• We hoped my son could see his favorite NBA team play during our trip to the US and Mexico.
• My son was devastated when we realized our trip didn't line up with the game schedule.
• So, we split from our group and spent $1,000 to get to a game. The moments we shared were priceless.

Last December, my wife and I took our 18-year-old twins and two of their friends on a graduation trip from Australia to the US and Mexico.

One of my sons, Thomas, plays competitive basketball and is a huge NBA fan. He was most looking forward to us spending a week in San Antonio, where he hoped to see a game with his beloved Spurs and favorite player, Victor Wembanyama.

To save on the high international flight costs, though, we booked our trip nine months in advance — well before the NBA schedule was released.

Unfortunately, the schedule was not kind to us. The Spurs weren't scheduled to play a single game at home during our nine-day stay in San Antonio.

Thomas was distraught. Living in Australia, he didn't know if he would get another chance to see them. I was also disappointed, as basketball has been a key bonding experience between us.

We made a costly decision to salvage his basketball dream

We faced a dilemma when we realized there was a Spurs home game the day before our planned arrival in Texas.

Our group was supposed to be in Mexico at that time, but should the six of us leave Puerto Vallarta a day early to see the game?

After a discussion, we decided that only Thomas and I would change flights and the other four would remain in Mexico. Thomas also checked with his best friend to make sure it was OK to leave him behind since he'd invited him on the trip.

Our flights were non-changeable and nonrefundable, so this change would be costly. We had to purchase new ones and chose flights leaving Mexico at 6 a.m., which cost almost $500 per person.

It was a considerable expense, and I asked my wife whether we could justify it. She said it would create a priceless memory and told me not to focus just on the cost.

I could tell we'd made the right choice when Thomas began wearing his Wembanyama jersey almost daily during the first leg of our trip in California — on hikes, tours, and whenever it was warm enough to go without a jacket.

The unexpected adventure created rare father-son memories

On the day of the game, Thomas and I left our hotel in Mexico at 3 a.m., tired but excited. I was worried about flight cancellations or missed transfers, but we arrived on schedule, giving us plenty of time before tipoff.

We got to the stadium early to explore the fan store and enjoy the atmosphere. The game was amazing, with the Spurs winning and Wembanyama performing well.

Cheering the win together was a highlight, and I'll always treasure the memory of discussing the game the next day over breakfast while waiting for the rest of our group to arrive.

Having identical twins, it's rare for me to spend time with just one son, making this an unusual experience. Sometimes, as a father, I feel haven't dedicated enough time to each individual son — they are almost always a duo.

So, I especially appreciated small moments of our adventure, like chatting on the airplane and sharing dinner at the stadium.

This one-on-one bonding opportunity may have cost $1,000, but it was the best investment of the trip. It created a rare father-son memory that we will remember long after the cost is forgotten.

• My twins have replaced our 15-year custody schedule with their own impromptu living arrangements.
• They float between homes based on convenience, not court-mandated agreements.
• Their unpredictable choices cause anxiety but confirm our co-parenting success.

For 15 years, a detailed custody spreadsheet governed my family life. Every second Sunday brought the familiar ritual of packing bags as my identical twin sons moved between their parents' homes.

When my ex-wife and I separated, our boys were just 3 years old. We immediately established a 50/50 arrangement that became the framework of our existence. Sports uniforms, textbooks, and gaming equipment made the regular journey between houses, though homework always seemed mysteriously "forgotten" during transitions.

My kids are not leaving for college

Unlike American parents whose children leave for college, Australian students typically live at home while attending college and often through their 20s. Now that my sons have turned 18, they've chosen to continue moving between homes — but on their terms. With the university just 15 minutes from both houses, they stay wherever works best.

Their choice of residence now comes down to practicality rather than a spreadsheet. Sometimes, they'll stay at my place for days because it suits their schedule. Other times, they'll disappear for a few weeks because they're busy with work or spending time with their girlfriends who live closer to their mom's house.

Sports practice, social events, and university timetables now determine their location — not a court-approved document. They might show up unannounced before a basketball game or decide to stay an extra night because they have a party nearby.

There's no formal handover, they just text me

Communication has completely changed. Now, schedule changes come directly from the boys — usually via last-minute texts. "We'll be home in 20 minutes with friends," reads a typical message, arriving just as I'm having dinner. While this direct communication is refreshing, it comes with its own challenges. Eighteen-year-old boys aren't exactly known for their planning skills.

The predictable holiday rotation we maintained for years has dissolved completely. Instead of the guaranteed alternate-year arrangements we used to have, we now compete with girlfriend dinners, sporting commitments, and university schedules.

