The Luxurious Journey

As we ring in 2022, I think we all have had enough! Rules (often contradictory and confusing) have been a constant and perhaps it’s time for a year with no resolutions. So this year, I’m offering you my non-resolutions and travel hopes for 2022.

Pack Whatever I Want

Everyone advises to pack less, to streamline. I recently heard someone say “you don’t become a different person on vacation, so don’t pack things you don’t normally wear.” But you know what? I do sort of become a different person when I travel. In my 20s, I literally had my “South Beach dresses” that I wouldn’t dare to wear in Connecticut but couldn’t wait to wear in Miami. Now in my 50s, I definitely have outfits that I feel more comfortable wearing in Ibiza, as opposed to New England. As a good friend of mine once said, travel should encourage you to take some risks, try something new and be “more” than you would be at home. So why not go ahead and pack that you-never-know outfit!

Take (Better) Photos

So many articles will tell you to get off our phone and be in the moment. But I don’t think the 2 have to be mutually exclusive. I forget to take the photos I really want because I get so caught up in the moment. Whether it’s a meal or an event, I always regret not getting a few perfect photos to remind me of the experience (and to share them with you!). Especially with meals, I’m always ready to dig in! (I am Italian after all). I really do enjoy looking back and reliving an amazing meal or experience through my photos.

Brush Up on Another Language

If we get lucky enough to return to Italy this year, I plan on brushing up on my semi-fluent Italian. Should our twice (maybe thrice?) canceled trip to Saint Barths ever be rescheduled, I plan to learn some French before we go.

Prior to our most recent trip to Italy in 2018, I hired a wonderful Italian tutor to help me refine my Italian. Before we went to Spain in 2019 I bought some Pimsleur cds on ebay and practiced on drives. It really enhances the experience for me to be able to understand and speak each country’s language, even just a bit. 

Stress Less

I can be an anxious traveler. I worry about getting to the airport on time. I worry our the flight will be canceled or delayed. I pretty much worry about everything. Some of these things I can control; some I can’t.  My hope for 2022 is to try to let go of the things I cannot control. I hope to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

If the last few years have taught us anything on the travel front, it is to strike while the iron is hot. If you have the opportunity to travel, if the stars align and the risks you deem important are small, do it! I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year filled with all your travel dreams.