It’s been over a year since I’ve been able to travel and move about the world. Some of us are chomping at the bit to get out and go somewhere. As we get closer to being able to traipse about and explore, I thought I would reflect on the past year of non-travel and see if it was as confining as I had originally thought it was. It has offered me a new perspective.
If you think about the definition of travel,
“to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; take a trip; journey; to move or go from one place or point to another”
it doesn’t really matter all that much where you go or how you get there. Of course, we all love to travel to exotic locations or to quaint villages that we have never been to before or vineyards that extend as far as the eye can see. But the feeling you get from travel can be felt just traveling by car to locations that are close to home. There are always new places to explore and discover.
We will get back to traveling to far off places and taking in the adventure of it all but for now, thinking of travel in terms of your own “backyard” isn’t so bad. We have learned to be grateful for the sights and sounds of our own environment…is that such a bad thing? I don’t think so. It’s enlightening for some and exhilarating for others. For me, driving offers the chance to be alone with your thoughts, listen to some great music and just enjoy the ride. It’s sort of like my therapy! I often jump into my car and take a trip to nowhere. At times it’s good to relax, think, and just drive.
Of course, it’s always nice to find new places to explore too. So, if that is my goal, I like to take a co-pilot so that we can discover the nooks and crannies of our “neighborhood” together. Sharing experiences, beautiful scenery, good food, or breathtaking views is what travel is all about…regardless of where you are. Whether you choose to go it alone or take someone along, it’s about the experience.
Think about the last time that you just got into your car, pulled out of your driveway and went on a trip to nowhere. Did it feel thrilling or scary because you’ve never just got into your car to drive? Sometimes it’s fun to see where you end up. I urge you to try it! It’s all about discovery. Discovering new places and maybe discovering something about yourself that you never knew. Either way, life should be experienced…live each day to the fullest. The beauty that is within your own neighborhood, your country and the world is there to excite you, teach you and renew your spirit. There’s just so much to explore that will be revealed to you as you travel. Go near or go far but tour the planet whenever you can. It’s waiting to take your breath away!