Travel

Over the weekend, for the second time this year, I cancelled major travel plans.

The first trip I had to let go of was to Chile in December to see a total solar eclipse at a music and arts festival. I bought my ticket two years ago and accommodation packages were released the same week that I stopped working in March. Being out of work for almost 2 months, there was no way I was going to be able to foot the bill and I gave up hope to get any return on my initial investment; In my down time, I was forced to come to terms with the resilience of the pandemic, the trauma my personal economics were going to endure, and the risk of attending a large gathering.

The other trip, the one I cancelled this weekend was a road trip through the Rocky Mountains and surrounding area. I was to fly into Denver mid-September, meet Suzanne in her RV and explore mountains, deserts, and open spaces before flying out of Vegas 16 days later. As I started to consider the gear I would need, I was also stressing out about money. I’d need a nest egg to cover my travel expenses, a few specialized pieces of gear (like hiking shoes), and I would also need to account for time not working, potential quarantine and COVID testing. I didn’t do much calculating, but I’ll be scraping by for the foreseeable future and can’t support the risk or expense of open travel.

I see some people traveling and hope they are being safe and I see others abstaining from travel and I hope they aren’t as sad as I am. Travel, adventure and exploration rejuvenate, inspire and motivate me in ways that routine, ritual and self-care can barely touch. I’m hoping to add a few local adventures to isolated spaces into my near future. Wish Me Luck!