Summer is my usual time for travel. An international flight, a weekend getaway, or a road trip are my idea of a good time. Growing up, anywhere my mom went, so did my sister and I. Life wasn’t always great, but travel allowed an escape. That’s why I miss traveling so much right now. COVID-19 has shaken, not stirred life as we once knew it — but I think we’ll come out better for it in the end.
It’s typically during the fall that I plan where I’ll go in the summer. I am aware that I’m lucky to even be able to make these kind of decisions, but it’s my preferred method of experiencing life.
I believe things are most difficult when you have no say in the process. I have faith that life will get back to normal soon, but until then, here are some things I miss about traveling:
Something to look forward to
Though we usually complain about waiting (me especially), looking forward to something is nice! Life can be rough, but it’s nice to be able to stop and realize that in a short period of time there’s retreat not too far away.
The food
Whether good or bad, food is always on of the most memorable parts of travel. I might regret it once I’m home, but in that moment trying something new is always so worth it. I live in a place with great food options, but new ones are always welcomed. Travel allows this.
The unfamiliarity
Travel can truly be your getaway. Away from the normal pace of life, everyday struggles, and it grants us the opportunity to create a new life, even if just for a weekend. Looking forward to creating my best temporary life again, someday.
New Viewpoints
More often than not, new places mean new people. Meeting new people, if just for a moment is nice and I miss that. I seem to meet the most interesting folks in the airport. I once met a guy in the North Carolina airport who stopped to talk to me about the tattoo on the back of my arm (it’s a Buffalo). Turns out his dad was from Buffalo, and his whole family are huge Buffalo Bills fans. The smallest things can bring you to people, and I thought that was cool.
It’s so easy to glamorize an experience, once it’s taken away from you. All the beautiful beaches, stunning villas, and airplane snacks seem so out of reach. What we often forget is the missed flights, long TSA lines, and that lady who can’t seem to keep her feet off the back of your seat. It’s not always great traveling. Here’s 3 things I do not miss:
Nostalgia
Memories are nice, but living in them isn’t. The more places you fall in love with, the more places to miss. You soon realize your life’s obligations outweigh your adventures. Damn.
Flight Delays
They’re beyond our control and there’s nothing we can do about them. Being stuck in an airport when things close is not fun, and sleeping in terminals sucks, lol.
Leaving
This part hurts the most. I get homesick pretty easily, but when the end of my trip finally arrives, I find myself becoming pretty sad. It never seems long enough.
So what now?
So, travel is not completely banned, but not as open and easy as it was. At least internationally. I personally am refraining from air travel, that could change soon, though. Until then, I’ll stand by — impatiently.
Is there anything you miss about traveling? Anything you don’t? Let me know.