As I boarded the plane with my son Nick, it hit me—this was our first mother-and-son solo trip after the long pause the world took due to COVID-19.

Our destination? Sumba Island in Indonesia. Thanks to our friends Fran and Sion who invited us to join them on this memorable journey, our children couldn’t wait to spend the last days of summer together. 

Months of being grounded due to the pandemic had instilled in many of us, myself included, a deeper appreciation for travel. 

It’s not just about the destination anymore; it’s about reconnecting with the world, making up for the lost time, and embracing a renewed sense of adventure.

The invaluable gift of travel

The more you travel, the clearer it becomes: it’s never just a holiday. 

Every journey offers fresh perspectives. 

From bustling cities to tranquil islands like Sumba, travel helps us understand that beneath our diverse cultures and backgrounds, we share more similarities than differences. 

It reminds us of our collective human experience and the world’s expansive beauty.

Beyond that, traveling has always taught me to value moments over material possessions, a lesson I’m passionate about sharing with my community and clients.

Broadening Horizons for Kids

Traveling with children isn’t always easy, but the benefits far outweigh any challenges. 

I firmly believe that the world is the best classroom they can have. 

In Sumba, our kids witnessed a way of life vastly different from theirs, fostering empathy, curiosity, and a greater appreciation for what they have.

Watching our children interact in a new environment was incredibly rewarding. They absorbed, questioned, and marveled.  

Above all, they witnessed how differently other children are living. This isn’t always an easy thing to understand, especially as a young child, but it is important. Many of Sumba’s villages bear the brunt of poverty, and while the landscapes took our breath away, the local hardships tugged at our hearts.

Imparting life’s profound lessons to the next generation

We didn’t just want to be passive observers. Visiting these villages, serving lunch and sharing moments with the locals, we aimed to bridge gaps and give back in our small ways. 

Our children, seeing the disparities and the joy of giving firsthand, learned lessons no classroom could ever impart.

And as the days passed, our short time in Sumba became an unspoken lesson in ethical tourism. 

We chose to buy from local artisans, relishing the stories behind every craft. 

We stayed at the Nihi Sumba Resort that had ties to the community, ensuring our travel dollars made a direct positive impact.

 And every meal, every interaction, was an authentic slice of Sumbanese life.

How to engage in ethical travel: 

• Empower local artisans by shopping from them rather than opting for mass-produced souvenirs.
• Support the local economy by staying in locally-owned accommodations and enjoying local cuisines.
• Gaining authentic experiences through local tour guides who not only understand but also respect their homeland.

Even as visitors, we could feel the aspirations of Sumba. Organizations like The Sumba Foundation and The Sumba Hospitality Foundation are turning these aspirations into reality. As we enjoyed our time on the island, we made it our mission to support them and urge fellow travelers to do the same.

If you want to help Sumba, consider getting involved with these charities: 

    – The Samba Foundation 

    – The Sumba Hospitality Foundation

Traveling with consciousness

If Sumba is on your travel radar, remember it’s not just about the trip, but how you undertake it:

• Make thoughtful choices, from transport to souvenirs.
• Represent your culture with grace and respect.
• Treat every living being with kindness.
• Invest where it matters, be it time, money, or resources.
• Leave a place better than you found it, both ecologically and socially.

A call to action for future travelers

Traveling isn’t just a leisure activity; it’s an opportunity to give back, learn, and grow. 

Whether you’re exploring Sumba or another corner of the world, remember the impact of your journey goes beyond the photos you take.

It’s about the memories you create, the lessons you impart, and the positive change you bring about.

If this resonated with you, please share this post with your friends and family, so more people can be inspired by the beauty of mindful travel. 

For more tips on home organization, check out my other blog posts. And don’t forget to follow me on social media for updates and handy home organization hacks. 

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