Holy crap, it's the holiday season! It's time for lights and cookies, eggnog and bells.
But ugh, every year I look less-than-forward to coming up with a wish list. I scan my brain for ideas (socks? underwear? soap?) and all I ever really want are gifts that encourage me to experience the world. This year, I've got four ideas that make me all tingly. And they fit a variety of budgets. Perhaps they will inspire you, too.
1. A Travel Guide. Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I still enjoy a paper guidebook that offers ideas for adventures that get me away from my screen. At the bookstore, I love to scan the selection: France, Argentina, California, New Mexico. I'm a huge fan of Fodor's, because I've traveled to Germany, Turkey and Costa Rica with their guides in hand, and everything was accurate. This year, I'm interested in Italy, so Fodor's: Italy is on my list.
2. Luggage. I'm a one-bag traveler, whether I'm going for a weekend or ten days. Patagonia makes luggage that I crave. This year, I'm hoping for the Freewheeler, because it's so durable and practical that I think it could be my sole piece of luggage for the rest of my life.
3. Travel Fund Contributions. Like many people, I live on a strict budget. But the line item I won't sacrifice is my Travel Fund. Mostly, I travel cheap (camping or visiting places in the off-season), but every once in a while I discover a trip idea that's expensive, but worth it. This is how I feel about the International Wilderness Leadership School. I'm attracted to almost all of their trips, but I think I'd like to start with a 12-day backpacking/canyoneering adventure in Utah. Let the saving begin...
4. A Mixed CD. Road trips are one of my favorite ways to experience the U.S., and what road trip is complete without awesome tunes? I still listen to CD's. And I love mixes from people who love music. I tuck them aside for my next trip, and then it's a surprise when I hit the road.
Happy Holidays, Fellow Travelers...
2 comments:
Great ideas for travelers, and I do hope you get to take your trip to Italy. Maybe a bottle of Italian wine or a liqueur, Italian treats, some Italian movies or movies set in Italy (A Room with a View still oozes romance), or some memoirs or fiction(Tim Parks, Donna Leon, Italo Calvino, Jan Morris) could help get you in the mood for your big trip.
I love to camp out in the bookstore travel section, dreaming... and yes, Italy is one of my dream destinations now, too!
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