I don’t know about you, but I am a creature of habit. I also love my creature comforts, which means the last place on earth I ever want to be is in an airport or on a plane, or (shudder) sleeping on a hotel room bed. Someone once said, “A trip is a journey to get back to your own bathroom.” Funny but kind of true. That said, I love to see new places, go sight-seeing, and explore cobblestone alleys in search of great restaurants. If I could magically transport myself anywhere in the world right now, it would be to the Le Balto cafe on Rue de Buci in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in Paris, where I could sip my cafe au lait and nibble on a croissant fresh out of the oven while watching the world go by.
How to solve my travel dilemma? Well, for one thing, I pack well when going on trips. I don’t take a lot, but I make sure what I do take will provide maximum comfort (a pashmina shawl serves as a great substitute for those flimsy things on airplanes they call blankets). I also make sure to leave plenty of time when catching a flight. I’d rather get to the airport with hours to spare than have to rush around like a chicken with my head cut off. I bring tasty snacks, even if I’m flying business class (my husband used to laugh, but now he’s the first one with his hand out when we fly together). Oh, and comfy shoes are a must.
When a trip isn’t a reality, reality TV is my mode of travel. My favorite show is “Househunters International” on HGTV. It takes you all over the world, and you can even fantasize about possibly buying a home in each locale. Better yet, afterward you get to sleep in your own bed.
