My mum, the ultimate adventuress

From a young age, she taught me all she could about our amazing world. I devoured stories about ancient Egypt and Rome and loved learning about adventure and intrigue in far-flung destinations.

​My mum’s one of the most pleasant, well-mannered people you could ever meet. If you didn’t take the time to look beyond the surface, past her warm-natured smile and the polite conversation, you might miss the fact that she has one of the most adventurous spirits I’ve ever encountered.
 
I know it probably both delights and terrifies her that she has passed a little bit of this down to me.
 
My mum’s travel stories are the stuff of legends. Her tales traverse the globe - from running off to Kenya solo at 15 (kids, don’t try this one at home!) to tackling ski slopes around the world, she’s jetsetted to an enviable list of destinations.

​From a young age, she taught me all she could about our amazing world. I devoured stories about ancient Egypt and Rome and loved learning about adventure and intrigue in far-flung destinations. The world was so big! There was always somewhere new and wonderful to discover. So it was no great surprise when, at the age of 15, I ventured off to Nepal on my first veritable adventure - but unlike her teenage escape to Kenya, I actually got her permission first and went with a group!

As the years have gone by, mum has also turned out to be one of my most treasured travel companions. Most recently, we explored parts of Alaska and Canada together, and it was so fun to have someone else get as excited as I do about dolphins, whales, bears, elk - and even the humble squirrel.

​Mum, thanks for saying ‘yes’ to spontaneous experiences. Thanks for teaching me the value of this beautiful world we live in. Thanks for exposing me to it from a young age as much as you could. Thanks for always being terrified when I leave to travel, but understanding of why I have to go.

And mum, as adventurous as I may be, I think you still take the crown.
 
Here’s to all the mums who educate and inspire their children in any way they can. We are grateful.

Author - Samantha Caughey

Samantha is a professional writer and marketer whose dream destinations include the Serengeti and the Sahara. She loves adventures just as much as a good nap. You can find her at https://samanthacaughey.com/about/