I left a job last October that required me to get on a plane and fly to Portland, Oregon every six weeks. This took a lot out of me so once I quit, I stayed put for a while. I didn’t lose my love of travel, I was just tired of work travel. Then, life in New York City got busy. Hustling for freelance work, moving in with my boyfriend in Brooklyn, and family visits kept me in NYC more than usual. I had a few small trips since January but I felt like I was missing something.
Travel has been an integral part of my life for most of my life. Over the past ten years, I aimed to take one big trip and many smaller trips in between. Researching these trips, planning the details, and then finally going away gave me a thrill in a way that was not reproducible by staying home. It wasn’t until I started planning my Mexico trip this July that I realized exactly how much I was missing travel. I missed the researching and planning of where to go, what to do, and where to eat. I missed brushing up on foreign languages. I missed preparing myself by reading up on the cultures of the countries and cities I planned to visit. I missed the excitement for breaking out my passport for an international flight. I missed it all!
Coming back from Mexico City two weeks ago, I reflected on my absolute love of travel and how much of the world I have left to see. I felt enriched by the people I met, the foods I ate, and the history I got to see with my own eyes. I had reignited my curiosity and passion of exploring far away lands both by myself and with those I love. I appreciated the travel opportunities I’ve had so far and longed for what is yet to come.
I wrote this post yesterday from 37,000 feet above the ground flying to a conference I am working at in Dallas, Texas this week. I have a trip to Europe planned in October and a family trip to Wisconsin in November. I have not one, but FOUR road trips planned over the next two months. Two gluten-free conferences, one food conference, and my college reunion! I am once again excited to plan, travel, and reflect on all of the amazing opportunities I get to explore the world.
I got my travel groove back.
YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US!!!!
WITH ADMIRATION AND RESPECT ALWAYS, Marianne Schorer
Thank you Marianne for all of your kind emails and your readership! Safe travels to you.
Hurrah for getting your travel mojo back! I can totally relate – I’ve been through a recent period of adjustment from a life of at least monthly trips on a plane somewhere interesting to not quite such footloose & last minute travel these days! We’re just back from a fun road trip to south west France and although holidays will be different from now on, I’m loving seeing how the twins adapt to travel and enjoy new experiences. They seem to love going to new places and seeing new things and so consequently I feel like I can truly look forward to travelling again.
Sounds like you have some exciting trips planned. Where are you heading to in Europe?
Thanks, Siân. I know you can totally relate. Sometimes life gets in the way of travel. 🙂
I am going to France for the first time!! Most of the time will be in Paris with my boyfriend’s sister and his baby niece. We hope to get a few day trips out of the city. I already have a LONG list of places to eat in Paris, but welcome your recommendations.