My daughter is in the army stationed in the Netherlands so she's the reason I will be going to Europe for the first time next month. There are few places on the planet I don't want to see, but I have to admit, I love Asia and someplace there would have been my preference. But I'm sure I'll like Europe too!

My inspiration came from two sources. My grandparents and a paraplegic relative who took an around the world trip over 30 years ago. I am still fascinated at how much they did with a handicapped person in that era. The other inspiration was my dh udring his military career. My first trip overseas was to visit him on a port stop. I have been hooked ever since!

Because my parents are also passionate about travelling I've travelled around the world all my life... the transition into choosing my own destinations came at around 16 onwards..

Some of the first trips I intitiated included

a trip to the Ukraine and back in a bus with 50 other people my age, organised by an ex-teacher who opened it up to kids from all around the country.

a girlie trip to Crete with two girl friends - chosen because it offered lively party resorts AND interesting sights to see too.

A 6 week trip to India with two girl friends mostly staying with family but also touring around a bit to see some sights.

A 2 week trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco with one of the cheaper bus tour operators, on my own but made many friends on the bus.

And then I went off to France to au-pair for a while.

Because I'd always travelled I guess there wasn't any immense pressure for a first trip with lots riding on it. Trips were chosen according to what I and companions fancied at the time and what came up too...

Frederick Kohner -- The Continental Kick; and Stendhal's Red & Black.

Oh yeah, and Bonjour Tristesse (Sagan).