When I was 20, I circumnavigated the globe. I’ve been in every time zone. Through the wonder that is Semester at Sea, as study abroad program, I made port in the following places: Vancouver, Canada; Osaka, Japan; Shanghai, China; Hong Kong, China; Penang, Malaysia; Chennai, India; Mombasa, Kenya; Cape Town, South Africa; Salvador, Brazil; Havana, Cuba; and we finally stopped in Florida, United States.
In my time abroad, I saw a lot. There was the safari I went on in a rugged matatu. I witnessed the majesty of the Taj Mahal. Twice. Fidel Castro and Desmond Tutu lectured me on world affairs. When a begging orphan ducked behind me, I nearly got hit by a police officer. I sang “What a Mighty God We Serve” in English while the person next to me sang it in Swahili. A sword wielding tai chi master taught me his craft. I ate sushi, wild boar, and ostrich for the first time. I learned a great about myself once I was not surrounded by my friends and support systems. The trip was genuinely life changing and no number of stories, photos, or blog posts can do it justice.
However, I blame my journey on a significant problem I have. I’ve caught the travel bug.
I dream of enjoying the breezes off the Mediterranean. Swimming amongst the fish in tropical reefs off of Australia. Exploring the Hermitage and all of its treasures. Spending a night in an ancient castle in Europe. Cruising from port to port around the Carribbean.
I have fueled my unhealthy obsession by subscribing to any number of travel deals. I’m a bargain shopper at heart. I love countries where I can bargain and feel like I’ve walked away with a deal while fairly sustaining the local economy. So, now I troll travel deals. Budgettravel.com, TravelZoo, Sherman’s Travel, and Cruise Critic are my daily companions. I joined Twitter merely so I could be privvy to its excusive travel bargains.
Yet, C. is a dedicated Disneyworld visitor. It’s his happy place. For him, it truly is the happiest place on Earth. At Disney he knows he will be happy and taken care of and he can relax because he knows what to expect and it’s good. He doesn’t have to worry about stress of dirty hotels, frantic itineraries, or getting lost or mugged. I enjoy Disney too, particularly for some of the food. However, for me, I don’t feel the need to go every year when there are so many places I haven’t been.
What about you? Do you like going on vacation to somewhere reliable each year? Or do you revel in going to places unknown? How do you compromise with travel companions who have differing opinions of where to go each time?
