Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Boston Logan International Airport. The local time is 2:30 p.m. and the temperature is a brisk 55 degrees. If this is your final destination, please enjoy your stay.
Do you have goosebumps yet? Well I can tell you I certainly do. It never gets old hearing that automated response greet me toward the end of any given flight. Whether you just touched down in a new city for the first time, or perhaps you’re merely returning home from a relaxing island getaway – traveling provides a sense of excitement, freedom and adventure contrary to anything I have ever known. For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with all things travel. Through countless family vacations and school trips, that fascination quickly turned to an obsession. After a semester abroad traveling the world, I can say that my obsession then resulted into a passion that I think will only continue to grow as I continue to see the world and it’s offerings in new ways.
Sound familiar? Here’s 10 Signs You (Too) Have Been Bit By The Travel Bug.
1. Airports excite you
By this point, you have the whole thing to a science. You know off the top of your head which products in your consignment bag are small enough to bring through security. You have your bags packed and ready to go the night before with your ‘In Flight’ playlist updated on Spotify. More importantly, you know exactly how much time to give yourself to get there so you have ample time to order Starbucks and ‘people watch’ at the gate.
2. You plan dream vacations in your spare time
You know you should be studying for that big biology test but looking up how much a flight from Tennessee to Florida over Thanksgiving break seems to take priority. Maybe you even call travel agents and pretend to be looking to plan a trip…
3. Spending money on travel does NOT bother you
Even though you refuse to do your laundry because it’s $5 you don’t care to spend, you have no problem dropping $250 on a flight and a hotel room. That’s money well spent, am I right?
4. All you do is talk about your travels
You find any way at all to turn the conversation around to talk about one of your trips to anyone, and I mean anyone, that will listen. Plus I mean, come onnnn, the gelato is that much better.
5. Your future career plans must involve traveling
So maybe being on the road 24.7 for work doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, but some type of extensive vacation time is necessary before you think of signing any contracts.
6. You are enthusiastic about new food…
One of the best things about going somewhere you have never been before is getting to experience all of the unfamiliar things about that place… especially the food.
7. …And new people
Although it’s hard not to be most excited about the food, traveling also gives you the ability to meet an assortment of new people (who can talk back to you unlike your food when you tell your pasta how delicious it is). Meeting people from all around the world who speak different languages and have varying beliefs is one of the most rewarding benefits.
8. You research the place you are about to go
Days, week, even months before you’re set to go somewhere, you research all the best restaurants, hotels and things to do in the area. By the time the trip comes, you have the entire agenda set.
9. Day dreaming consumes your thoughts
You are constantly thinking about past and future trips, reminiscing on old memories and looking forward to making new ones. One of your favorite hobbies includes going through your camera roll and reliving the good times.
10. You want everyone to share this passion for travel with you
You seriously want everyone to feel and experience this intense desire to explore – encouraging everyone to take new risks so they too can see things from this new perspective.
See yourself in these 10 examples? Well, then you TOO must have been bit by the travel bug… Aren’t you lucky? Safe travels and have fun planning your next adventure!