I didn’t travel much growing up. Not because my parents weren’t interested—they just didn’t have the means. Plus, I hear kids can be expensive, and they had three of them, plus two others from my father’s previous marriage.

About the only trips I remember taking were to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma, just three hours from our home in Dallas, Texas. My grandparents lived in a small town, but we always found something fun to do. No matter how often we visited, each trip felt like we’d traveled halfway across the world to get there—because three hours feels like forever when you’re little.

You could say I was a bit sheltered. Before moving to Colorado, I’d only ever been to two states—Texas and Oklahoma—and I’m pretty sure I was in high school before I ever made it across state lines into Utah.

But as soon as I grew up and moved out of my parents’ house, the travel bug bit me. As a young adult with limited income, my early trips were simple: Glenwood Springs for the hot springs or Denver for concerts and theater productions. A few years later, I took my first plane ride to Las Vegas, then Los Angeles, because my friends and I found cheap flights. And for $100 tickets, why wouldn’t we go?

I know many travelers who think the same way. Once you have the time, curiosity and a reason to go, it’s hard to say no.

So when I had the opportunity to travel to Japan this summer, I definitely wasn’t going to say no.

In a little over a month, I’ll visit the country for the first time. So when I read this month’s story about Friendship Force members from Japan visiting Colorado Springs, it gave me another reason to look forward to my own trip. For me, travel is about more than seeing a new place. It’s about tasting the food, learning the culture and customs, and discovering the common ground that often exists beneath our differences.

No matter what your summer plans are, if you and your grandkids are spending time outside, remember to wear and reapply plenty of sunscreen, and wear sunglasses and hats when possible.

Find more travel stories and tips at BeaconSeniorNews.com/csp-travel.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Several of you reached out after reading last month’s column about my moms, and your kind words meant a lot to me. This Father’s Day, I’m thinking of the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, father figures and men who give us strength, support, laughter and love. I’m also thinking of those who are missing someone they wish they could call, hug or thank just one more time. May we honor them by sharing their stories and jokes, carrying forward their lessons and showing the same love to others.