Let’s face it. In theory, the idea of travel is completely romantic. But like an outdoor picnic that inevitably lures bees, a few inconveniences are sometimes integral to both experiences. A price must be paid while venturing along the path to bliss.
First—and foremost—is a substantial dent in our bank accounts. Travel isn’t a cheap pastime: getting to the airport, paying for airfares, securing decent hotel accommodations, and flipping for meals and even moderate entertainment all add up quickly. Even with a generous budget, the total cost of a trip is often double the amount originally estimated.
Along the way, we also have to squeeze ourselves in and out of some tight spaces. First, we have to limit our baggage and personal belongings to get on the plane; then, we need to suck ourselves into small spaces with traveling “partners” who might talk nonstop during a long flight or laugh like hyenas while watching the scheduled movie—when we desperately need a nap.
When we final arrive at our destination, the hotel that looked so luxurious on the Internet may actually have smelly rooms—or a shared bathroom at the opposite end of the hallway. At 3 a.m., after half a night of thrashing in a lumpy bed in search of elusive sleep, the all-night party next door may not provide universal entertainment.
Even if we land in a spectacular vacation resort, the worries about family members and pets left behind may put a crimp in much-needed relaxation. Even while stretched out on a beach, we can’t help but wonder: Will the long-nurtured plants survive without our careful watering?
The nagging concerns, which we wanted to leave behind, find a way of creeping into the carry-on baggage—adding ten more pounds of unwanted weight.
So traveling actually requires a fair number of sacrifices, despite the promise of indulgent perks at a glorious destination. But, oh, the heady rewards—if we can just get beyond the relatively minor inconveniences.
After six hours of feeling like a squished sandwich en route to San Francisco, this magical city made my mind cartwheel in everlasting delight. Now my bookend to Philadelphia, this New York-like blend of art galleries and posh boutiques—set on steep hills with palm trees—enlarged my scope of the country. With unending vistas stretching beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, the water views dazzled me from every angle.
The perspective from under the bridge on a tour boat was equally astonishing from the lookout post on a highway shoulder. Popping out of a tour bus to photograph the majestic arch reaching across the glistening water has preserved that powerful image for all time.
At Fisherman’s Wharf, bread bowls filled with seafood chowder encouraged seagulls, searching for afternoon treats, to perform swooping acrobatics. The sea lions, overlapping each other on floating boardwalk rafts, provided humorous entertainment as they jockeyed for position with powerful body bumps. Just as one drifted off to sleep, another was pushed into the water—allowing the victor to swivel up and claim his prized spot.
Later, during a leisurely walk around nearby shops, lively street entertainment and prized Ghirardelli chocolates delivered a delightful bonus.
In the maze of Knob Hill, curved streets winded around elegantly designed gardens. But when a taxi driver screeched to a sudden halt for a red light on a precipice, even the most courageous amusement-park rider was forced to grip the hand support—and silently pray for good breaks.
Although guidebooks described San Francisco’s rollicking hills, they were steeper than the mind could possibly have visualized beforehand. Similarly, stories about early-morning and late-afternoon temperature dips were absolutely true, despite a stubborn refusal to pack a heavy-duty sweater for sunny California.
During an excursion to Napa Valley, a joyful day with a fast friend from Australia was a good reminder of commonality discovered in California’s wine country. Sampling different vintage wines under a pergola overlooking the thriving crop, stories were exchanged about families, homes, and loved ones—with a sense of familiarity in knowing each other for years rather than just a few hours.
