Fravel, now 17, visited all 50 states
MADISON – With a bit of assistance from his family, Mathew Fravel visited each of the 50 U.S. states before he celebrated his 17th birthday.
During Spring Break 2016, Mathew vacationed in Hawaii, which was the 50th state that he reached. Mathew is a senior at Bob Jones High School.
“I was able to visit all 50 states because of my Dad and Mom. Our family traveled by car back and forth across the United States ever since I can remember,” Mathew said. “We would visit national and state parks, museums and so many other places while traveling.”
Hawaii was most interesting to Mathew. “Probably because it was the last state to make all 50 and was so unique compared to the other states. I really liked the beaches and snorkeling in clear water,” he said.
California has the prettiest view, Mathew said. “It has such a diverse landscape and so many areas to visit from beaches, mountains and the desert. The redwoods and Yosemite National Park were my favorite parks to visit.”
Just for fun, Mathew’s dad Doug Fravel committed to photograph Mathew standing in front of each state’s Welcome Sign. “There were a few welcome signs for nearby states that were missing in the photo collection,” Doug said.
To finish the collection, during Christmas break in December 2017, the Fravel family planned a trip to the Great Smokey Mountains. On their way, they drove through Georgia and South Carolina to snap photos of Mathew at those welcome signs.
“It was then on to Mammoth Cave, Ky. and Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest, Ill.,” Doug said. The Illinois welcome sign completed the collection of welcome signs in all 50 states.”
Mathew shared the spotlight in his tour photos with family members. The welcome sign photos usually included his parents Doug and Sup Fravel and older brothers Hunter and Shane Fravel somewhere in the background.
Before turning 17, Mathew had made the Travel Goal Getter’s “All Fifty Club”. His name is listed on the Travel Goal Getter’s website, travelgoalgetter.com/all-fifty-club.html.
Travel Goal Getter’s All Fifty Club objective was formed to recognize those persons who have visited or are attempting to visit all 50 U.S. states.
Membership requirements for the All Fifty Club are the visits to all 50 states to be a lifetime member. Visits to the 48 contiguous states give qualifications as a Continental member. Visits to 35 or more states give an Associate ranking.
