Life Lessons from Travel
This time of year, in the deep Minnesota winter, I get bitten by the travel bug. And let me tell you, boy does it itch! As a little girl, my family never really traveled outside Minnesota, except to to see my grandparents, who lived on a farm one state away.
As a grownup, I’ve been lucky enough to go to some pretty great places- what a tremendous blessing! And I am mighty grateful for every opportunity. So instead of dwelling on the fact that we are still buried in snow, with no plans to escape to warmer climes, I’m counting my blessings and sharing 5 valuable lessons learned from travel adventures.
Though numbered, they are in no particular order:
Lesson #1: spontaneity can be a great thing!
Trip: Road trip from Minnesota to Oklahoma and back
Travel buddy- my best friend, Trees (short for Teresa)
Time of year- late autumn
Life lesson- Normally, I like to plan our adventures way ahead of time; however this time we took to the road , and I didn’t make a single reservation ahead of time. This took a leap of faith for me, however, as you can guess, we winged it, and had a wonderful time!
Lesson #2: if you have the opportunity to explore a new place on your own, don’t pass it up!
Trip: After a business trip to Portland, I had the chance to take a side adventure to the Oregon coast and the Willamette Valley.
Travel buddy- myself
Time of year- summer
Life lesson- I can have fun by myself without being lonely, and even get a little bit lost and be ok, and when I’m brave enough to do that, I can see majestic sights, and taste new foods, and carry beautiful memories with me that last forever.
Lesson #3: Invite your travel mates to share their ideas!
Trip: Train from St. Paul to Chicago and back
Travel buddy- my hubby, modern lumberjack
Time of year- February
Life lesson- Do not assume, even when you’ve known someone your whole adult life, that you know what they will like and not like. For many years , when we were just friends, I had assumed he wouldn’t like big cities, just because he lived in the country. Boy was I wrong! He planned the whole journey by train, including a Two Cellos concert, and we both had an amazing time, walking all over the city, taking in the sights!
Lesson #4: Travel is an incredible way to celebrate a landmark birthday and to embrace getting older.
Trip: Mediterranean Cruise (and trip to Mount Dessert Island, Maine)
Travel buddies- close friends from high school, who I’ve kept in touch with
Time of year -fall
Life Lesson- it’s important to celebrate life’s landmark birthdays, and to embrace getting older, and continued friendships! So many new sights and so much laughter! These are memories I will always cherish!
Lesson #5: Try to immerse yourself in the local culture. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path!
Trip: Mexico and Central America
Travel buddies- husband, and longtime friends
Time of year- winter
Life lesson- don’t be afraid to wander a little off the beaten path! I have found that if you wander to a nearby village or even just a few blocks from the touristy strip, you’ll have a more authentic experience and the opportunity to experience more of the culture and the people. And with a smart phone and a decent connection, you have access to information on transportation, maps, and places worth exploring, as well as the ability to communicate where you are to help you feel more safe.
View of the Blue Grotto from the top of the Isle of Capri, Italy.