Our fridge is either empty or overflowing

Even without a structured arrangement, I've tried to get some notice of their movements. But as they constantly remind me, they don't like to plan anything more than a day ahead. "Dad, we're not sitting with calendars thinking about where we'll sleep next Tuesday," my son explained recently.

This means their stepmom, and I have had to adapt to their impromptu visits, often necessitating a last-minute dash to the grocery store to ensure enough food for dinner.

These spontaneous visits often lead to our best family moments. Last week, they brought their girlfriends over for an impromptu barbecue that wouldn't have happened under our rigid custody schedule.

It's hard when I don't see them for days

The most significant change has been emotional. Some weeks, they practically live at my house, emptying the pantry and having friends over. Then suddenly, I might not see them for days. At first, I took these patterns personally, wondering if their mom was their favorite parent or if I had done something wrong. However, their choices usually have more to do with convenience and their social lives than any preference between parents.

After a week without seeing them, I catch myself inventing reasons to text — asking about a college class they mentioned or sending an update about our favorite football team. It's ridiculous, really. We spent years carefully tracking custody schedules, and now I'm scheming for a casual "How's it going?" just to make sure they haven't forgotten about their dad.

Choosing both homes feels like parenting success

Watching them choose to split their time between homes — even without the structure of a custody agreement — tells me we must be doing something right as parents.

They could have easily decided to live in one place full-time, as some of their friends have chosen to do. Instead, they navigate between two homes, two families, and their increasingly busy lives. At times, that means full houses and empty fridges; other times, it means quiet nights and last-minute texts.

It's been chaotic, unpredictable, and occasionally anxiety-inducing — but seeing them voluntarily maintain connections with both parents feels like the ultimate validation of our 15 years of structured co-parenting.

• In Chicago, our family enjoyed world-class entertainment that didn't drain our bank account.
• Our tickets to comedy shows at the famous Second City and NBA and NHL games were affordable.
• Chicago's free attractions, like the zoo, were worthwhile — not just time fillers to save costs.

Taking teenagers on vacation can be expensive, but Chicago flipped the script on our expectations.

With four 18-year-olds in tow, my wife and I headed from Australia to the Windy City this past winter.

Much to our delight, we discovered a major city that consistently delivered premium experiences without the premium price tag.

Here are some of the highlights.

We scored last-minute tickets to pro games without breaking the bank.

Attending live sporting events can destroy a vacation budget, but Chicago offered us a pleasant surprise. On our trip, we secured last-minute seats to NHL Blackhawks and NBA Bulls games for under $50 per ticket.

Despite being seated in the upper level, we had clear views of each game. The stadium's atmosphere felt electric, and the excitement was infectious during each visit.

Both teams delivered victories and treated crowd members to free hot dogs and cookies — making the wins even sweeter for our budget-conscious group.

It was amazing to witness comedy gold for only $39 a ticket.

The Second City is a legendary comedy institution in Chicago where many famous comedians and actors got their start.

Having performed improv in college and studied Second City's techniques, I knew its reputation well. However, I worried live comedy might bore the kids, who are more used to scrolling through minute-long jokes on TikTok.

However, for just $39 a ticket — less than nosebleed seats on Broadway — I was willing to take my chances. We ended up securing spots a few rows from the stage, and my concerns evaporated when the first sketch began.

A scene about an overenthusiastic dad constantly interrupting his teenager had them laughing so hard — they said it was a perfect parody of me!

Watching tomorrow's comedy stars perform where legends like Bill Murray and Tina Fey started their careers made the experience even more remarkable.

The kids even asked to see another show before we left Chicago.

The city's free activities were actually worth our time.

Chicago offers legitimate value with its free attractions, which isn't always the case in big cities.

Ice skating at the seasonal Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon only cost us skate rental fees, and we enjoyed gliding past an Instagram-worthy backdrop of the Chicago skyline.

The Chicago Fed Money Museum was also a fascinating free detour, complete with a souvenir bag of shredded currency worth $342 — sadly unusable but a unique memento.

Lincoln Park Zoo, unlike many zoos in major cities, charges no admission — and it's impressive, with 35 acres housing hundreds of animals.

Plus, the city's architectural treasures proved to be unexpectedly engaging.

Chicago is renowned for its architecture, and we didn't have to pay for tours to enjoy it.

Our phones were constantly out to capture marvels like the massive stained-glass Tiffany dome at the Chicago Cultural Center and the ornate building lobbies downtown.

Even the grand staircase at the Harold Washington Library became a photo spot.

Public transport made splitting up easy and affordable.

Although rideshare costs in major cities can quickly add up, Chicago's efficient public-transportation system kept our travel budget in check.

Our rental in Little Italy's proximity to an "L" train stop meant downtown attractions were just minutes away — and a $20 weekly transit pass became a key to the city for each of us.

