Alison Taylor on relationships: Experiencing firsts with people you care about makes travel special

Taking a trip is like holding a magnifying glass over your relationship

New York City with my parents got off to a great start when we almost missed the plane because I insisted on a leisurely lunch at Wagamama (of all places) in Terminal 5 and dad was determined to buy cigars. Then we had approximately 9.5 minutes to get from one end of the terminal to the other – via a shuttle train – before the gate closed. Mum nearly puked from running and dad seriously tested the performance of his new knees. This is what happens when I'm 'in charge'.

I began to think about travelling with loved ones and the different roles we play depending on who we're with, where we're going and what stage we're at in those relationships. Like the bit about me being in charge now – it's a role reversal. Taking a trip is like holding a magnifying glass over your relationship, or maybe putting it in a pressure cooker and seeing what happens. It's intense but the results can be amazing.

I think it's experiencing firsts with people you care about that makes it special. My mum's face when we stepped out on to the viewing platform of the Rockefeller Centre, the Empire State bang opposite, for example, was priceless. She just kept repeating, "It's just mad, isn't it?". Or coming out of a Broadway show into the madness of Times Square was also pretty up there, though I did possibly put a dampener on it by saying, "Look at all these people worshipping at the altar of capitalism". Dad just rolled his eyes at me and took another drag of his cigar.

Eye rolling, tutting, or all-out hissy fitting is also a big part of travelling with those that are close to you. Especially with family, because you can really let it all hang out. Like, to say dad couldn't give two effs about discovering that new little artisan eatery in the East Village is an understatement. And he's not afraid to tell me that. And if I have to try and answer any more pointless questions, well I might just resort to violence. (I haven't thus far.)

It's our last night tonight – I'm writing this in a moment of peace in our hotel room that has two adjacent beds (brilliant for listening to your dad's hellish snoring). The hotel in question, The Knickerbocker, is said to have been the place where the first-ever martini was stirred back in 1912, so that's another first for all of us to experience. I just need to warn mum not to overdo it like she did the other night – the first time she's been drunk since her hen-do in 1967. Don't tell her I told you that, though. She'd kill me.

@lovefoolforever