Unusual Travel Companions: Why I Travel With My Nephews' Toys! by Laura Elizabeth

Travel Notes
5 years ago

Unusual Travel Companions: Why I Travel With My Nephews' Toys!

My nephews and traveling are two of my favorite things, so you can imagine the excitement I felt when they started expressing an interest in my travel adventures. I always send them a postcard and take my time picking out the perfect souvenir to bring home for them. I hope as they get older it will be fun for them to look at all their mementos and postcards from all around the world, and give them an appreciation for different cultures.

Now that they are in school (Richard, 7, and Parker, 5), they have been learning about different states and countries. Whenever I see them, they love to ask me about my latest travels and if I have seen specific landmarks, and they love to see pictures of my trips.

This past May I was getting ready to go to Washington, D.C., and Parker was worried that I would be lonely on the plane, so he and Richard each gave me one of their toys to keep me company. During the flight I had an idea to take pictures of their toys in different places around D.C. Once I landed I put my plan into action; they got a kick out of seeing their toys in front of the White House and all the other monuments.

Now, every time I travel, I pack these two toys in my carry-on bag. My boyfriend and I have a lot fun being creative, finding the perfect photo op for the toys. I’ll admit, sometimes I feel a little silly taking pictures of toys at crowded tourist sites, but seeing my nephews’ faces light up when they see pictures of their toys at a historical landmark or in a foreign country, makes me so happy.

I look forward to the days when I am taking pictures of my nephews instead of their toys, but until then, their toys will travel!

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Donna John
What a cute idea! I did that years ago when I bought my grandson a stuffed bear in Vegas. He got his picture taken in the helicopter at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It was a fun gift to give him. Welcome to the tribe!!
Carly Cuttita
Such a great idea!! What a cool Aunt!
Laura Elizabeth
Thank you! My travel companions are growing, I need something of Lucas' too!!
Dan Cuttita
Great idea! What a great aunt you are!
Larissa Jeanne
They love seeing their toys all over the world and look forward to getting postcards!
Laura Elizabeth
I wish they had given me their toys sooner, they would have been well traveled by now! Now I need a toy from Lucas too!
Elisa Schmitz
Aw, I couldn't love this any more! What a wonderful way to foster connection between you and your nephews, and for them to get a sense of adventure by living vicariously through you (and their toys') travel! Awesome first post and I can't wait to read more from you, Laura Elizabeth . Welcome to our community of writers!
Laura Elizabeth
Thank you! I have to admit my boyfriend and I have a lot of fun being creative with taking these pictures.
Debbie Cuttita
Love that you are doing this. It is such a great way for the boys to learn about new places and hopefully develop a love for traveling just like their aunt!!!
Laura Elizabeth
Thank you! I cannot wait for the day that I get to travel with them! I love that they are interested in my travels and learning about other states and countries! And honestly I'm not sure who has more fun, the boys seeing their toys or Charlie & I finding fun places to take pictures of them!
Gary Phillips
What a inventive idea the boys feel like they are traveling too! I bet they look up where the exotic places are so they learn geograhy to boot!! Brilliant Aunt Laura!!
Laura Elizabeth
yes they like to follow along on the map! :)

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