The world's largest stone Buddha is enticing and magical, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that I will never forget. Like many who visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, we drove the two hours from the city of Chengdu, China. It is a scenic drive through rural towns and fields, which our private guide enhanced with his knowledge of the surrounding countryside.

Did you think your travel days were over when you had kids? Think again. This guide – a complete guide to family travel – not only debunks that myth, but shows how family travel can inspire a whole new worldview – that of creativity, reflection, intercultural learning, and looking both near and far for life-changing experiences.

Healers, henna artists, snake charmers, storytellers, trained monkeys (some complete with diapers), and cross-dressing belly dancers clamor for my attention in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Tantalizing clouds of smoke rise from food stands, while Berber musicians play harmonic melodies to accompany our meal.

People around the world have local knowledge that can save their lives. As a Canadian and an American, I know how to deal with bears, wolves, skunks, and other animals. Don’t leave food out when camping, pick up trash, don’t wander around near their territory, don’t touch them or their cubs - and all the other little rules that you get taught as you grow up.