We found the straightforward transit maps and schedules to be easy to follow, which gave the teenagers unprecedented independence and more chances for fun.

They confidently explored Michigan Avenue while my wife and I grabbed coffee. One morning, they enjoyed sleeping in while we started our day early.

This freedom to occasionally split up made the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Chicago shattered our assumptions about travel costs in big cities.

Before our trip, I was especially worried it'd be tricky to find after-dinner entertainment for 18-year-old Aussies who can drink legally at home but not in the US.

Instead, Chicago's nighttime energy created perfect shared experiences that didn't break the bank.

Whether cheering at a Bulls game or laughing together at Second City, everyone felt part of the city's vibrant evening scene — and my wife and I could enjoy a cocktail without making it the focal point.

I was so pleasantly surprised that a metropolis boasting world-class architecture, professional sports, and groundbreaking comedy delivered such experiences without inflating our credit-card statements.

Although visiting big cities always comes at a cost, Chicago's value meant we spent more time experiencing attractions and less worrying about expenses.

• I accumulated enough Qantas points for business-class seats on one of the world's longest flights.
• Me and my wife agreed our 17-hour trip from Dallas to Melbourne felt luxurious, not exhausting.
• We had a great experience with our pre-flight perks, in-flight service, and post-landing benefits.

My wife and I frequently tackle the 17-hour journey between Texas and Australia.

Our usual Qantas flight from Dallas to Melbourne is considered one of the longest in the world, and it can be pretty intense.

After years of flying it in economy, my wife and I recently accumulated enough Qantas air miles to experience the long-haul flight in business class, which would typically cost thousands of dollars a seat.

Here's what it was like.

The VIP treatment began before takeoff.

The dedicated business-class check-in and priority boarding meant our journey got off to a stress-free start. We didn't wait in any lines.

Once on the plane and seated, flight attendants welcomed us with bubbly and premium amenity kits containing basics like hand cream and a toothbrush.

We also received a form similar to a hotel's room-service card that allowed us to preorder breakfast. I checked boxes for my morning preferences and loved that I could confidently maximize precious sleep time without missing a meal.

My private pod felt more like a hotel room than an airplane seat.

My wife and I had the middle pair of seats in our row in business class, where two seats occupied the space of four economy spots.

Each pod featured a 16-inch HD screen loaded with hundreds of movies and TV shows, ample storage for essentials, USB charging ports, and enough space to store a small carry-on bag within arm's reach.

Plus, we each had a fully reclining seat that would later transform into a proper bed.

The dining experiences made me feel like I was in a restaurant.

The multicourse dinner rivaled meals I've had at high-end restaurants.

Dinner alone consisted of three courses, starting with a confit duck salad with tomato, dates, pomegranate, and caramelized walnuts. The main course was a seasoned beef fillet served with corn purée, green beans, and red wine jus.

As someone who usually avoids sweet desserts, I enjoyed finishing my meal with a curated cheese selection paired with red wine.

Throughout the flight, excellent service made me feel like a valued guest.

The food choices didn't stop with the main meals — business-class passengers had access to a dedicated self-service area with premium snacks, fresh fruit, and beverages throughout the flight.

Flight attendants also regularly walked through the cabin to offer us water and light refreshments, ensuring we stayed well-hydrated during the long journey.

I was able to sleep on the plane — and our business-class perks continued after we landed.

As it got later, I changed into my complimentary Qantas pajamas in the bathroom and returned to my pod to find it had been transformed into a comfortable sleeping space.

The crew had laid out a thick mattress pad, a duvet, and a large pillow. The seat-turned-bed was flat, and I had enough room to fully stretch out.

Curling up in a bed was way nicer than contorting into increasingly uncomfortable positions while trying to nap upright in economy.

For once, I was able to sleep on a plane with ease — and I did so for nine hours. When we landed, I felt refreshed rather than exhausted.

Our business-class perks also continued on the ground. We were among the first passengers off the plane, and having priority-tagged luggage meant we got our bags quickly.

We were in an Uber to our next destination within 30 minutes of landing.

This flight definitely felt worth the points.

By upgrading to business class, our 17-hour journey transformed from an exhausting ordeal into a luxurious experience.

Despite arriving in Melbourne at 5:30 a.m., I stayed awake all day and didn't experience the foggy head and zombie-like state I always feel after long-haul flights. I attribute this lack of jetlag to getting a full night's worth of rest on the plane.

Business class can feel out of reach for many travelers since one flight can cost thousands each way. However, trying to use frequent-flyer and credit-card points to upgrade can be a great value — especially on long-haul routes like this.

It'll be challenging to return to the economy cabin for my next trip, but I'm already saving points for our next business-class adventure.

