Many things have changed in the past year and for passionate travellers like myself it has been very frustrating not being able to look at great flight deals. What I miss the most about life before the pandemic is certainly feeling free to book a flight whenever I want to without having to constantly check on the Government’s travel advice home page.
In the last few months I’ve been spending most of my free time looking at pictures of my past travels with nostalgia and a sense of great sadness. Right now I even miss spending 13 hours sitting on a very uncomfortable economy class seat next to crying infants. That’s how I feel.
Since travelling is still a long distance memory, here’s the 5 things I miss the most about planning a holiday:
1.Checking for the best flights and dates or what I call the consideration stage. Combining budget, number of days off and best flying options can be unnerving and it usually is, but of knowing that the long waited holiday is finally happening is pure adrenaline.
2. Buying the travel book guide. We all get excited when it comes to buying a new travel book guide.
Oh c’mon, don’t pretend you don’t, I know you do.
It is one of the most romantic rituals I have been following since I’ve first started travelling overseas: I cycle to Stanfords in Central London (Stanfords is a specialist bookshop of maps and travel books in London, established in 1853) and I take some time to meticulously go through the different book guides and reading options linked to the country I’m going to visit. I usually buy two to three book, which always include at least one real life stories or autobiography.
3. Research and understanding: The long and thoughtful process of researching more in depth the places and the culture I want to visit is definitely one of my favourites part of the pre-travelling period. I usually make a list of the top ten ‘must visit’ and do some research on the Country’s history and culture. It is very important to me to have some basic knowledge of the places and people I’m going to meet before setting foot there.
4. Talking to people that have been there before: I love hearing from people’s personal experiences, stories and recommendations. I helps building up anticipation and excitement while also practically helping you with the planning.
5. Counting the days: It could be six moths, few weeks or two days but the thrilling sensation of the countdown till the flight is priceless. Even while stressing out on a busy day at work, looking at the calendar is a reason to be joyful. A day is passing by and you’re closer to your next adventure.
Dreaming of our future travels doesn’t cost a thing and we won’t even have to leave our homes to do it. So while travelling is still a distant memory, we can still look at old photos and remember the excitement of planning the next adventure.
Eleoneel 