There are many reason not to travel internationally: It's expensive, health and mobility issues, it's exhausting, crowds, responsibilities to family and friends, no travel partner, anti-American sentiment, ecology...I have travelled to places that mean something to me. What remains is Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The earth and sky are the same anywhere on earth and many beautiful places in the North America that are great for relaxation and to have a change in view. My travel aspirations now are very few but grand and I am content with my life at home.
On a different point, Rick Steves has in the last 40 years encouraged travel to such an extent that places once unknown are over run with tourist. I say read a book, travel less, and when you travel do it mindfully not to check off a bucket list.
I really appreciate you sharing this — you’ve summed up so many of the reasons people step back from international travel, and I love how clear you are on what still calls to you (Florence is magical). I agree that we have incredible beauty and variety here in North America, and I think “content at home” is such an underrated aspiration.
Your point about Rick Steves and overtourism is spot on — it’s fascinating how the very people who inspire us to explore can unintentionally contribute to those overwhelming crowds. I especially like what you said about traveling mindfully, not just to check off a bucket list. That feels like the antidote to so much of the “must see everything” mindset I hear about.
I’m curious — when you think about Florence, is it the art, the history, or something else that’s calling you most?
The Renaissance was the end of the so called “dark ages” and the beginning of modernity when new views of humanity,science and political society began and took on the views dominated by the Church.
I love to experience the world whether it’s locally or internationally. The diversity of sights, food and people is so satisfying and addictive. I’ll travel as long as my body and wallet hold out.
Now that I’m retired I get to stay longer and enjoy the places I visit instead of trying to fit everything in during a 2 week window.
Last year we went to Africa, wonderful experience but yes over crowded. I was astounded at how many safari vehicles would show up for one cheetah or elephant. Was and is not right.
Next year New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, 7 weeks. This year a 3 week road trip through Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island with my son. Add in a few local trips and I’m having a great time seeing friends and family.
Yes, the ability to stay for long periods of time changes everything. The 7 weeks trip sounds amazing! We decided just yesterday to plan the Southern Italy trip for fall of 2026. I will use the year to psych myself up for the plane ride!! Have fun in Nova Scotia. xoxo
Like you, I'm still suffering from the work travel burnout syndrome (WTBS). However, I still enjoy the vibe in airports. My husband and I feel the same; there are so many places to visit in the US! A couple of months ago, we went to a wedding in a suburb of St. Louis. Mark said, "Hey, I've never been to Memphis, and it's only 3 hours away!" So off we went. My advice is find a hotel that is within walking distance to the places you want to see. We love to walk, and walk we did! We went to the Martin Luther King hotel/museum, the Rock and Roll History Museum, and walked to Beale Street almost every evening. We met all kinds of wonderful people, and both of us agreed that this would be a return. There are still some other places I want to visit in the US, but this was a great success. I was in Andorra last September for my volunteer work, but got there two days early to 'adjust' to the time - no more land and run for this girl. We were also in Cancun earlier this year, which is an easy flight from Phoenix. The time is flying, and your beautiful city is still on my wish list..... So to wrap it up, we still enjoy travel, but I really do love being home too!
I love how you’ve blended both worlds — appreciating home while still seeking out new experiences. Your Memphis trip sounds like it was packed with meaning and music! I especially like your walking-distance tip; there’s something so grounding about exploring a city on foot.
Andorra and Cancun in the same year? You’ve definitely cracked the code on balancing travel without burning out. I think your “no more land and run” rule is a smart one — giving yourself time to adjust makes such a difference.
And, please, please, please, come to Taos soon! ❤️
There are many reason not to travel internationally: It's expensive, health and mobility issues, it's exhausting, crowds, responsibilities to family and friends, no travel partner, anti-American sentiment, ecology...I have travelled to places that mean something to me. What remains is Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. The earth and sky are the same anywhere on earth and many beautiful places in the North America that are great for relaxation and to have a change in view. My travel aspirations now are very few but grand and I am content with my life at home.
On a different point, Rick Steves has in the last 40 years encouraged travel to such an extent that places once unknown are over run with tourist. I say read a book, travel less, and when you travel do it mindfully not to check off a bucket list.
I really appreciate you sharing this — you’ve summed up so many of the reasons people step back from international travel, and I love how clear you are on what still calls to you (Florence is magical). I agree that we have incredible beauty and variety here in North America, and I think “content at home” is such an underrated aspiration.
Your point about Rick Steves and overtourism is spot on — it’s fascinating how the very people who inspire us to explore can unintentionally contribute to those overwhelming crowds. I especially like what you said about traveling mindfully, not just to check off a bucket list. That feels like the antidote to so much of the “must see everything” mindset I hear about.
I’m curious — when you think about Florence, is it the art, the history, or something else that’s calling you most?
The Renaissance was the end of the so called “dark ages” and the beginning of modernity when new views of humanity,science and political society began and took on the views dominated by the Church.
I love to experience the world whether it’s locally or internationally. The diversity of sights, food and people is so satisfying and addictive. I’ll travel as long as my body and wallet hold out.
Now that I’m retired I get to stay longer and enjoy the places I visit instead of trying to fit everything in during a 2 week window.
Last year we went to Africa, wonderful experience but yes over crowded. I was astounded at how many safari vehicles would show up for one cheetah or elephant. Was and is not right.
Next year New Zealand, Australia and Fiji, 7 weeks. This year a 3 week road trip through Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island with my son. Add in a few local trips and I’m having a great time seeing friends and family.
Yes, the ability to stay for long periods of time changes everything. The 7 weeks trip sounds amazing! We decided just yesterday to plan the Southern Italy trip for fall of 2026. I will use the year to psych myself up for the plane ride!! Have fun in Nova Scotia. xoxo
Like you, I'm still suffering from the work travel burnout syndrome (WTBS). However, I still enjoy the vibe in airports. My husband and I feel the same; there are so many places to visit in the US! A couple of months ago, we went to a wedding in a suburb of St. Louis. Mark said, "Hey, I've never been to Memphis, and it's only 3 hours away!" So off we went. My advice is find a hotel that is within walking distance to the places you want to see. We love to walk, and walk we did! We went to the Martin Luther King hotel/museum, the Rock and Roll History Museum, and walked to Beale Street almost every evening. We met all kinds of wonderful people, and both of us agreed that this would be a return. There are still some other places I want to visit in the US, but this was a great success. I was in Andorra last September for my volunteer work, but got there two days early to 'adjust' to the time - no more land and run for this girl. We were also in Cancun earlier this year, which is an easy flight from Phoenix. The time is flying, and your beautiful city is still on my wish list..... So to wrap it up, we still enjoy travel, but I really do love being home too!
I love how you’ve blended both worlds — appreciating home while still seeking out new experiences. Your Memphis trip sounds like it was packed with meaning and music! I especially like your walking-distance tip; there’s something so grounding about exploring a city on foot.
Andorra and Cancun in the same year? You’ve definitely cracked the code on balancing travel without burning out. I think your “no more land and run” rule is a smart one — giving yourself time to adjust makes such a difference.
And, please, please, please, come to Taos soon! ❤️
Very interesting read!