Iceland

A Note to People Who Don’t Travel

As you may recall, 2017 was going to be a year of travel for me, and I started off my blogging year urging others to make it the same for them. All the reasons I gave back then about why I believe travel is so worthwhile still stand, so maybe writing another post on the topic now seems a bit repetitive.

Except that–as you will also know if you’ve read my recent posts–none of my long-anticipated travel plans for 2017 panned out, due to circumstances beyond my control. Instead, 2017 has been my year of staying still.

View of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

This was definitely not the situation I’d planned or hoped to be in this year, but it has given me lots of time to think. As I’ve been forced into the role of non-traveler for a while, I’ve realized there are certain things to be said for it. Routine can be nice. You have additional time to spend in your own (awesome) city, and hang out with friends and family. You can also save money (I’m typing this atop a brand new desk I just bought myself which could easily have covered the cost of a domestic plane ticket.)

And yet….I miss travel. I miss the excitement of planning trips, the giddy anticipation of new adventures on the horizon. I miss the thrill of being in a new country where I don’t speak the language or know how most things work and having to figure it out (often assisted mightily by the kindness of strangers).

To anyone reading this who isn’t a traveler, or doesn’t feel the need to be, I’m sure you have your reasons. But speaking as one who’s had to walk (or stay put) in your shoes for the past six months or so, I can assure you that there is a lot to be gained by seeing the world.

Here are just a few of the things I’m missing from travel right now:

Plitvice waterfalls, Croatia

Beach in Phuket, Thailand

I miss sitting in a café in Paris, starting off the day with a flaky chocolate croissant or sipping a chocolate chaud, all the while marveling that great writers like Fitzgerald and Hemingway may have sat in the very seat I’m currently occupying nearly a century ago as they worked on their masterpieces.
I miss trying to speak a new language, making an effort to blend into a new country, even when I spectacularly fail.
I miss walking inside cathedrals, mosques, and other religious sites built over the centuries that dazzle the eye and lift the spirit, like Aya Sofia, St. Peter’s, and St. Paul’s. These buildings aren’t just spectacular visual treats or religious touchstones (though they are that); they’re also tributes to the brilliance of mankind and what people can accomplish when they work together and utilize their talents for the glory of something greater than themselves.
I miss wandering through museums that hold beautiful artwork and historical artifacts that teach us more about the world, and about each civilization’s past and ongoing story. The Louvre, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Vatican Museum, and so many others I’ve been privileged to see over the years still speak to me and call me back for return visits, over and over again.
I miss the feeling of walking on the Serengeti at sunrise, looking around in hopes of spotting giraffes and zebras, while marveling at the peaceful serenity around me. I remember wondering what my grandmother—who was born in Ireland and never traveled beyond the British Isles throughout her long life—would have thought if she had been able to see her daughter’s daughter taking a morning walk on the Kenyan plains, spotting wildlife and reflecting on the majestic beauty of the world.
I miss the natural wonders that can be found around the globe—waterfalls in Croatia; geysers, hot springs, and more waterfalls in Iceland; stunning beaches in Thailand; gorgeous Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. There are so many corners of the world where nature has created beauty well worth traveling for.
I miss meeting people who were born and raised in cultures vastly different from mine, from Cambodia to Uganda to South Africa to the Czech Republic. I miss talking with them, hearing their stories, learning from them, and sharing my own life with them. Hopefully, at the end of the day, these exchanges between individuals from different countries adds bit by bit to a greater understanding of how much we have in common, and how it benefits all of us to seek out knowledge of worlds very different from our own.
I miss gelato and pizza in Italy. Enough said.

Gulfoss waterfall, Iceland

If you haven’t traveled overseas, it may be due to factors beyond your control—money, medical issues, responsibility for children or aging parents. I get it—believe me, after this year I really do get it. But the very fact of how much I’m missing travel right now reminds me of how important it is to me, and I wanted to share a few of the reasons why in hopes that it might give someone out there the inspiration they need to take the first step towards their own adventures exploring the world. There is so much to see, and as I’ve learned this year, no time to waste in seeing it all.