• While hiking in Colombia, I ruined my passport by allowing it to get wet during a rainstorm.
• Years later, I made the same mistake at a rainy baseball game in Japan. This time, it was worse.
• After two close calls with immigration officials, I protect my travel documents in waterproof cases.

Despite visiting 109 countries, I've made the same rookie mistake twice with my most important travel document — my passport.

Both incidents nearly left me stranded abroad and taught me a lesson I'll now never forget.

My first passport disaster happened during a Colombian downpour

On a trip to Colombia, my group spent the night camping in the beautiful Tayrona National Park. To reach our accommodation, we hiked for two hours through a lush rainforest.

We carried small daypacks with our essentials, including travel documents. About a mile into our hike, a massive storm rolled in.

The relentless rain turned the trail into small streams while water dripped from the thick canopy above.

After trudging through the deluge for two hours, we finally reached our accommodation, soaked to the bone. Everything in my daypack — including my passport — was completely waterlogged.

Staying in a remote national park with limited facilities, we had few options for drying our stuff. I attempted to separate the pages carefully and let them air dry, but the damage was done.

Border crossing became an especially nerve-racking experience

When I left Colombia a week later, my passport was still in terrible condition. As I approached immigration, I felt a growing sense of dread because damaged passports can be rejected by border officials.

The official spent an uncomfortable amount of time scrutinizing my damaged passport, meticulously flicking through each page.

After what felt like an eternity, I explained my unfortunate hiking adventure. To my relief, his stern expression softened into a smile.

He stamped my passport, allowing me to board my flight home. Had this official denied my exit, I could've been stranded for days or weeks while securing emergency documentation from my embassy.

I'd gotten lucky. I promised myself I would never put my passport at risk again.

Incredibly, I repeated the same mistake in Japan

Several years later, my family and I attended a baseball game in Osaka, Japan.

Despite another sudden downpour, we chose to stay and experience the game from our uncovered seats. Completely immersed in the excitement, I forgot about my passport, which I'd carelessly kept in my back pocket.

As we jumped up and down, cheering with the crowd, my passport slowly absorbed water with every passing minute.

To make matters worse, this was a brand-new passport I'd received just two weeks before our trip.

This time, my passport's damage was more severe

Back at our hotel, I discovered my passport was in worse condition than the time in Colombia. The pages were completely stuck together, and the ink had started running.

I desperately tried drying it with a hairdryer, terrified I would also damage its microchip or barcode. Although it eventually dried, the main identification page remained noticeably smudged.

At immigration, the official had the same bemused expression as his Colombian counterpart. This time, he called over a colleague for a consultation in Japanese.

My heart sank as I watched them discuss my damaged document.

After a few tense minutes, they allowed me through but advised me to get a new passport upon returning home — which I did, at considerable expense and inconvenience.

After 2 lucky escapes, I've finally learned my lesson

Protecting your passport should be a top priority for any traveler, whether you've visited one country or 100.

Since these close calls, I've implemented a non-negotiable travel rule: My passport always stays in a protective waterproof cover.

Although I was fortunate to encounter understanding officials twice, a simple protective case would've saved me from the anxiety of those border crossings and the $250 replacement cost of my passport.

• I've been to 109 countries, but Dallas has surprised me more than any city I've ever visited.
• I thought the Texas city was just a business hub, but it was filled with incredible art.
• The food blew me away, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science was impressive.

I've explored 109 countries across six continents, but a recent trip to Dallas surprised me more than any international destination I've visited.

Despite going on dozens of trips to Texas, I'd always dismissed Dallas as a business hub and transit point.

However, when I visited in the fall, Dallas felt on par with iconic European cities like Paris or Berlin, thanks to its innovative restaurants, world-class museums, and wide range of local events.

As a bonus, I enjoyed all of it in sunshine-filled weather, which is ideal for exploring outdoors and lounging at rooftop bars.

Here's why I feel Dallas rivals many international cities in arts, food, and atmosphere.

Dallas has America's largest urban arts district

Art is not the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Dallas, but the Texas city is actually home to the largest urban arts district in the US.

The district consists of numerous galleries and exhibits spanning 68 acres in downtown Dallas, and I found so much to see and do there.

A highlight of my trip was a visit to the Sweet Tooth Hotel. Don't expect a place to sleep — once I arrived at the interactive exhibit, I was handed a key and told to explore.

Each room revealed a new interactive art installation that was an Instagrammer's dream. The experience ended at its bar, where my cocktail arrived in a miniature bathtub with tiny rubber ducks.

It was the kind of quirky experience I'd expect in even bigger cities like London or New York, not Dallas.

I also checked out Deep Ellum, where the neighborhood's street art rivals anything I've seen in my hometown, Melbourne, which is known as Australia's cultural capital.

I spent hours photographing the vibrant murals and popping into eclectic shops.

