As a first time parent of a student in Boston Public Schools, I’ve been learning a lot - especially about “events” for kids. When I show up, I really have no idea what I’m going to experience, but often leave laughing and thrilled, knowing my son is surrounded by people who love him for the kid he is, and is becoming.

Most recently, his school hosted a Rainbow Parade for all of the Kindergarten classes. I showed up and the excitement of the “veteran” Kindergarten parents was contagious. I had no idea what was about to happen - but they did!

So an important bit of information is that each of the Kindergarten classes at my son’s school has a colorful animal mascot. There are Red Ladybugs, Silver Sharks, Green Dragons, Orange Tigers, etc.; and my son’s classroom is - the Yellow Bees! Go Yellow Bees!

The parade entails each classroom walking through the historic streets of Boston in tie-dyed shirts, waving handmade flags, signs and crafts, while teachers play music on speakers and students from the older grades and parents cheer as the kids parade by. Add in a few baffled tourists and by all accounts - this was cute!

But, I’ll be honest, my former Republican political operative self was wondering - what is this for? Did the kids just accomplish something? Like do they know all of their colors now? What’s the purpose of this?

As the kids gathered around a fountain to sing their “color of the rainbow” song, the principal shared that this is a celebration of each kid for who they are - that everyone is unique and special, just like the colors of the rainbow (Happy Pride Month, everyone!) and this celebration of each kid’s specialness is the reason for the parade.

This was not only heart-warming, but it spoke to my excessively over-achieving self. Thanks, Kindergarteners, for reminding me that I need to be better at celebrating things for their intrinsic worth and not be so focused on accomplishments.

Little did I realize that showing up to this parade for children, would get me thinking about one of my favorite things to ponder - the purpose of travel.

In reading the host of available travel literature: blogs, memoirs, travelogues, magazines, Instagram posts, I often come away with insecurities - feelings that I’m not a “real” traveler, that I’m not nearly as “accomplished” as other travelers.

I go to these blogs, Instagram accounts, books, etc. for inspiration, but so often I leave demoralized with my own inadqueacies.

However, just like the rainbow parade taught me - life is so much more than celebrating milestones; it is about celebrating who I am intrinsically. This is true for travel as well.

So I want to take us on a Travel Parade!

Below are some of my favorite travel experiences that represent my colorful travel rainbow. They may not be seen as huge accomplishments by the travel industry, but for me, they are travel experiences that I love to celebrate!

Some are silly, some are random, some are rural, some are urban, some I’m with family and friends, other times I’m alone.

Yet, each of these experiences has a unique story behind them - just like each kid in my son’s class.

But a parade isn’t necessarily a time to learn the details - it’s a time to simply celebrate.

So as you are seeing my travel parade go by - I hope you are inspired to think of the experiences in your parade! What do you think should be celebrated? and please - send them my way or in the comment section! I’ll cheer loudly!