Yes, it’s happening.
I’ve become *that* person. That serial online stalker; checking out airfare prices, availabilities and destinations, scouting out the best spots for our return to international travel.
I suspect I’m not alone.
So many of us have done everything possible to keep ourselves—and more importantly, those around us—safe. And for a large number, that’s meant postponing overseas trips. I’ll be honest, it’s been heartbreaking. Our family’s tradition has always included an annual trip. The streak lasted for close to 20 years before Covid struck. We’ve shopped the souks in Istanbul, marveled at the Great Pyramids, tested the waters of the Mediterranean, trooped through the jungles of Costa Rica, gaped at the tortoises in the Galapagos, and waltzed our way through the Hofburg Palace in Vienna (yes, really).
Don’t get it wrong: I am grateful and feel so fortunate our little family and our loved ones stayed well during this terrible time. That said, I’ve felt a mourning of a different, albeit lesser sort. I’ve missed my “before times” way of life, and the feeling that a big, grand adventure was right around the corner. Travel gives me something to something to look forward to, something to get excited about, and that’s been missing for more than two years.
It’s been a big bummer…but I feel a glimmer of hope. And that’s been enough to send me back to my keyboard and online, searching for the next big adventure.
We’ve been vaccinated and boosted. Cases of omicron are on the decline in the US and globally, thank goodness. Countries around the world are starting to loosen their Covid travel restrictions. There’s been a lot of chatter about how the pandemic is moving toward the endemic phase. So perhaps, just maybe, it’s ok to start looking ahead.
Add to all of this the fact that my husband just announced that he has a large chunk of time off over the December holidays this year…and it might be enough to push me over the edge. To actually put something on my calendar.
To actually book an international flight.
To actually get back out there in a big, bold, bright way.
For the past two years I’ve felt a bit stuck, and stunted. That’s because travel has become more than a mere passion of mine. It’s allowed me to share incredible experiences with my husband and son. I’ve been fortunate enough to see things, meet incredible people and push myself further than I ever dreamed possible. These adventures have all shaped me, made my life richer, become part of me.
So yeah, I’m ready to get back out there. I’m going to keep stalking the airlines. And I have hope we will be heading to some incredible destination again in just a few months.
Stay tuned.
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