Surprise: We Enjoyed Our Kids-Included Travel Tour

Maybe we were just lucky, but the companions we enjoyed most and who related to us best were the kids. With their parents and grandparents on our tour were youngsters from Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland. As an often impatient senior traveler, I've experienced unruly kids on cruises, flights, hotels, restaurants and elsewhere. However, on this trip, our new young friends must have been too busy enjoying the beautiful California coastline and other wonders to misbehave. Those bright kids related to old folks in such a respectful, loving way, that the experience made the journey very pleasant. Maybe it was because, unconsciously or not, they shared their observations and wonders with us. Next time you book a tour, consider one that includes young families, as well as the usual grumpy old folks like you and yours truly.