So, let’s all vow to make 2018 our year of travel. I know I certainly am.

Africa, Central America, Croatia, Guatemala, Iceland, Kenya, Thailand, Travel Musings

Oct

2017

Why You Should Get Out of Your Comfort Zone and Go See The World

Melissa Kaplan0

This year, I will celebrate a milestone birthday. As it happens, I’ve also been doing a LOT of traveling this year, with much more planned for the next few months…some of it work related (for which I’m incredibly grateful!) and much of it just for fun. Maybe it’s the anniversary of my arrival on this planet that’s spurring me on to new travel adventures (though let’s face it, I never need much prompting), but I feel like this year is a perfect time to visit as many corners of our vast, fascinating world as I can and see all that I can possibly see. So you could say that getting older is actually motivating me to travel!

However, I know it doesn’t work that way for everyone. In fact, I’ve been noticing more and more of a trend among friends and family my age or older, and that’s why I decided to write this post. (It’s going to be a long one, friends, so bear with me and settle in for a while).

The trend I’ve been noticing is that people, especially as they get older, get more and more set in their ways and fixed in a certain lifestyle. They settle into a comfort zone, and often, they simply don’t want to leave it…even when extraordinary adventure (by which, of course, I mean world travel) beckons them.

But is that really okay?

Dead Sea, Israel

Many people would probably say it’s normal. Maybe it is. But I’m going to suggest that no, it’s not okay. Not everyone can or will be a daredevil adventurer, trekking around the globe solo without a map, and that’s absolutely fine. But, I think there’s a difference between that and a person who’s completely unwilling to try anything new, and won’t even consider a vacation anyplace outside of their usual routine because “it’s too much trouble,” “it’s so far,” “I have everything I’ll ever need right here,” etc etc.

Why is this so bad? And why is it any of my business? (Honestly, it’s probably not my business, but this is my blog so I’m going to write about it anyway).

Because there is an entire world out there to be seen, explored, and experienced. And if you refuse to get out of your comfort zone even a little bit, to stretch your mind and broaden your horizons, you’re going to miss it completely. And believe me when I tell you this is not to anyone’s benefit in the long run.

We all like to be comfortable. I LOVE to be comfortable. If you know me at all, you know that I am, essentially, two different people. There’s the Melissa who loves, even thrives, on routine: my usual Saturday morning yoga class; my usual order at Starbucks; re-reading my favorite books until they fall to pieces. I love an ordered, predictable universe. If you only know this side of me, I’m probably the last person you’d ever expect to go out into the world deliberately seeking adventure.

But there’s another side to me too. I’m also the girl who’s been fascinated by the world I live in ever since I watched the news with my mom and dad as a kid and spent hours poring over my parents’ world atlas and spinning my best friend’s globe around, wondering when I would be able to get to all the mysterious-sounding places I saw on it. I’m the girl who left my home state to move to Washington, DC as soon as I graduated college, then uprooted myself again to live in Europe for two years. I’m the girl who is currently at 32 countries and five continents visited and counting (no, it’s not about the numbers, but they’re a useful illustration of how much I love to wander and explore).

Why did I do all of this? Why do I continue to travel every chance I get, as far and wide as I possibly can?

Because seeing the world is worth it. It really, really is. We live on an incredibly beautiful planet filled with diverse people and places that are just begging to be explored. Maybe you love where you live and the life you have there (me too!) but it can only enrich your life to shake up your routine every now and then and go see somewhere new. So what are you waiting for?

(Note: I fully realize that there are many people who would love to travel more but are unable to due to certain circumstances—lack of money, commitments at home, health issues, small children or elderly parents to take care of, and so on. This post isn’t aimed at them. It’s targeted at anyone who thinks it might be nice to travel and has the time and money to do so, but hasn’t quite been able to make the leap out of their usual routine to do so yet. (It’s also aimed mostly at my fellow Americans, but I think the overall message is applicable to people around the world as well). Hopefully, it will inspire people to realize that traveling far and wide is possible, valuable, and will yield them unbelievable benefits. So, if you’re one of these people, read on for my reasons on why it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone (and how and where to do it!)

