Earlier this month, I took a two-week hiatus. I hadn’t planned to, but 2022 has been a real bitch. Through all of the challenges, however, I’ve come to realize something – travel is more than a destination. Travel is also about making memories.
For many in this “hobby,” we’re perpetually chasing dream vacations. Whether that be an over-water bungalow in French Polynesia or the Maldives, a penthouse suite on the Champs Elysees in Paris, or a private island experience, I can certainly see the appeal of these aspirational trips. Much of these have never really been attainable to me since I travel only once or twice a year and don’t spend huge amounts. Though, I think I’ve done fairly well. And while it’s awesome to have these experiences, the ones that end up being the most meaningful to me are the ones that involve friends, family, and unique experiences.
Travel is More Than a Destination
Without going into too much detail, I’ve experienced quite a few losses this year. Ironically, many of those losses were those that I most recently traveled with or visited. Sure, the pandemic meant that other trips we were supposed to take never happened. But when I think back to 2019, those memories have become all the more special now. It’s the time we spent together and the experiences I sometimes got to provide that warm my heart the most.
Or even in less tragic circumstances, some memorable moments include giving a loved one a fun break during a difficult cancer treatment, being there for a buddy’s wedding, or giving loved ones new experiences. Travel creates priceless memories that you’ll cherish forever for you and those you’re with.
Even in our solo travels together, I feel like the best moments Mrs. Island Miler and I have are the ones we share together. And often, that doesn’t mean going someplace like the Eiffel Tower – we did that and it was kind of terrible. More often than not, it’s a quiet moment, such as listening to the hummingbirds on the balcony of our room at the then Los Alcobas Napa Valley.
So maybe, just maybe, we should all learn to put less emphasis on those elusive redemptions and put more thought into what we’re doing and who we’re doing it with?
Final Thoughts
I’m not saying to stop chasing aspirational travel. By all means, keep on doing what makes you happy. After all, travel is about what makes you happy most of the time, right? But at the same time, I encourage you to use travel to make memories. Even if that means redeeming points for flights on Southwest and staying in a middle-of-the-road hotel. I guarantee you that some of your fondest memories will come from these types of trips rather than the ones you stressed over trying to obtain.
Let me know in the comments! What is your favorite travel memory and why?
Excellent article!
Mahalo!