Travel

Happiness, Life lessons, Self care, Travel

Get outta Dodge!

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Why you need to take a trip

I’ve traveled to many wonderful places so I always see the value of finding myself in a new environment. I often ask my friends – where’s your favorite place to visit? Pulling yourself out of your typical, day-to-day life to a new surrounding is exciting and fun.

Advantages to getting away:

  • Time to unplug – put away your computer, email, and other work “stuff” and focus on where you are.
  • Bask in nature – whether you’re at the beach, in the mountains, or stowing away on a boat, soak up the wonder of the outdoors.
  • Make new memories – take the opportunity to do things you’ve never done before.

Time to get moving

There you have it. Book that flight, rail pass or bus ticket – or jump in your car – and head away from home for some fun R&R. Enjoy your new adventures!

Photo courtesy of Victor Camilo.

Happiness, Travel

Gelato and Sunshine

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Positano

I just returned from two weeks in Italy. We started in Venezia (Venice), then visited Firenze (Florence), Pisa, Roma (Rome), and lastly, Positano. That last stop was thanks to the movie, “Only You” and was well worth the train ride and subsequent boat ride, even if we did only get to spend one full day.

There’s a different pace in Italy that I’d like to bring home. It’s slower and more “present.” Or perhaps I was more present. I did consciously experience every moment: running down the platform to catch our first train with only 30 seconds to spare; eating gelato while strolling the streets of every city we visited; riding in a gondola under a full moon while families put their children to bed and chefs assembled dinners for hungry tourists; feeling lucky to be able to share this unbelievable experience with my beau and my boys.

Some tips I bring back: pack light, don’t hang your freshly washed clothes out on a line right before a rain storm, eat as much gelato as you can stand (believe me, you can stand heaps), and throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return. Arrivederci Italia!

Photo courtesy of Garyturner.

Travel

Have You Thanked Your Flight Attendant Lately?

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FlightCrew

I just returned from two back to back trips with a mere two days in between. This last trip reminded me a bit of the film, “The Sure Thing,” in which John Cusack endures an arduous journey filled with trials. My trip included long periods of sitting on the plane waiting for de-icing or simply to take off, running frantically through airports to catch connections (a good way to find out you’re out of shape, by the way), bouts of hunger, cold, thirst and long lines.

However, I realized something as I was flying home: there were SO many people working to get me to my destination. From customs agents to baggage handlers, air traffic controllers, mechanics, ground crew, flight attendants and more. Even folks that made and sold me sandwiches to stash in my bag or who cleaned the airports were helping make my journey safe and pleasant.

I witnessed countless acts of kindness, patience and understanding. So I’d like to say, “Thank you” to the staff of US Airways, Air Canada, United Airlines, and the airports in Denver, Philadelphia, Toronto and New York. Your hard work did not go unnoticed.

Photo courtesy of Jetstar Airways.