The older I get, the more I realize something.
When I was young, I couldn’t wait to get somewhere.
Now, I don’t mind taking my time.
Maybe that’s because, at 55, I know I have more road behind me than I do ahead. That’s not depressing. If anything, it’s made me appreciate the miles a little more.
Travel has a funny way of teaching that lesson.
I’ve forgotten what hotel room we stayed in more times than I can count. I couldn’t tell you what half the rental cars were or what gate we flew out of.
But I remember watching my wife laugh so hard she couldn’t catch her breath.
I remember the bartender who treated us like old friends even though we’d just met.
I remember finding a quiet bench overlooking the water and thinking, “This is enough.”
Those are the things that stick.
This isn’t going to be a series about the best cruise ship or the perfect restaurant. You’ll still find plenty of that around here. I enjoy helping people plan great trips.
This is about the things travel has taught me after enough miles, enough wrong turns, enough great meals, a few disappointments, and more than a few moments that caught me completely by surprise.
If you’ve ever looked back at a trip and realized the best part wasn’t what you planned, then I think you’ll understand these little conversations.
Thanks for riding along with me.
We’ve still got some road ahead.