The Midlife

Just like everyone else — or mostly everyone else — I haven’t traveled in a long time. I’m too scared to air travel, but I am debating about a road trip somewhere.

When I was growing up in Pasadena (Maryland, not California) summer road trips were my family’s jam. We’d drive in our van (with curtained windows, no less) with my parents, and three daughters in tow and hit the open road all the way to Florida. Sometimes we would stay overnight in the Carolinas; if my Dad was feeling really spicy at the wheel, we’d drive straight through. Nothing but air conditioning, hundreds of miles awaiting the infamous South of the Border billboards, and fighting with my sisters to keep the drive interesting. I look back on these trips with appreciation, not knowing I wouldn’t have too many of them with my Dad; they invoked the happiest times of my childhood.

Fast forward to today. These trips also fueled my fascination and giddiness with hotels. I love staying at hotels. I’ve stayed at a few fancy ones. I’ve stayed at some less than magical ones. It doesn’t matter; they’re allure is never lost on me, regardless of how many stars it’s rated. There’s something about escaping your own bed and home for a little something different, even if it’s just for one night of indulgence. In my mind, the bed feels more plush, the towels fluffier, even when the hotel shampoo dries out my hair. Bonus if a hotel has a complimentary breakfast, too.

Planning for a trip is sometimes just as much fun as the trip itself. Figuring out where to stay and what to pack. What activities will you do? Do you want to see all the main sights? I often do, but I don’t ever like to overschedule things too much. We have to board our pets, which often has me question my line of work and where the real money is. (FYI – it could be in pet boarding.)

I have only one main ritual before a trip. It’s a non-negotiable. It guarantees I will have the trip of a lifetime. I absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt HAVE TO pack at the last minute. Sometimes this is the night before; sometimes this is a few hours before I leave the house. It’s weird. A little like me.

I would love to know if YOU, dear reader, have any travel rituals? Are there special things you pack to ensure a great trip? Is anyone traveling somewhere cool? Would love to hear from you in the comments or via email at themidlife2021@gmail.com. Wherever your remaining summer plans take you, I hope it’s to somewhere near or far that inspires you.