The city's Bishop Arts District was another pleasant surprise full of thrift stores, busy cafés, and a weekend market, where I found the perfect gifts for my family.

The city blew me away with one of the best museum experiences I've ever had

I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan of museums — having visited hundreds across 109 countries, they often blur together.

However, the city's Perot Museum of Nature and Science found a way to make museums exciting for me.

I loved attending its Thursdays on Tap, an after-hours event for adults over 21 that combines science with socializing and features live music, drinks, food trucks, and museum access.

The museum buzzed with energy as couples on dates, groups of friends, and even corporate teams explored the interactive exhibits.

While sipping a margarita and enjoying live music, I raced against a dinosaur in a virtual running exhibit (I lost) and created digital art with just hand movements.

It felt more like a night out than a museum visit — something I've rarely experienced, even in other large cities.

The food and drinks scene was even better than I expected

I found a lot of delicious meals and beverages while in Dallas.

One highlight was Mexican Sugar, a Latin-inspired restaurant with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. I especially enjoyed splurging on its private tequila-tasting experience.

The local barbecue scene also impressed me. I've spent a lot of time in Austin eating what I thought was the country's best barbecue — but Pecan Lodge in Dallas made me question if that was true.

I also enjoyed visiting speakeasies, cafés, and food trucks and didn't have a single bad meal during my week in the city.

• Our group of six traveled from Australia to the US for a family vacation in California.
• We let the kids pick Disneyland or Palm Springs. We were pleasantly surprised they chose the latter.
• We had so much fun in the desert destination, which proved more exciting than any theme park.

While planning our California family vacation from Australia, we asked our 18-year-old twins and their two friends one question: After visiting Los Angeles, should we go to Disneyland or Palm Springs?

Given their love of Marvel movies and thrill rides, we assumed the theme park would win instantly. However, they unanimously voted to visit Palm Springs.

We were speechless, and my wife was very excited. She'd always wanted to explore this desert oasis but had never imagined our teens would be the ones to make it happen.

After just two days, the whole family agreed Palm Springs was an excellent choice.

The desert vibes won us over immediately

After spending some time in bustling Los Angeles, we headed to the quiet streets of Palm Springs.

The teens were fascinated by the area's mid-century architecture, and the laid-back atmosphere was a welcome change from the busy city.

They loved tracking the town's famous statues of notable people when walking down Palm Canyon Drive. Although they knew who Marilyn Monroe was, they needed some history lessons about Lucille Ball and Sonny Bono.

Date shakes became part of our daily ritual

While there, we tried date shakes — one of Palm Springs' signature drinks — at Great Shakes.

The local dates create a rich, caramel-like sweetness that elevated each flavor combination we tried. Topped with its trademark mini doughnut, my peanut-butter date shake disappeared quicker than it should have.

Even my kid who usually avoids dates admitted his shake was surprisingly good.

The Aerial Tramway transformed our teenagers into mountain guides

One of the trip's highlights was riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating tram car.

The ride took us over 2 ½ miles to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the desert below.

Around this time is when we saw a different side of our children. Instead of dragging their feet or complaining about long walks, they eagerly led us on several trails.

We loved breathing in the sweet, vanilla-like scent of the Jeffrey pine trees and marveled at the vistas below. For once, their phones stayed mostly forgotten — the mountain views proved more compelling than their screens.

We had an unexpected bonding session at Joshua Tree National Park

Just an hour's drive from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park offered a striking contrast to the desert we'd just explored.

We spent a whole day hiking short trails no longer than an hour, weaving through twisted Joshua trees and scrambling over massive rock formations.

The lack of cell service in Joshua Tree meant we got to experience a rarity: prolonged, genuine conversation with our teenagers.

The highlight came when someone joked about the rocks making the perfect backdrop for album covers. Within minutes, our teens were directing their own photo shoot, striking dramatic poses worthy of '90s boy bands on sun-baked boulders.

These shots later made it to their social-media feeds — a clear sign the park had won them over.

We also got to maximize our downtime at the hotel

Even in December's cooler temperatures, our hotel's amenities kept everyone entertained.

Nightly pickleball matches turned increasingly competitive, with the teens trash-talking us between serves, while the heated pools provided perfect evening relaxation.

The teens, who typically retreat to their rooms after dinner, stayed out with us to plan the next day's adventures until the desert stars appeared.

We had a blast, and our teens have already asked to go back

Two days barely scratched the surface of what Palm Springs offers.

As we left, the teens were already listing what they wanted to do on a return visit: visit additional hiking trails, go rock climbing in Joshua Tree, and drink even more date shakes.

Although we never expected our kids to pick Palm Springs over Disneyland, we're so glad they did — and we all had a wonderful time.

