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It’s not easy keeping pace with this jet-setting family of four on their year-long trip around the world. Earlier in the summer, we introduced you to the Jenss family; Dad Rainer, Mom Carol, and boys Tyler (11) and Stefen (8). By our first post, they had already traveled the scenic coastline of Maine, eaten the “best pizza” in Chicago, and seen the roaming bison of the Badlands. Since then, the Jensses have made their way across the United States, exploring national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier, trekking around cities like Seattle and San Francisco, and learning how to surf on the islands of Hawaii. The family has finished their American tour, and is now in China exploring the Inner Mongolian Desert and enjoying delicious rice and dumplings in Beijing.

Both the parents and the kids keep a travel blog and post their thoughts regularly. Before they ventured across the Pacific, the family listed the best and the worst parts of their American road trip. While the parents complained about crowded trails and the lack of home-cooked meals, the boys affectionately wrote about tourist attractions and pizza. Therein lies the beauty of travel; you can stand next to someone and experience completely different things!

However, the entire family mentioned the wonderful diversity of the American landscape in their blogs. The boys talked about spectacular views and the unique qualities of each state, while Rainier acknowledged there might be some truth to the notion that America
has so much to see, there’s no need for foreign travel.

Clearly, the family isn’t about to take that last piece of advice, but their enthusiasm for traveling the country encourages us to rediscover our own backyards, and possibly our neighbor’s (just ask permission first).

We’ll keep you updated on the Jensse’s progress. Next stop: Japan.  And for the latest day-to-day action, visit National Geographic's Intelligent Travel and Global Bros blogs.

In the mean time, I’d love to hear how you and a friend or family member have experienced the same place in a different way. I look forward to hearing your travel stories – they’re the best kind!

Bethany for My Wonderful World

Images:
Jenss family astride camels in the Inner Mongolian Desert (China).
An artist captures the scenery in Glacier National Park (Montana, USA).

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