As someone
who loves to travel, I was very surprised that I didn’t go stir crazy during
the pandemic. I have been traveling for
work and pleasure for so many years that I didn’t think I would be comfortable
staying in one place for any length of time.
I was very pleased to discover the many benefits it offered and it has given me a new appreciation for being at home.
As travel restrictions are loosening, I thought about where my next adventure will take me. Where do I want to go, what do I want to do, all of the questions I normally ask myself when I start to plan a new trip.
What used to
be a very easy and fun process has changed significantly for me. Now, there are so many new considerations
that have to be taken into account, especially if I am leaving the country.
What I love
most about traveling is that it is a total departure from my real life. I actually feel like a different person when
I am away. Getting out of my normal
routine and disconnecting from the world is pure bliss.
Even in the
best of times, travel can be a challenge.
Unexpected things happen and you need to be flexible enough to
adjust. Right now, I’m not really
looking for that kind of experience but I do want to have the enjoyment of
getting away from it all.
Find the
Inspiration
Recently, I
had an appointment across town and stopped by a food truck for lunch. It was a large dirt lot that had a variety of
trucks offering Mexican food. It was
mid-week, so most of the trucks were closed.
I drove toward the rear and found one that was open.
As I sat
outside, waiting for my order, I felt transported to Mexico. Sitting in the shade on a hot summer day,
music playing in the background, tattered flags blowing in the breeze, I was no
longer home, I was in a tiny Mexican village.
I realized then that I didn’t have to get on a plane to go somewhere, I could do it right here at home.
I began by making
a list of some of the things that I enjoy about travel – I really like the planning,
staying at a hotel, not having to cook or clean, trying the local cuisine and
meeting new people.
I also
thought about what I don’t care for while traveling - crowds, flight delays, strict
time schedules, noisy neighbors, access to food and services, getting help if I’m
ill or injured.
Those are just
some of the things that can happen when traveling but now may be even more
unpredictable and difficult to manage.
My preferences have changed over the years and now I’m more interested
in ease and comfort than action and adventure.
I used to
enjoy long haul flights to Europe but now the thought of being on a plane with
hundreds of strangers for 12 hours is not at all appealing.
I decided to
create a trip right here in the comfort of my own home. A fantastic journey with all of the benefits
and none of the issues.
Make it
Realistic
In order for
this to feel real you have to do everything as if you are actually
leaving.
It reminds me of playing fort
at home with my brother when we were young.
It didn’t matter that we were sitting on the living room floor with
blankets, we played make believe that we were far away and it was so much fun
One of my
favorite places to visit is Mexico. I
love the slower pace where I can sit under a palapa, read a good book and drink
a cold cerveza. I wanted to see how close I could come to replicating the
feeling of those wonderful trips, so I went all in.
A few days
before “leaving”, I had my hair and nails done and told my family that I would
be away for a few days. How much you
share with them is up to you. I find that
if I say too much, they will discount my idea and it takes the fun out of it.
Pack a
suitcase - nothing says vacation like packing my bags. I like to travel light but now I have no
stress about forgetting something I may need.
As soon as I
decided to try this, the excitement began to build. Just as it does for a “real” trip. The more believable you can make this the
better.
Time to Relax
and Enjoy
Turn off
your phone or put it in airplane mode.
Disconnecting is something I love about being away and I rarely do at
home.
I used my
guest room as my mock hotel suite for the trip. Unpacking and using only what I had in my suitcase.
Thanks to
YouTube I was able to have a gorgeous beach view with the sound of waves gently
washing ashore.
I gave myself permission to do everything I like to do on vacation – take a nap, have a drink with lunch, explore the local shops as a tourist, speak the language, order room service (delivery), book a massage, dress up for dinner, anything goes.
So Many
Advantages
The benefits
of this type of fantasy travel are tremendous.
You have total control and flexibility of how much or how little you
do. If something urgent should come up
you don’t have to worry about how to get home to take care of things.
Minimal
expense, no passport, no flight schedules, no jet lag, no dirty crowded
airports, no check-out time, no stress – just the pleasure of having what you
want most from your getaway.
I’m enjoying
this trip so much, I may just extend my stay!
Here's a great video from Sixty and Me - Fantasy Travel
Is
this something you would try? Where
would you go? What are your favorite
travel memories you would like to recreate?
Share your stories and join the conversation!