• I took my twin sons and their chosen companions on a three-week trip across the US and Mexico.
• We used collaborative planning and a group chat to give teens ownership of the adventure.
• The experience taught me valuable lessons about traveling with teens.

Planning an international trip for six people is challenging; doing it with four teenagers requires extra preparation. When my twin sons graduated from high school in Australia, we celebrated with a three-week adventure across the US and Mexico.

Each son could bring a companion to make the trip even more special. Charlie chose his girlfriend, Jessie, while Thomas brought his best friend, Brad. As someone who's explored 109 countries, I thought I had everything figured out — but traveling with teens quickly proved to be its own unique adventure.

A group chat became our planning hub, overcoming generational differences

I created a group chat for our six travelers eight months before departure. The chat served multiple purposes: It built excitement, answered questions, and helped my wife and me connect with our younger travel companions. This was especially valuable for Brad, who had never traveled internationally before.

While I informed parents about essential details, I intentionally let the teens handle most of the communication with their families. This approach gave them ownership of the adventure and built their confidence in traveling.

The challenge became finding the right balance. We quickly learned to save the group chat for crucial updates — too many messages from us "boomers" were ignored.

Letting teens help plan created unexpected choices

Rather than presenting a pre-planned itinerary, I created a PowerPoint showcasing different destination options. I admit this approach sounds incredibly dorky, but it increased their enthusiasm. Their choices surprised me — they chose to explore Joshua Tree National Park over visiting Disneyland and a week in wintery Chicago over warmer destinations.

This collaborative planning transformed what could have felt like a parent-imposed trip into a true group adventure. Everyone gave input, and then the group voted on where to go.

The group showed remarkable flexibility for each other's interests

One of our biggest wins was how everyone embraced each other's interests. Brad and Thomas love basketball, so we all watched a Chicago Bulls game. Jessie wanted to go ice skating, so we made time for a special session at Chicago's Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon. The whole group embraced my wife's love for architecture with tours in Palm Springs and Chicago. No one complained about these individual activities; the group enthusiastically supported each other's interests.

We expected frequent requests for "parent-free" time, but the teens joined almost every activity. They only slept in occasionally while my wife and I grabbed coffee or split up briefly, like when we explored Chicago's Art Institute while they used their City Passes at other attractions.

We enjoyed alcoholic drinks together

Our time in Mexico created some of our most memorable moments. Since the legal drinking age is 18, we could share new experiences. We took turns choosing cocktails by the pool, tried different margarita flavors, and explored local bars. As parents, being included in these moments felt special, and we loved watching our kids and their friends transition into young adults.

These experiences were so enjoyable that we're planning a reunion next month to recreate some of our favorite Mexican cocktails and relive those memories.

Capturing memories became an essential part of the trip

Each evening, we gathered to share our daily highlights, which I wrote in my Notes app. This simple ritual became part of our routine, and on the last night, I compiled these moments into a summary for everyone. We also maintained a shared photo album that started with just my uploads but soon filled with everyone's snaps. It felt like the age difference became less noticeable as the trip progressed.

The trip worked because we found a balance between structure and freedom. The teens felt involved but not overwhelmed. Throughout the trip, they had privacy when needed but joined most activities.

Perhaps the most unexpected measure of success was that Brad and Jessie accepted my Instagram friend request, an unexpected victory in the world of teen social media.

• I'm Australian, but my wife is Texan, so we spend two months a year living in her home state.
• Some significant differences between the two places initially came as a culture shock.
• I'm surprised how big cars and portion sizes are in Texas — and how common gun stores feel.

Over the last 10 years, I've become accustomed to life in Texas.

I'm Australian, but my wife's Texan, so we spend two months a year living in her home state.

It's different from Australia in so many ways, and a number of things I'm used to now initially gave me culture shock.

Here are a few things about Texas that have surprised me most.

I thought "everything's bigger in Texas" was just a saying, but it definitely feels true.

It really does seem like everything's bigger in Texas. The portion sizes in the state tend to feel enormous, so I've had to learn to eat only about half of what comes on my plate.

Many of the stores are huge, too. My first trip to Texas-based gas station Buc-ee's blew my mind. It had clothes, barbecue, sandwiches, and aisles upon aisles of snacks. Who knew a gas station could essentially double as a shopping mall?

However, the size of the vehicles surprised me the most. "The bigger the vehicle, the better" seems to be the unofficial mantra of Texas.

On each visit, I see so many huge trucks on the roads. I was too scared to drive in Texas for several years — and now, when I borrow my mother-in-law's small Prius, I feel very inadequate.

Cowboy boots aren't just for ranch hands.

I've seen Texans wear cowboy boots both casually and at formal functions.

It took me two years and several strong suggestions from family before I caved and bought some. I've now got several pairs, including ones I wore at my wedding.

