Wonderstruck
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE TEAM AT WONDER YEAR
Volume 9 • February 2024
Wonder Year News
We are off to a Wonder-ful Year already. Book sales are strong, and we’re getting out to share our message face-to-face at the Denver Travel and Adventure Show, author meet & greets at REIs in Texas, and even on our local CBS news. In short: we’re getting to meet travelers interested in learning about worldschooling!
We’re also looking forward to attending Women’s Travel Fest in Playa del Carmen, Mexico this month. We’ll share photos on social media along the way.
Be on the lookout for a fabulous giveaway partnership during the first week of February. There will be multiple winners of prizes from a bundle worth over $1300. You can find details on our social platforms and at this link.
Blog Roundup for January
This past month we published a blog to remember all the reasons we were excited to visit the Denver Travel and Adventure Show. It’s a great read if you’re thinking about visiting any of their other locations this year or next. We will also be speaking at their Bay Area show in March.
We also posted a Community Connector piece on Jak Boston of The Worldschool Coach. As a current worldschooling dad and an educator with many years of experience, he’s got so much to offer—from resources to individualized coaching—to the family travel space.
What else would you like to see from us? Feel free to drop us a line at the email below to suggest topics!
February Happenings Around the Globe
- Black History Month – In the United States, the month of February is recognized as Black History Month or African American History Month. The theme for 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. Celebrations around the country will recognize and celebrate the influence that African Americans have had in the “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of culture expression.” Check out this fascinating collection of resources to deepen your understanding and appreciation for the cultural contributions of African Americans.
- Mardi Gras – Mardi Gras is a festive, colorful, and indulgent prelude to the Christian observance of Lent. First celebrated in the US in 1699 near present-day New Orleans, today it is marked by opulent balls, riotous parades, clowns, beads, and feathers. This year Mardi Gras falls on February 13. Celebrated as Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, festival-goers party for five costumed days and nights in what many consider the “greatest show on Earth.”
- Berlinale – The Berlin International Film Festival attracts thousands of film lovers, filmmakers, distributors, and media from around the world. Known for intercultural exchange, critical thinking, and insightful commentary, The Berlinale showcases talent and innovation through over 200 films across genres. If you happen to be in Berlin between February 15-24, you may want to pick up a pass to this incredible festival.
- The Super Bowl – For lovers of American Football, February brings the Super Bowl, the final championship match between the top two American football teams. Super Bowl LVIII will be held on February 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event has become a celebratory time even for spectators who care less about the actual sport and more about the halftime entertainment and creative commercials that air throughout the hyped game.
- Chinese New Year – Chinese, or Lunar, New Year begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which in 2024 falls on February 10. This mid-winter celebration is marked by lights and lanterns, candles and fireworks with hopes of good luck for the new year. 2024 is the year of the wood dragon, also associated with the years 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976 and 1964. It’s said that people born in years of the dragon are courageous, enthusiastic, confident, intelligent, and natural leaders.
Nature’s Offerings
“The things most worth wanting are not available everywhere all the time.” —Alice Waters
- Leap Year – February 2024 is a Leap Year! So, what is a leap year anyway? Here’s an explanation from NASA Science: “It takes approximately 365.25 days for Earth to orbit the Sun—a solar year. We usually round the days in a calendar year to 365. We add one day to our calendar approximately every four years to make up for the missing partial day. That is a leap year.” We hope you enjoy the 29 days of February this year!
- Wildebeest Galore – It’s calving season in the Serengeti! Millions of wildebeest are having babies and it all happens in a 2-3 week period. Can you imagine what it’s like to witness this phenomenon? Wildlife biologists explain it as a tactic to give the best chance of survival for the wildebeest calves who will face hungry predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and jackals.
- Snow Moon – The February full moon is called the Snow Moon. The second full moon of the year, and the last of the winter season, the Snow Moon is a time for inquiry and transformation for many. Perhaps this glorious winter moon can be a time for you to prepare for a new season of discovery? You can enter your location at this link to know what time the full moon rises and sets.
- Signs of Spring – February in the prairie brings the first signs of spring, even while there may still be ice, snow, and freezing temperatures sprinkled throughout the shortest month. Cheerful crocuses pop up and delight with flowers of purple, blue, and white!
- Eagle Breeding Season – With more than 170 bald eagle nests and over 80 golden eagle nests in Colorado, February is a great time to get out and experience this majestic species. Eagles are at the peak of their breeding season and many state parks have programs to help visitors learn about, and appreciate, Colorado’s rebounding eagle population.
Links We’re Loving…
- @deliberatedetour – Deliberate Detour offers worldschooling hubs for traveling families that provide connection, exploration, and adventure. Their rich learning opportunities include culturally-immersive programming for ages 7-16. Check out this year’s offerings in Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala.
- Frommer’s Travel Podcast – You know the name, but have you listened to the podcast? Pauline Frommer–yes, of travel guidebook fame–hosts industry journalists, authors, and other insiders to discuss hot topics and “dive deep to explore the human instinct to wander.” New episodes are available several times per month on Apple and Spotify.
- @streamingourdream – We love this family’s creative living combo! Mark, Misti, and their two boys travel extensively and call an Airstream home while on the road. They’re also renovating an old firehouse where they’ll park the rig downstairs and live above it when visiting their hometown. #homeiswhereyouparkit, indeed.
- Sister Cities International – Sister Cities works to create global relationships based on cultural, educational, information, and trade exchanges. Their mutually beneficial programs foster citizen diplomacy and work to promote peace and understanding by connecting communities across the world. Does your hometown have a sister city?
- @travelfashiongirl – Check out this fun and informative account covering what to pack for a wide range of trips. Influencer Alex also features other female travel voices on her platforms and hosts the Women’s Travel Fest, which we’ll be attending this month. We’re using her tips to help pack for the journey!
We hope you found these updates and tips helpful! We wish you all the best in your worldschooling adventures, whether you’re planning your trip, are currently on the road, or have already returned and want to stay connected to the family travel community.
As always, we’d love your feedback. If you have any questions or comments about this newsletter, feel free to reach out to us at any of the emails below. Thank you!
Happy Trails,
Wonder Year Team
Annika: annika@wonderyear.com
Angela: angela@wonderyear.com
Julie: julie@wonderyear.com
