News about travel and tourism is hitting panic levels in cities like Barcelona, Venice, Rome, and Madrid, among many others. The concern expressed by these popular destinations only makes me wonder: Why has travel become such an uncomfortable activity for many?
I’m not even talking about airports and flights, an experience that can turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead.
During my travels, I’ve noticed an increasing number of travelers glued to their phones, just as they are at home. These are mostly travelers under the age of 50, but this is not always the case. When I share that I didn’t buy the Wi-Fi on a recent cruise, some people seem shocked! How did I survive? There was a great library and plenty of loungers on deck. Plus, there were only three days at sea!
Humans tend to be insecure and, at times, concerned about being accepted or liked socially, feeling anxious and afraid of being left behind, as if not living the life of travel and adventure that everybody else is living. In conversations, I often hear people expressing an interest in a place simply because some friends have found it a great place to visit, so they feel they have to go too, or risk not being part of the “in” crowd.
I once traveled with a group to Oaxaca, where someone had compiled a list of restaurants that some friends had recommended for us to visit, and she was eager to complete it. Will we get a bad grade if we skip them? What will her friends say if we miss one or two of these places? Oh, the stress! I thought.
Have we lost our sense of discovery and independence? Sometimes it certainly feels like so. I enjoy listening to people talk about their travels and share experiences. Still, if there’s one thing I recommend, it’s to be certain of the things you enjoy doing, rather than the things everybody is posting and talking about.
For example, my husband enjoys pretty much everything, so I am usually the one who plans our trips. Seriously, he is happy everywhere! Someone asked him what he liked best about Boston, and he said, “The Cheers bar!”
Our trips primarily focus on art, architecture, history, and food. What do you like to see and experience when you travel?
If your schedule is flexible, consider avoiding travel during peak seasons, such as summer, when everything is more expensive, the weather is hot, and crowds are overwhelming. Or discover hidden destinations that offer more relaxed experiences, and those you can afford. It’s fun to research and look for these, just like treasure hunting!
Another thing I emphasize is not to feel bad if your budget does not afford trips, especially abroad. Find an adventure locally; I know there are plenty everywhere. We tend to look outside for “better and fun things.”
I remember when we had our tour company and offered four-day trips to Tampico, Mexico. My friends from Tampico were shocked when they learned my tours were quite popular. They did not imagine anyone having fun in Tampico, their hometown. Staycations can be a lot of fun, and all it takes is creativity and a sense of gratitude for family and health. A family does not have to be away to enjoy each other’s company, especially when they are away from cell phones.
Share and post about your staycation, and maybe more people will consider it and stop traveling for the sake of it. How much fun is it to walk shoulder to shoulder with strangers at one of those “popular” destinations?
I recommend finding what interests you, what makes you delight in a moment. Where can you go to see and achieve this that is within your budget?
It reminds me of something I heard from a young woman during a recent trip to Boston. “Why would anybody want to go to the South of France when we have this? she wondered out loud.
Now that’s another happy traveler, my friends!
Cactus in the Mirror by Nydia O. Studio 