I still get a few puzzled looks when I wear them in Australia, though.

I thought I was used to sweltering summers, but the Texas heat is on another level.

In my hometown of Melbourne, summer temperatures rarely reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, the temperature sits at a far more comfortable level.

However, there doesn't seem to be any relief during Texas summers, where the temperature easily pushes past 90 or 100 degrees throughout June, July, and August.

The Texas humidity is also worse than what I'm used to. After spending too long outside, I'd feel so soaked in sweat that I'd have to change my T-shirt.

The availability of guns was a real shock, especially since they're quite restricted in Australia.

Seeing gun stores all over the state was a major shock. Texas is an open-carry state, and it amazed me to see people walk around malls and enter restaurants with guns.

Guns also seem to be a big part of the local culture. My Texan friends were surprised that not only did I not own a gun, but also I'd never even touched one before coming to Texas.

In Australia, guns are a lot more restricted, and I typically only see police officers carry them.

It seems common to choose driving over walking here, no matter how short the distance.

I'm an avid walker and try to avoid driving whenever possible.

When I've been in Texas, though, I've noticed it feels like the norm to just drive everywhere — even short distances. My in-laws would find it baffling when I'd go to the store or gym on foot, even if it was only a 10- or 15-minute walk.

Then again, I suppose the lack of public transport in some parts of the state and the blistering summer heat don't provide much incentive to ditch the car.

I wasn't prepared for how much Texans love their Tex-Mex food — it's almost a way of life.

When we go out for dinner here, there is often only one option: Tex-Mex, a regional cuisine that blends flavors and techniques from Mexico and Texas.

I love Tex-Mex, but having it just a few times a month is more than enough for me.

Meanwhile, I get the sense many Texans could happily eat it every day. Our trips to Texas involve a lot of chips and salsa and breakfast burritos.

I was surprised I wasn't able to buy liquor on a Sunday.

Texas is one of the few US states where you can't buy liquor on a Sunday.

A few years ago, New Year's Eve fell on a Sunday, and unaware of this law, I tried to buy supplies for a party. Unfortunately, I was unable to purchase any liquor — but at least New Year's Day was more enjoyable without a hangover.

Texas pride feels even stronger than national pride.

I've been all over the US, but no group seems as proud of their state as Texans.

On each visit, I see Texas flags flying all over and many cars donning state-pride stickers. The only thing some Texans love more than their state seems to be the college they attended in the state.

I didn't want to be left out, so I've since adopted the Longhorns as my college football team — hook 'em horns!

Despite these differences, many of the people I've met in Texas remind me of home.

Aside from the initial culture shocks, one thing that's made my time in Texas so great has been the people.

Many Texans and Aussies share common traits: They're friendly, hospitable, and always willing to lend a hand.

My "G'day mate" is almost always met with a "Howdy" and a big smile, only reinforcing some of the similarities between these two very different cultures.

• I watched my first NFL game from a field-level suite at AT&T Stadium and felt like a VIP.
• I got tasty game-day snacks, and the field-level view put me right next to the action.
• A field-level suite here can cost $5,000+ to rent per game but comes with up to 21 tickets.

There's nothing like watching a football game, but some seats are far better than others.

Recently, I was lucky enough to experience my first NFL game from a field-level suite at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Here's what it was like.

I felt like a VIP as soon as I got to the stadium.

I was invited to watch the game at field-level from a corporate suite, though the stadium's field-level suites usually cost $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the event. Each field-level suite comes with 21 stadium tickets and five parking passes.

Although it's certainly expensive, it's not as inaccessible as I'd expect for such a bucket-list experience, especially if you can split the price with a group.

I entered the stadium through a special VIP entrance and was escorted to our ground-level suite — an experience that made me feel like a celebrity right from the start.

The food spread was more game-day casual than corporate fancy, which made the experience better.

Food and drinks aren't included in the price of a field-level suite, but they can be purchased separately.

In this suite, I was pleasantly surprised to find classic game-day fare like tacos, jalapeńo poppers, pizza, and plenty of snacks and candy.

Although I'd expected to find fancier dishes, the casual menu perfectly matched the football-watching atmosphere.

Our suite also had a fully stocked fridge with everything from sodas to liquor, and I got a souvenir Cowboys cup I could refill throughout the day.

Being at field level gave me an incredible view that even celebrities would envy.

The suite had comfortable indoor seating and a screen playing the game, but the outdoor area was where the real magic happened.

The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders performed just yards away, making me feel like I was part of their famous routines. I was so close to the action that stray balls during warm-up could've landed in my drink.

Although I had access to additional regular seats on the first level, just rows from the sideline, I couldn't bring myself to leave the suite even for a quarter. The experience was simply too good to miss for even a moment.

