Learning to Evolve

What happens when a type-A traveler tries to give up control? Lauren Matison takes the plunge on a family getaway to the action-packed Galápagos Islands.

- Lauren Matison

IT WAS A TYPICALLY warm April day at La Lobería beach in San Cristóbal, one of the 13 main Galápagos Islands. I was snorkeling behind a blue-barred parrotfish, hypnotized by the sound of it crunching on coral, when I felt a tug on my hand. I turned to find my seven-yearold son, Remy, pointing out a diamond stingray. A moment later, we both spotted a green sea turtle. Wowed but eager for more, Remy flapped his fins and we were off, chasing creatures he'd only ever seen in wildlife documentaries. The trip, I had to admit, was going swimmingly.

Remy has long been a big nature enthusiast, with an eye for animals and a heart for conservation. So my husband and I decided that, as a birthday present, we'd treat our son to a trip to the Galápagos.

I'm usually the type-A, take-thewheel planner of our family's trips, which have included many #vanlife adventures in our Ford Transit. But this time I decided to hand off the logistics to someone else: we booked an eight-day group tour with Intrepid Travel (similar trips from $2,732 per person), because of its kid-friendly itinerary. We also liked that Intrepid is certified as a B Corp and partners with the Galápagos Conservancy. Then there was the chance to meet other families-something we don't often get to do when we're traveling on our own.