The saddest conversations I find myself having with friends and co-workers start with “Where are you guys going next?” Those who know us well know that we always have something planned that we can talk about. Are they asking because they are looking for ideas or just living vicariously through us? I know that the question is most likely polite conversation but the part that makes me sad is that I know they aren’t packing bags and having adventures of their own.
Worse, I recently had a friend tell me that she wanted to “grow up to be like me,” after asking me where we were going next. I loved the sentiment but I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and tell her that she IS grown and she CAN be like me.
We love to travel. Anyone who knows us and you would be told this with certainty.
We sort of joke about it, but my Mom once even stated that we “travel more than most.” I guess that’s true, but again, a little sad! We love to travel. It’s our “thing!” We love to watch other people’s travel vlogs on You Tube (yes, we love to see other people’s vacation photos). I read travel blogs enough that I wanted to start one of my own. We study and dream. And of course, we have a bucket list and it is totally based on where we want to go.
A Wikipedia definition of travel that I just love states:
“Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done my foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means, with or without luggage and can be one way or round trip. Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of tourism.
To us, when we think about traveling, this definition is spot on. With or without luggage. Travel on foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means. No matter where, no matter how, let’s just go!
Did you even know that there is a National #PlanForVacationDay?” Yes! It’s January 28! Now THIS should be a proper National Holiday! I love it but to us, every day is plan for vacation day!
If you want to be like us, our advice: Start now! Open a savings account and put a little in it each month. Talk to your friends that travel. Ask them where they go or better yet, go with them! If you don’t have the time, just take a long weekend somewhere within driving distance. Make the time. Also, understand that travel doesn’t always mean packing a bag for a long airplane ride. Go to the beach, rent a cabin, buy a tent and go camping, get a hotel room in a place you’ve never been and explore for the weekend, visit a friend in another state and let them show you around. Start with your home town. I’m betting you can find some place in your own back yard that you’ve never explored before. The options are endless.
If you have some extra time and money, (HA! Lucky you!) call a Travel Agent that you trust or that a friend might recommend (I can connect you to a great one!) and plan the trip of a life time! Go to Alaska, go on a cruise, visit a National Park, GO. TO. ITALY!
Just GO! Use those vacation days. Enjoy your life! Make memories! You won’t be sorry!
