On The Write Path

How do I define travel?

Stik asks about travel...

What first comes to mind when you see or hear the word travel?

         Movement from one place to another for any reason; destination doesn't matter. But traveler? Not the same as a destination tourist or someone with a bucket check list. A traveler is someone who is interested on the road taken and what surprises await one on the journey. i'm more of a traveler than a tourist. That said... wish I were more flexible with schedule and money.

How much time and money do you think travel requires?

         Many who want to learn French go to Paris but would never go to Québec City or Dakar. Many who want to learn Spanish think Sevilla but shudder at Bogotá and would never cross the street to the Mexican or Dominican side of their hometown. Most here at WDC insist that the locals speak English. So... VERY EXPENSIVE for middle-class middle-age Americans who are traveling for the first time to London, Dublin, Sydney or Auckland and must stay in a 'decent' hotel or AirBnB. Not as expensive to visit English speaking enclaves in Mexico or the Americas; but, one or two weeks is a vacation or a beach holiday. Yes, it's technically travel but 'beam-me-up-beam-me-down-catch-the-hotel-shuttle' barely counts imo. Me? It takes more time to arrange than money as I travel cheap. I prefer to stay in hostels. I also prefer one-two months especially on long trips with not-so-cheap airfare. As I age my lack of energy limits me more than time or money.

What do you make of the term wanderlust?

         I don't think adventure tours or cruises or resorts usually count as they seldom have anything to do with wandering. Me? I always want to see new places but I have no energy. I'm a tortoise with wanderlust not an energizer bunny with a sugar-daddy and a six-figure bank account.

Do you think travel is important?

         There's nothing wrong with living in the same house all your life. You can read. You can invite people to see you! Me? I did that for years (specifically 1981-2003) but I've traveled extensively since. Others watch videos of exotic places; but I can tell you what Taipei tastes like, feels like, smells like. Travel brochures and Vlogs only show a certain p.o.v. Going there gives you personal stories and perspective.

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