The Waiting is the Hardest Part

I've got that old travelin' bug.

When Jaime and I travelled across Europe BC (read that, Before Children), we had an amazing time. Having kids, mind you, didn't stop us from travelling -- our daughter turned one on the flight to Hawaii -- but it most likely is the case for not going anywhere really significant again, other than marathon car rides up and down the east coast of the US and out to San Francisco (ok, I take that back).
Last year, I decided that I just had to go to England to do some research for a novel I am writing, so I worked it out with the family so I could go for a couple of weeks, solo. From the moment I had the "go ahead" I began to plan the trip like I never planned before. It almost became an obsession (planning like that usually isn't my nature), but it was fun and I was damn sure I wasn't going to waste any time while I was there.

Well, the trip I took last year was fantastic, and I will most likely write some travel experience posts about it and other trips here. But it certainly won't be the last trip we take. My wife has figured that we can swing a family trip this summer to Israel. She's amazing at making things happen. If it wasn't for her, I probably would not have backpacked 9 1/2 weeks across Europe. She used to live in Israel, I have family there, and we've talked about going--going with our kids. And now, we've already bought the tickets! (and to top it off, I will be returning to England for a layover of over 2 weeks to do some more research!)

The only problem is that we will go in about 6 months from now. That's a 6 month incubation period. That's 6 months of anticipation, delayed gratification, yearning, and just plain thinking about it.

I've already checked out books and videos from the library, dusted off the foam-core board with maps and papers that mark of things to do and days of the trip. I've even started researching places to stay within the Couchsurfing.org community. (btw, if you have not heard or checked out couchsurfing, it is a really cool way to meet and stay with people where ever you travel -- I HIGHLY recommend it!) See some references in earlier posts, too.

So, if any of you out there has travelled with your kids on a major trip and lived to tell, I'd be interested in hearing about your experiences -- good and bad.