Plus, the suite had a private bathroom — a small luxury that made the day even better by sparing me the hassle of waiting in long halftime lines.

The atmosphere at ground level felt unreal.

Watching the game from mere feet away heightened the intensity of every play.

With about 80,000 fans in attendance, the noise was incredible from my field-level vantage point. I could feel the crowd's energy in a way I'd never imagined.

During the game, I was also able to capture terrific photos, including some of a Detroit Lions touchdown, from the quarterback's setup to the celebration in the end zone.

Even a Cowboys loss couldn't dampen the VIP experience.

Although some nearby suites got rowdy as the day passed, my group stayed focused on the game. The Cowboys didn't perform well that day, but the entire experience was unforgettable.

After the game, one of the Lions players even came right up to our suite to celebrate and handed his game-worn jersey to a fan.

Overall, this upgrade was absolutely incredible.

The VIP treatment, incredible views, and proximity to the action have spoiled me for life.

In many ways, having seats yards away from the NFL action made watching the game feel like experiencing a private show.

While on the outdoor terrace, I even met a couple from Tennessee who had traveled for the game. They didn't support either team but treated themselves to one NFL game in a suite each year, paying up to $1,000 per ticket.

Maybe they're onto something. Having experienced a football game from this perspective, I worry that regular seats will never quite measure up.

And hey, if I choose a match with suites on the cheaper end ($5,000) and split the cost with 20 others, I may be able to watch the game at field level again someday for under $250.

• My twin sons graduated from high school and are choosing their college majors.
• One of my sons switched from wanting to study law to pursuing philosophy.
• Other parents told me it was a huge mistake, but my own college experience taught me otherwise.

My twin 18-year-old sons have just graduated from high school, and we've spent months navigating the college application process.

We live in Australia, and majors are chosen as part of the application process here, so there is a lot of pressure to make the right decision from the outset. They have attended college open days, and their school has run information sessions throughout the last few years to assist in decision-making.

While Thomas has been set on his choice for a long time, his twin, Charlie, has been more indecisive and unsure.

Charlie's journey started in a law firm but took an unexpected turn

In 10th grade, he interned at a friend's law practice and seemed destined for law school. His experience there was positive, and he spoke enthusiastically about pursuing a legal career.

We were shocked when, a few months ago, he told us he wanted to pursue a philosophy major instead. I was disappointed and very concerned that Charlie was limiting his future job opportunities, and we had many discussions asking him to reassess this choice.

My parents were particularly dismayed by this pivot and actively tried to dissuade him from making this choice.

My wife reminded me of my own college regrets

I had always wanted to be a writer, but my parents convinced me to enroll in an accounting and economics major as there were more opportunities in that industry. I hated those subjects and unsurprisingly failed — subsequently wasting a year of college.

Eventually, I switched to a marketing major, which I enjoyed, and my marks and experience improved accordingly.

Reflecting on that experience, I didn't want to push Charlie into a decision that would make him miserable at college, so we encouraged him to apply for whatever he was passionate about.

The reaction from other parents was swift and critical

Last month, at their high school graduation ceremony, I discussed Charlie's situation with other parents. While a few parents agreed with allowing Charlie to choose, most parents were shocked by our permissive approach.

We received lots of advice and were urged to ask Charlie to change his application. I was surprised at how worried other parents were. They were adamant that switching from law to another degree was a huge mistake.

It raised some doubts in my mind, but I knew we had to ignore them and stick with what we believed was best for Charlie.

Charlie is becoming nimble and adaptable

Reassured by the support of my wife and me, Charlie has switched majors — not to law but to sports management. I think he has visions of becoming Jerry Maguire.

When I updated other parents on this switch, they still said it was a mistake not to pursue law and that sports management is too niche of a field. I felt a little sorry for their children, who may be forced down a path they don't wish to undertake.

Reflecting on my own experience, I know what it's like to study a course you are not interested in.

Looking at Charlie's journey from law to philosophy to sports management might seem concerning to some parents. However, this exploration of different fields shows he's thinking about his future and aligning this with his interests.

The ability to adapt and pivot is increasingly valuable in today's workplace. Each of Charlie's shifts builds different skills that could serve him well in any future career.

My journey from failed accounting student to marketing professional to full-time writer proves that careers are adaptable. I spent 20 years in marketing before finally pursuing my passion for writing full-time.

What matters most isn't the major you choose at 18 but developing critical thinking skills, adaptability, and a passion for what you do.

Charlie has our full support, regardless of where his path leads

Whether he becomes a sports agent, a philosophy teacher, returns to law, or discovers an entirely different passion, supporting his choices now will lead to better outcomes than forcing him down a path he doesn't want to pursue.

We hope he is happy and loves his future job as much as I love mine now.