Since we cannot actually travel right now I find myself instead thinking about travel, planning for future travel, and when I can, talking to fellow travelers about travel. Thankfully we are part of a much larger community of like minded and enthusiastic people who feel much as I do.
Those of you who follow us regularly know that our focus is on European travel and all that the continent has to offer in terms of culture, art, history and food. There is so much more that we want to experience and we cannot wait to return. It was a surprise to me then when I talked to a couple who had no plans, or desire, to travel outside of North America. Here, I thought, was a travel perspective far different than our own, but as I have come to discover, no less exciting.
Both retired and with the capacity to travel their approach was as laid back as mine is intense. A decision to travel starts with a date in mind and a call to their travel agent. The want someplace warm. They want to see Alaska. They want to go east – no west. They had a bucket list, it just wasn’t the same as mine.
They have travelled by bus, train and cruise ship. They do very little planning and leave most of the specific details to their travel agent. When I asked about excursions or sight seeing they regaled me with tales of white water rafting and ATV trail rides. I go to museums and art galleries so both sounded equal parts terrifying and exciting. Did I mention they are both “slightly” older than we are so mixed in with the veneration was a touch of shame.
Some of the destinations were ones they had visited before traveling together and returned to in order to share with each other the best of what they had experienced in the past. They had the benefit of avoiding the over rated or over priced in favour of the really worth it. A cruise was selected so they could see a particular port, and their land expeditions often start with one highlighted by a tour company and then modified to suit their own needs.
They did have two very specific criteria. The destination had to be safe, and they want to support our own economy, both understandable in these times. Oh, and it had to be fun.
As this horrible, terrible year draws to a close and the uncertainty of future travel remains murky it is important to remember that however, whenever and with whomever you decide to travel, the important fact is that you still do.
Happy Travels Jack and Shirley – and thanks!!!