Survey sez: 52% of the happiness we derive from travel is experienced before we even arrive at our destination.*
If that’s true, then why not always have a getaway in the planning stages just to boost your spirit?
I witnessed such a “joy of anticipation” at a BreakAway Meetup on Monday of this week. A good 25 people showed up out of the gray to talk travel, share memories, and say hey to Sherry Ott (of Meet, Plan, Go! fame)—who shared amazing laptop pics of her Mongo Rally journey.
A joyful time was had by all—really!
The most eye-opening part, though, was listening to strangers talk with palpable commitment about their travel dreams. Dreams? Make that Realities. Most of these new friends have already been to exotic places—and most have specific plans for more.
In a few days, one leaves for an extended stay in South America. Another flies out next week for annual school-building work in Haiti. One is scheming to restore a storm-damaged catamaran and start a kite-sailing charter.
We were also fortunate to host published travel heavy-hitters like Doug Mack (just back from Cuba) and Leif Pettersen (soon off to Romania to write for Lonely Planet). High-5s to the good service and $5 burgers from Wilde Roast. And many thanks to the friendly travel enthusiasts whose energy and synergy felt contagious.
To quote the old cliché: Getting there is half the fun. That’s worth remembering when a BreakAway seems far away. Keep the faith—and 52% of the joy can set in before you even set sail.
*according to TravelSupermarket
1 kid, 5 islands, 69 days
Here's my son’s blog from an '08/09 BreakAway in the Caribbean.
1 planet, countless cultures, 120 days
In 00/01, when the internet was a pup, I went RTW and posted these words and pics en route.
January 27th, 2012 at 12:29 am
I didn’t even know you were taking pictures! I love the stories of people getting ready to travel – thanks for sharing them Kirk! Yes – it was a great night!!
January 28th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
I can tell it was fun…I planned to leave at 9, and left at 11:11! Thanks for your presences and pics, and let’s keep doing this stuff. I reminds us yet again that we are not alone and to get up and go is not so hard after all…!…
February 18th, 2012 at 1:52 am
I just couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard info an individual supply to your visitors? Is going to be back continuously to check up on new posts
February 18th, 2012 at 10:55 pm
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with helpful information to work on. You’ve performed an impressive job and our whole community will likely be grateful to you.
March 5th, 2012 at 10:41 am
Fantastic publish, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t understand this. You should proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!|What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & assist other users like its helped me. Great job.