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Why People Don’t Leave the Comfort Zone

The truth is, we live in a magical age of travel. It’s never been easier or less expensive to travel overseas. So, with a whole vast planet to explore and money and freedom to do so, why don’t more people take advantage of the opportunity to get out and see the world? Here are a few reasons/excuses I’ve heard over the years from family, friends, and acquaintances (and why you shouldn’t listen to them):

“I Could Never Endure the Long Plane Ride.” I’m beginning with this because I hear it a lot, and I actually think this deters a lot of people from traveling to faraway places. I’m not going to lie; long-haul flights aren’t fun. I recently flew 20 hours each way (and back!) to get to Cambodia. South Africa was twelve hours; Europe is at least seven or eight. Yes, it’s a long time to be in an airplane, and yes, I really wish scientists would hurry up and perfect some kind of instantaneous method of transport so we can just flip a switch and pop over to faraway lands in seconds. But regardless, the plane journey doesn’t last forever. You can pass the time by sleeping (which you’re likely to do at some point anyway), reading, watching movies or binge-watching a new TV show (the entertainment selection on long-haul flights tends to be pretty damn good). And once you arrive and set foot in your new destination, I promise you all the hours en route will be well worth it. Would I have passed up the chance to swim in the waters off of Thailand or stand atop Table Mountain in Cape Town because of the long-haul flights involved? No way! Don’t let travel logistics deter you. Once you arrive, you’ll forget all about any discomforts of the flight and be so glad you made the effort.

“I Only Speak English: What If No One Can Understand Me?” This is another concern I hear a lot. Honestly, out of all the reasons that might be holding you back from overseas travel, this should be the least of your worries. English is today’s dominant global language, and if you’re going anywhere with a significant tourist industry, I promise you, people will speak at least enough English for you to be able to communicate at hotels, train stations, airports, and probably even restaurants (and if all else fails, just point to a photo on the menu!) True story: several years ago I was at a train station in Paris waiting to buy a ticket when I overheard a conversation between a German passenger at the next booth and the French ticket seller. The German asked him, “Is it okay if we do this in English?” “Sure!” replied the Frenchman. Point being, people all over the world have gone to the trouble to learn our language and are now adept at communicating in it. So instead of using lack of foreign language ability as a reason not to travel abroad, take advantage of the fact that we live in a world where English is so common and widespread!

“The World Outside My Country Is Scary and Dangerous!” This is something I think a lot of people (particularly Americans) have unfortunately internalized: the view that the world outside America’s borders is frightening and best avoided in the name of safety. Honestly, nothing could be more untrue. Our planet is HUGE, and while there are certain places I wouldn’t recommend traveling to in the near future (Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen), those aren’t places any traveler looking for a first-time trip outside the US would consider. Much of the world is incredibly safe, and may well be even safer than where you live. The media does a terrible job of portraying the world to American audiences, mostly because the things that make the news are generally wars and terrorist attacks. No real effort is made to convey the subtleties and nuances of life in foreign countries: instead, if it bleeds, it leads. “News,” by definition, tends to highlight the bad. Meanwhile, we live in an increasingly interconnected world that is making great strides against poverty, disease, and hunger, where life is better for billions of people today than it has ever been. Despite the presence of a few hot spots of danger, there are dozens of countries you can visit with virtually no risk at all. Just in case you were curious, according to the 2015 Global Peace Index, the safest countries in the world are Iceland, Denmark, Austria, New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, Australia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Ireland, Sweden, Belgium, and Slovenia. The U.S. actually comes in at number 94 on this list (yikes!) So if it’s safety you’re looking for, you might want to head to Scandinavia!

