In this episode of the Rock Your Retirement Show, host Kathe Kline welcomes back long-term-guest Barbara, who shares the joy and anticipation surrounding her long-awaited family trip to Costa Rica. Barbara begins by recounting the origins of this planned vacation, which dates back to a time before the pandemic altered everyone’s lives. Initially, she envisioned the trip as a retirement gift to herself, funded by saved sick leave and vacation days, and planned to delight her grandchildren with the wonders of Costa Rica. However, multiple delays due to the pandemic and other life events kept pushing the trip further into the future.

Now, after years of postponement, Barbara details the finalized preparations for the trip and reflects on how things have changed since she first dreamed it up. Despite worrying that the trip might be an imposition on her busy children’s schedules, Barbara is reassured by their excitement and willingness to make her dream come true. She shares her intent to live in the moment during the trip, forgetting past disappointments and not worrying about her future health conditions, which adds depth and sentiment to the plans. Notably, Barbara has made sure that the trip includes activities that cater to each family member’s interests, ensuring the journey is not just her dream but a memorable experience for everyone.

Barbara emphasizes thoughtful planning for the trip to make it enjoyable and relaxing for her grandchildren. She booked a villa as a home base, avoiding the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. She took polls from her family to include their activity preferences, ensuring a diverse array of adventures. From night walks to spot green frogs, desired by her 8-year-old grandson, to adrenaline-filled activities like whitewater rafting and zip-lining for her son and husband, the trip offers something for everyone. Culinary experiences, unique excursions like canyoning, and even family photo sessions at sunset detail the thoroughness of her planning.

Throughout the discussion, Barbara shares valuable insights for listeners who might be inspired to plan multigenerational trips, highlighting the importance of collective input and balanced itineraries. The episode captures the essence of family bonding through shared experiences and the importance of practicing flexibility and appreciation, especially after navigating the challenges brought on by unexpected postponements. As Barbara prepares to embark on what promises to be a fulfilling and adventurous journey, she provides a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to bring dreams to life with the ones we love.

This show is sponsored by https://CertifiedMedicareAgents.com.