Whiz Kid: Olivia Dillon, World Traveler

Olivia Dillon, a Fountain Valley fifth grader, has done a bit more traveling than the average 11-year-old. In the past few years, she has been to England, Spain, Hawaii, Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado and New Orleans.

“I want Olivia to be able to appreciate all our country has to offer,” said her mom, Kate Dillon, “as well as learning about other cultures and places.”

Olivia’s favorite trip so far has been the one to Spain. Her mom loved the narrow cobblestone streets and charming cafés, but Olivia was all about the beaches.

“I really liked the beautiful beaches and great snorkeling,” she said. “The ocean in Spain was filled with exotic fishes, from tiny little fishes to big scary fish that you could mistake for sharks.”

Olivia and her mom like to mix up their travel between road trips, camping, urban trips and tropical destinations. They often travel with Olivia’s aunt or her grandmothers. Before a big trip, they go to the library and check out some books to learn about their destination.

Another favorite trip was the one to New Orleans, where they stayed in the French Quarter, visited Bourbon Street, and went on a ghost tour.

“On the Ghost Tour, we walked around and went to mansions that were supposed to haunted,” Olivia said. “The tour guide would tell us the story of the haunting. It was kinda creepy, but I like that.”

Olivia collects snow globes from each place she or her mom visits. She has more than 50 in her collection so far. Her favorite is from Hawaii and it has an ocean theme, with a beach and waves made from sparkles.

“My advice for a kid who is about to take their first big trip, is to pack the appropriate clothing for the weather where you are going,” she said. “And also bring something that can entertain you on a long plane ride.”

Next year, Olivia and her mom will be going to Alaska, and Olivia’s dream trip would be to visit New Zealand.