2 Girls. 1 World. A Whole Lot to See

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    Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way.

    Read more on the RoniNoone.com or contact me.

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GENERAL TRAVEL TOPICS

Giving the Gift of Travel

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20121226_TravelGift

The older I get the less I want, the more I do.

That seems to be the pattern emerging, for me anyway. I just don’t want “things” anymore. I want to do things. I want to see stuff. I want experience.

I also don’t like to give “things” as gifts. I still do, but I’m trying to be more conscious of making them meaningful. If I can get back every novelty, useless, bought out of tradition and obligation gift I have given my mom over the years, I’d do it in a heart beat.

Most of them meant nothing.

Of course there are a few items I’ve given that she values and values very much. Ornaments I made as a child. Photos I had framed for her wall. But really, think about it. How many other presents from events past are now forgotten?

This year I was blessed enough to give her something that could never be tossed aside. I decided to give her the gift of travel.

As you can see in the video above and the picture below, her reaction was priceless!

20121226_TravelGift1

Neither of us have traveled overseas before, so I decided on a guided tour.

20121226_TravelGift2

This is the overview we were looking at.

WISIA_WIN_MAP_WW_13

We leave January 12 for Rome and I’m still slightly in shock we’re going.

For as long as I could remember my mom has wanted to go to Italy.

20121226_TravelGift3

And I feel like the luckiest person in the world to make that dream come true for her.

20121226_TravelGift4

Click here to see our itinerary!

Update: See posts below for pictures of our trip…

 


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Discussion

There are 31 comments so far. Join in on the conversation.

    Erin

    December 29, 2012

    So sweet! That made me cry. Have fun! Reply

    Krista S.

    December 29, 2012

    I'm totally bawling! What a SWEET and THOUGHTFUL and MEMORABLE gift, Roni. I hope you and your mom have the time of your lives. ♥ Reply

    Jen R

    December 29, 2012

    You will have a blast! While I haven't been to Italy, I have been to Europe 3 times and it is amazing! Have fun! Reply

    Sally

    December 29, 2012

    That is an incredible gift! I totally just cried watching your video also lol. I hope you guys have an AMAZING trip! Reply

    Lori

    December 29, 2012

    I was just in Italy over the summer and I want to go back. You will love it! Reply

    Amilja

    December 29, 2012

    Oh I think you are a very special daughter! I hope you and your mom will love Italy. It is a bit cold there now but I am so sure it is less grouded and absolutely beautiful anyway. I went to North Italy (Venice, Milan, Verona) last July. Next July I will travell with my husband to Rome. We absolutely love Italy. Reply

    KIm

    December 29, 2012

    I can't wait to read all about it! Please share the tour company with us...(if you don't mind) Reply

      JenS

      January 1, 2013

      Will do! I'm planning a more detailed post! Reply

    Laurie

    December 29, 2012

    So excited for you guys! My family has plans to visit Italy in the next few yrs. Can't wait to hear about it! Could you share the tour company? I would also be interested. Reply

      Aimee

      January 1, 2013

      I will do a more detailed post on the trip details soon. Reply

    BigTickles

    December 29, 2012

    That was the best gift ever! I am sure you two will have a ball! Beats a crockpot or a candle any day! Reply

    Liz

    December 29, 2012

    I cried even before I saw the video. Wonderful wonderful gift for you both. I am looking forward to reading about it. Have an amazing time! And I couldn't agree with you more, there's nothing I need, but so much I want to do and see. I feel like I've done more in the last 6 years since my son was born than all 32 years before that and we aren't going to stop anytime soon. Happy New Year!! Reply

      Angela @ Honey, I Shrunk the Mom

      January 1, 2013

      ME TOO! So much life was discovered after I had kids! Reply

    HeyBeckyJ

    December 29, 2012

    Why did I start crying while just looking at the pictures? That was beautiful..simply beautiful. I think I should start giving the gift of travel; it is time to start expanding hoizons. Until then, I will live through your travels. Reply

    Sara, Food Blogger on a Diet / Ms. Adventures in Italy

    December 30, 2012

    SO AWESOME! Travelling with family gives you the absolute best memories - a far better present than any item you could give. You will have a BLAST in Europe and take lots of photos (I no longer buy souvenirs, I take pictures which are my souvenirs). Reply

    Kim

    December 30, 2012

    Oh, Roni! That made me CRY! And I don't even know you or your mom. ;) Such a sweet and generous gift. ♥ I hope you have a wonderful time! Reply

    Roni

    December 31, 2012

    My husband and I did a very similar itinerary when we went to Italy in June 2010. It was an amazing trip! Rome is one of my all time my favorite places that I've been. Enjoy your trip; it will be even better to be able to share that with your mom. Reply

    Roni

    December 31, 2012

    Definitely made me cry :) Going to have to hook up with you again about the itinerary to see if I can't pop in one day and hang out! If you have hotels and things send them my way! Reply

    Roni

    December 31, 2012

    That was so wonderful!!! What a great gift! Reply

    Lyn

    January 1, 2013

    Roni, This is the best thing you'll ever do. My mom and I planned to travel together, and I kept putting in off until I could afford it. She died suddenly last year and now we'll never have the chance. You will never regret this gift to your mom (and to yourself). I can't wait to see the pictures. Reply

    Gina

    January 2, 2013

    I hope you get every penny back from the Diet Bet, and then some! I'm crying too! Reply

    Thea @ It's Me Vs. Me

    January 2, 2013

    This? Was all kinds of awesome and such a great way to start my year. It totally made me cry! What an amazing gift! Reply

    Michelle

    January 2, 2013

    I love how you love your mom......it comes through in many of your post. I wish you the best time in Italy.....cannot wait to hear all about it! Michelle in Canada Reply

    Julie

    January 3, 2013

    Wow! That was truly amazing! I wish you guys the best on your travels and hope to one day be able to do something that great for my mom! Reply

    Italy Itinerary and Nervous Thoughts

    January 4, 2013

    I love this video! I saw it on Facebook already but it still chokes me up. This is so awesome for both of you! Reply

    Patty

    January 6, 2013

    Your post brought back so many memories! My mom had tickets to Italy, A lifetime dream also, before her cancer came back. She passed away before the trip. It's wonderful that you are focusing on this kind of gift for your mom. You won't ever regret doing/ having this time with your mom! Reply

    Wanda

    January 7, 2013

    Your thoughtful posts often make me cry but this video made me bawl! Enjoy every second! Reply

    Tina

    January 14, 2013

    That is just the SWEETEST thing ever. You are an amazing daughter and you're mom looks SO thrilled! Reply

    Jackie

    January 21, 2013

    I am watching this after the trip but wow brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful surprise... Reply

    Robyn

    July 15, 2013

    Roni, After reading this post earlier this year, I went to my husband and said, "I think we should go to Europe this summer." It's one of those things we've been talking about for years. But we always thought the time wasn't right or we didn't have enough money or a zillion other things. But I realized there was really no reason we couldn't -- or shouldn't -- do it right now. So after months of planning, we leave for London, Paris, and Cologne for 2 weeks on Friday. So thank you! You are ever an inspiration! Reply