At a family celebration of my father’s 82^nd birthday, he revealed his plans for 2014, and many of them involved travel. Some destinations were expected, but some surprised all of us.

My dad had done a fair amount of traveling in his lifetime until my mom’s health started faltering and travel became impossible for many years. She passed away over two years ago, and little by little, my dad started taking small trips.

For 2014, his plans include driving trips to see relatives in Columbus, Ohio, and in Indianapolis, Ind. Next month, he will fly to Marco Island, Fla., to join my sisters and me for a week. He is also planning a week-long driving trip through Wisconsin to see the Milwaukee Brewers and a lot of minor league baseball.

His big plan is a trip to Alaska. He has always wanted to go to our 49^th state. He hasn’t decided between a flight and a cruise or a train trip. I assume we will help him track information on that for his decision, but it will be totally his decision. The man knows what he wants.

He also wants to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.  He is not certain this trip will happen in 2014. It might wait for next year.

It is too bad my parents could not travel more, but I am glad my dad is interested in traveling now. A lot of things changed since his last big trips. I look forward to him experiencing the new travel innovations, as well as hearing all of his stories upon his return.

I was a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to travel, but my dad is proving it is never too late.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor