Congo, nothing surprises them anymore and they see I can handle myself. And like Kari12, my parents have also started bragging about my travels and you know you're fine when they start doing that.

Mell

Mell
Post Count: 14863

Msg: #11 48 weeks ago, January 16th 2009

," my parents do worry a bit, but after I was mugged at gunpoint in South Africa and wandered into the epicenter of an exploding war zone in the Congo,

I would like if my daugher travels when she grows up, but I hope she goes to places like Italy and Thailand.

But your adventures make great reading Amy, even if I feel sorry for your parents. ;)

PA Leslie

Pierre-Alexandre
Post Count: 879

Msg: #12 48 weeks ago, January 17th 2009

My loves on hit the road with me as often has they can.....and my parents, let say we are all very lucky. Over the last twelve months, we may have seen each other 10 times....in different corners of the world...

I know I'm fortunate, but when you can have the family, the love...and the travel...some will also say the health...what to ask more in life? Not much!

TheWanderingChef

Vagabond Kate
Post Count: 8

Msg: #13 47 weeks ago, January 28th 2009

For the most part, my parents accepted what my lifestyle was going to be a long time ago - they knew when I moved abroad straight out of high school that I wasn't going to stop any time soon. But my mom traveled when she was my age, and is very supportive - every Hanukkah and birthday I get packages with things I may need for my trips and guide books for places she thinks I'd like to go. My dad's pretty late to the traveling game, but he's currently half way through a 4 month Asia excursion, so he can't give me hell for wanting to do it myself!

My travel buddy for my next trip isn't so lucky, sadly - her dad won't get off her back about how she's "throwing her life away" by not going straight to grad school. Lucky for me and her, she doesn't listen to him! Would be hard though, not having a parent accept your lifestyle.

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