You know, it hit me the other day. I've crossed over to the other side of my twenties, and something's changed. Those wild trips with friends? They're still fun, but these days, I'm itching to pack my bags with Mom and Dad instead - I absolutely love it!
Growing up, holidays weren't exactly a luxury, but they were... basic. A trip to the nearest hill station, staying at modest lodges. Or visiting relatives, where the biggest adventure was exploring a new neighborhood. Dad, the ever-dedicated government employee, and Mom, who gave up her career to raise me - they did their best with what we had.
Every spare rupee went into FDs, their dreams tucked away in those fixed deposits with my name on them. Fancy hotels or exotic locations? Those were things we saw on TV, not experienced firsthand.
Their hard work paid off. I landed in a good college, then scored a job that had me earning over a lakh straight out of the gate. When I wanted to switch careers or take risks, they never held me back. They let me fly, even when I'm sure their hearts were in their throats.
Now? Now it's my turn.
There's something deeply satisfying about booking that fancy hotel room for them, watching Dad's eyes widen at the view, or Mom cautiously testing the softness of the bed. Taking them to restaurants they'd never splurge on themselves - Mom still gasps at the prices, telling me off for wasting money, but I see the pride in her eyes.
I love watching them experience things for the first time. Dad figuring out the in-room coffee machine like it's a puzzle. Mom hesitantly trying new cuisines, then asking for seconds. The way they hold hands and gaze at a sunset, finally free from the worries that shadowed their younger years.
It's not always smooth sailing. Dad still insists on carrying all the luggage. Mom packs enough snacks to feed a small army. They tire faster than I remember, and sometimes the generation gap yawns wide. But those moments - watching them rediscover each other, seeing them relaxed and happy - they're priceless.
This is what money should be for. Not just accumulating stuff, but creating moments. Giving back to the people who gave up so much for us. It's about time they got to enjoy the fruits of their labor, to indulge in the little luxuries they always put off for my sake.
So yeah, traveling with parents? It's underrated. It's a chance to see the world through their eyes, to understand them as people, not just as "Mom and Dad". It's watching them blossom when the weight of responsibility lifts.
To anyone out there lucky enough to still have their parents around - take that trip. Book that nice hotel. Splurge on that fancy dinner. The memories you'll make? They're worth more than any investment you could ever make.
Because the truth is, our time with them is limited. Every year that passes, I'm more aware of the clock ticking. And nothing - no project, no promotion, no amount of money - is more important than carving out every possible moment to be with them, to show them the world beyond what they've shown me.
I want to fill their remaining years with as much joy and wonder as they filled my childhood. Because one day, these memories will be all I have left. And I want them to be spectacular - full of new experiences, shared laughter, and the spark in their eyes as they see the world anew through the life they worked so hard to give me.
Here's a picture from our trip to Mukteshwar, lit up a nice bonfire post dinner on a chilly November night - this Airbnb was possibly one of the best I've been to!
