Today, I was surprised to find my old travel journal that I kept while on my first ever trip to Europe. Back in 1992, I went on one of those whirlwind group tours. To my surprise, I actually did a bit of Slow Travel back then by adding a couple of independent days in London at the beginning of my tour and a full week in Paris at the end.
Reading my journal brought back a flood of memories and really enforces the importance of maintaining a journal while traveling. And oh my how the Internet and social media has changed many things about how we travel and how we journal and share our experiences. These days my blog has taken the place of a spiral notebook and pen. And as you can tell by my horrible penmanship, this is a good thing.
Here's an example of one of my earlier entries:
I find it interesting that although technology and the Internet has changed the face of Travel since 1992, some things really never change.
- I still can't stand that long plane ride! I don't think this will ever change either. He, he.
- I still can't stand plane food! . . . Ditto
- Travel continues to be a passion in my life.
- It was interesting to read that I had feelings of fear.
These days I don't experience any fears other than the usual pre-trip jitters. These days I find myself looking forward to my new experiences and I embrace the opportunity that traveling gives to me. These days, you might say that I have more of a "bring it on" travel attitude.
Yes, it's funny how some things never change and for me thank goodness that there are many other things that do and will change.
My trip planning is moving along but because of the 2012 London Olympics and summer distractions I'm a bit behind. Stay tuned though as I have been working on a couple of pre-trip posts about my 2012 South America Travel Adventures. :)
Hope you all have been enjoying your summer!
I've come across a couple of old journals. I never have been good about keeping the journal during the whole trip. The mention of fear caught my eye. I did my first solo international trip in 2000. It was to Nice and I met up with a hiking group but I did have a couple of days by myself. I was so surprised at what items worried me. Many of those were things my husband took care of while we traveled or just the ease of having a second person thinking about details. Most of the fears were of getting lost or physical dangers. The second solo trip was much easier.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing more about SA trip.
Hi Marta, thanks so much for your comments. That's pretty cool that you found a couple of your old journals. I was reorganizing my drawers and stumbled upon this journal. I think it's fun reading my thoughts so long ago. I didn't do as well in my handwritten journal too. I am much better in blogging. I think it is because it's much easier and faster for me to type, edit and add photos to accompany my writing. And I can read what I wrote. :)
DeleteI also agree that having a second person to rely upon while traveling is comforting. When I traveled in 2005 with my friend, it was great to have her to rely upon for certain things like communication (she could speak and understand a little Italian). She was also a walking guide book as she prepared much better that I did back then.
I also get worried about getting lost and other dangers too. I agree with you that once you do that first solo trip the second one is much more easier.
My trip planning has been a bit hampered by the London Olympics and other summer distractions, but I'm gaining ground and hope to post more about my trip soon.
Thanks again for your comments. Hope you're having a wonderful summer.
What fun to find your old journal! I love reading my travel journals and am so glad I have been motivated to do them. Agree completely about the plane trip and the airline food! I too had some anxiety about my first solo trip but not any more. I like your "bring it on" attitude!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your planning for SA - look forward to hearing more about it.
Hi Annie, thanks so much for your comments. Yes, I also enjoyed reading my old journal. That plane ride is the worst part of travel, but I think overall it is worth the 10 hour torture to be able to visit these beautiful places. At first I was a little worried about my SA trip only because it is new to me but I am approaching it as an awesome new experience and then I'm okay. :) Thanks for liking my bring it on attitude too. :) I think as solo travelers we have to adopt this confident attitude and I think it just makes it more exciting.
DeleteThanks so much for your comments. Hope you are having an awesome summer. Time is flying by so fast.
What a great post, Kathy! It's so interesting to find old travel journals and remember what was fun and what was frightening. You've really come a long way to achieve your "bring it on" attitude!
ReplyDeleteI think I still have a bit of a 'fraidy-cat attitude; more "bring some of it on, but not all at once."
I can't wait to hear more about your South American plans, exciting!
Hi Sandra, thanks so much for your comments. I was so glad to have found my first travel journal and I find it pretty funny to read what I wrote.
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, I think you are living the ultimate "bring it on" attitude by what you're doing now. To follow your dreams and move to Italy is the definition of Bringing it on! I'm filled with admiration for what you are doing and I'm really enjoying following your adventures as you live out your dreams.
Thanks so much Sandra.