Wanderlust

As far as I’m concerned, it’s not a good year if I don’t use my passport.

I love to travel. I enjoy learning unexpected quirks about a new place, the sound of a foreign language, getting a deeper sense of a location’s history, or finding an unanticipated gem of nature.

I like the reminder that people are the same everywhere you go, and yet different. Sometimes very different.

The United States is big enough and diverse enough to provide those types of experiences, and I love traveling in my own country, but there’s something extra special about exploring outside the U.S. borders.

Not to mention, it’s great book research!

Of course, travel—especially overseas—is costly. Which is why after my writing expenses are covered, almost all of my (admittedly meager) income goes to help fund our expeditions abroad (and closer to home). It’s the main reason I care about making any money at all.

Last year my husband’s work schedule didn’t cooperate with my boys’ school schedule. My passport was sad, and I went through serious adventure withdrawals. 😉

This year things at The Engineer’s work have calmed down a bit and it’s travel on, baby!

We’re going to hit Niagara Falls and Toronto early in the summer, then take a 12-day tour through the UK later on. Just pretend you can see me doing a little happy dance in front of my MacBook.

Are you a traveler or a homebody? What’s an interesting place that you’ve been or would like to visit?

Innsbruck

Venice

Bermuda

London

0 Comments

Alison Stone

25 / Jun / 2013

Enjoy my neck of the woods! Will I see you in Atlanta?
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  25 / Jun / 2013
  
  Alison: Thanks, I will. And, yes, I’ll be in Atlanta. I hope we can find some time to chat again. You have so much going on this time around! 🙂
CristineGzr

25 / Jun / 2013

Ah, thank you Gwen, I look forward to a vicarious adventure. I’m a traveler who is married to a homebody. This year the man finally agreed to travel, so we are going to see my favorite city, New Orleans. I think it was the salty oysters and beer afternoons on Bourbon Street that sold him! And the zoo, the museum, the shops, and the Garden District!
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  25 / Jun / 2013
  
  Cristine: That must be hard. I’m lucky to have found a man who loves travel as much as me. You did it right though, selling your husband on the parts of the city that will appeal to him. Have a great time in The Big Easy! 🙂
insearchofitall

25 / Jun / 2013

I call myself “Gypsy”. Right now, I’m looking for roots…to come back home to. I love, love,love to travel. That’s why retoring my health is so essential. Travel broadens a person like nothing else can. I’ll be along with you vicariously. Enjoy!
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  25 / Jun / 2013
  
  insearchofitall: “Gypsy” works for me. I usually use “nomad”. 😉 As a military brat turned military spouse, I really have very little in the way of roots. I have ideas for where I’d like to live after my husband retires, but I’ll never use the word “settle”. Hope you get healthy again so you can return to wandering!
  - insearchofitall
    
    25 / Jun / 2013
    
    I was an army brat so I know what you mean.
Maura Troy

25 / Jun / 2013

One of the best vacations I ever had was at Niagara Falls. We loved it. Haven’t been to Toronto, but we have enjoyed going to Nova Scotia and Montreal. Overseas, I’ve been to London and Ireland. I’d love to go to Austria and Tuscany.

Have a great time on your travels!! I’m looking forward to seeing the pics I know you will be sharing. 🙂
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  25 / Jun / 2013
  
  Maura: There are just too many places to see in the world and not enough time/money, right? I’ll definitely be sharing photos. Thanks!
Elke Feuer

25 / Jun / 2013

I’d love to return to Venice. Went there with my parents as a child, but it rained the whole time we were there. Other places are China, Egypt, Florence, and the Mediterranian to name a few. Like you, I love to travel.

How about adding Cayman to your list? That’s where I’m from. 🙂

Enjoy your travels!
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  25 / Jun / 2013
  
  Elke: I enjoyed Venice, but it was HOT when we were there a few years ago. I lived in Germany as a child and we traveled throughout much of Europe, but it’s been fun to go back and see things as an adult. Plus, there are still so many new places to explore. My list is sooo long. 😉 I’ve been to several Caribbean islands, but not Cayman. I’ll definitely add it to my list!
Kathryn Michaels

26 / Jun / 2013

It’s hot and humid in Toronto now. Summer has finally arrived. I’m sure you’ll have a great time visiting the falls and TO! Safe travels.
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  26 / Jun / 2013
  
  Thanks, Kathryn! It’s hot and humid in D.C. too, so we’re ready. 😉
CortlandWriter

26 / Jun / 2013

Hi, Gwen. With a group of longtime friends, we are going to visit some folks up in the Toronto area in late July. I’m looking forward to visiting the professional hockey Hall of Fame. Of course, there will be many visits to various wineries in wine country. We have been to Niagara Falls before, but a trip there is always awesome and it’s on our itinerary. I hope your travels are safe and fun. It will be fun to compare “notes” on our mutual visit to that Canadian city.
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  26 / Jun / 2013
  
  Mark: Enjoy your visit!
Diana Belchase

2 / Jul / 2013

I’m glad your passport is happier this year, Gwen. Send lots of pictures so we can follow your adventures!

XO
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  2 / Jul / 2013
  
  Will do, Diana! In fact, today’s post will be a recap of my Canada trip. Thanks for stopping by.