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Every time I broached the topic of going on an international trip with my mom, something would always come up: another commitment, bad timing, or a “let’s talk later.”
When I brought it up again last year, she finally said yes, but only if we kept it simple. She suggested we travel within India, where we live.
I hesitated. We’d gone on plenty of domestic trips with family, but there were still travel “firsts” she’d never had: her first international flight, her first passport stamp.
I remembered how exciting and empowering those firsts felt on my own first trip abroad, and I wanted to be there when she experienced them, too.
Still, she was nervous about navigating airports, immigration, and unfamiliar systems. I suggested Singapore as a compromise: At six hours, the flight was long enough to feel like a “real” trip without being too overwhelming.
It took a few weeks and a lot of convincing before she agreed. We booked our flights for a five-day trip and set off in August.
We did a lot of preparation to ease her anxieties, but she adjusted quicker than I expected
Poonam Binayak
To help my mom feel less nervous on the trip, we took our time packing our essentials and comforts from home. She brought her favorite Indian snacks, antibacterial wipes, tea bags, and printed copies of all documents.
Luckily, Singapore turned out to be a gentle first destination.
It felt organized and safe, and the public transit was surprisingly straightforward. I’d booked us into a centrally located hotel, which made it easy to explore at our own pace.
We landed in the afternoon, and that same evening we went to the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo.
I thought she’d be too tired to enjoy it, but she stayed awake and alert throughout the tram ride, pointing out animals with an excited “look over there!” each time she spotted movement in the dark.
By the end of the day, I realized her initial worries about traveling somewhere new were starting to fade.
She surprised me at every turn — in a good way
Poonam Binayak
On our second day, we went to Universal Studios on the island of Sentosa. I assumed my mom would sit out the rides, but instead, she joined me on two of them. She left the park smiling and even said she’d had fun.
The next day, we visited Madame Tussauds, where she surprised me by posing with a few figures. It struck me that I’d rarely, if ever, seen my mom jump into new experiences with this kind of enthusiasm.
Her favorite activity, though, was the “Wings of Time,” a fireworks and lights show on the beach. She told me that it was magical, and I agreed — for more reasons than one.
Right after the show, I realized I’d left behind my bag, which had our wallets and passports. I panicked and was about to run back in when she suddenly appeared with it in her hand.
“You brought me on this trip, but I’m the one looking after you,” she said. The moment reminded me that even though I was guiding my mom through her first international trip, she was still my anchor.
I was impressed by how willingly she pushed herself to walk and explore
Poonam Binayak
Back home, my mom usually avoids long walks, partly because of minor knee issues. I was surprised that she didn’t complain once during our Singapore trip, even when we spent hours walking through the Gardens by the Bay.
By day five, she didn’t want to leave. At Changi Airport, she looked at me and said, “It was too short. Next time, a little longer?”
I remembered how unsure she seemed before we left. Watching her push past those doubts and try something new made me feel proud and inspired at the same time.
Since then, my mom has mentioned visiting Sri Lanka, Dubai, and even Japan to see the cherry blossoms.
She didn’t become an eager traveler overnight, but she’s curious, open, and ready to explore. It’s more than I ever expected from one short trip — and I already can’t wait to see what the next one brings.
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