THE LONGEST SUMMER | NEW CALENDAR, NEW ADVENTURES

Australia-Bound

The Smiths are seizing extra week to realize a longtime vacation dream
Fred Kelly
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer
Jun. 20, 2005

When Danny Smith heard about the new N.C. law delaying the start of school, he knew he had to splurge.

With his eldest son set to graduate from high school next year, this summer would likely mark the Smith family's last traditional vacation together, and Smith wanted to do something special.

So he cashed in a half-million frequent-flier miles and booked a 20-day vacation to Australia and New Zealand that he and his wife, Debbie, first promised each other nearly 20 years ago.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip," said Smith, 45, of Cornelius, who leaves for Australia with his wife and two kids in August. "The kids are growing up, and things are going to change when my (oldest) son goes to college.

"This is about creating memories. I just want to share an experience with them."

The trip wouldn't have happened without an assist from N.C. lawmakers.

They passed a bill last year that keeps school from starting before Aug. 25. For Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that means an extra week of vacation this year.

The extra time gave the Smiths enough of a window to take the trip of their dreams. Danny Smith said he doesn't know how much the trip will cost, but the frequent-flier miles he earned traveling on business will help.

Flying business class, air travel for four would have cost about $40,000.

The Smiths previously have traveled with their sons, Stanton, 17, and Dylan, 14, throughout Europe. They have visited Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam and a former Nazi concentration camp near Munich, Germany. Last year they snorkeled in the Caribbean.

But between the kids' baseball games and the family-owned ID badges business, there was less and less time for family vacations over the years.

When Danny Smith heard about the new law, he almost immediately started planning the trip. He booked plans for his family to go diving in the ocean, visit caves and hike in the mountains.

But this is his and his wife's third attempt to see Australia.

More than 17 years ago, a friend moved to Australia and the Smiths vowed to visit.

The plans were interrupted, though, when the friend became pregnant and later moved back to the United States. Later, plans were delayed again when Debbie Smith became pregnant with Stanton.

A rising senior at Hopewell High School, Stanton said he has heard his parents talk about visiting Australia for at least five years.

"It'll be one of the last things we will be able to do together, " he said. "It's special."