“There’s So Much to See in America, There’s No Reason to Go Anywhere Else!” Honestly, this is my least favorite of all the reasons people give for not going overseas…the idea that they should see America first. Why? I don’t disagree at all that America is a beautiful country full of interesting places that people should make a point of seeing. In fact, I have plenty of U.S. travel I need to do because I’ve been so focused on exploring the world outside our borders that I’ve missed a lot of my own country! But the truth is, this isn’t a valid reason never to go overseas (once, at the very least!) It’s just another excuse. You could spend the rest of your life traveling through America without a break and you still wouldn’t see a fraction of all its wonders…so why use that as an artificial barrier to getting out and seeing some of the rest of the world? Domestic travel and overseas adventures are apples and oranges: both great experiences you should have through the course of your life. Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing one for the other. It’s not necessary, and it’ll be a loss to you if you do.

“What if Something Goes Wrong?” I’m going to make this easy for you: something will go wrong. It nearly always does. But that’s okay. What’s life without a little adventure? So you miss a bus or the museum you want to visit is closed the day you show up, or you get lost wandering the streets of Prague (been there, done it). The world isn’t going to end. If you’re smart and resourceful enough to deal with minor mishaps like this at home, you can do it overseas too (especially since you’ll more than likely be able to find someone who speaks English to help you—see above). And a little research can go a long way to help too; like, know the bus departure times and museum hours before you show up!

Antigua, Guatemala

What You Gain by Leaving Your Comfort Zone

So, we’ve run through the reasons why you shouldn’t hesitate to get out of your usual routine and go see the world. But what can you expect to gain from it, exactly?

Well, beginning with the obvious and easy: the world is an incredible place. There are beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, parks and wilderness to explore. There are man-made wonders, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Majal in India, the Aya Sofia in Istanbul. There are museums which hold treasures beyond imagining: the British Museum in London; the Uffizi in Florence; the Hermitage in St. Petersburg (this one is still at the top of my own list); the Louvre in Paris. There is SO. MUCH. TO. SEE. This is why wanderlust is an addiction: because once you start seeing what the world has to offer, you realize how much more there is to discover, and that you could travel your whole life and never be able to take it all in. The world is a fascinating place. That’s reason enough to go see all you can see of it while you’re alive.

But there are other reasons too—and in many ways, at least in my opinion, the other reasons to get out of your comfort zone and explore our planet are the most important.

It’s only when you get out of the comfort zone of your home and your native country that you can truly begin to grasp what other parts of the world are like, what sort of lives people live in other countries, what’s happening across our vast planet and why it matters so much to all of us. News can be helpful; books are great. But reading is not the same as seeing.

At least once in everyone’s life, you should travel to a place where English is not the native language, and try your hand at speaking a few words in French or German or Arabic. At least once in your life, you should visit a place where America is a foreign country and you are a foreigner, to learn how other people see your homeland. You should meet, talk to, laugh with, get to know people who live lives that are very different from yours, by choice or circumstances or both. What can you learn from them? What can we all learn from each other? The answer is, a lot. But you’ll never be able to start learning about the world and the people who live in it if you don’t get out and meet them.

And I think this is really, really important for Americans in particular to do. America is a very large, but very self-contained universe. Until you step outside it—speaking from my own experience—you don’t realize just how much being American, living in the United States, affects your thinking, your frame of reference, your worldview. It’s embarrassingly easy, living in America, to forget that the world outside our country even exists. We’re the last superpower on Earth, and however much pride many of us may take in that fact, the truth is I don’t think we pause to really think about it often enough. America is a juggernaut on the world stage, and that means that decisions made in the corridors of power in our country have a ripple effect on the rest of the world. From the Czech Republic to Cambodia, I’ve met people who have told me about how American foreign policy has impacted their lives deeply (in both good and bad ways). Our influence stretches across the planet like that of no nation in history, yet millions of Americans don’t own passports and have never been outside of their own country. This is a very troubling disconnect, in my opinion. It’s hard to fully understand the impact our choices make on people in other nations around the globe if we don’t get out and meet those people and visit those nations and get to know them firsthand. I firmly believe, for this reason alone, that overseas travel is something every American who has the means and ability to do should embark on at least once in their lives. The benefits are immeasurable: for us, for our understanding of the world, and for the billions of other people who live in it.

So go on…step outside America’s shores and get to know your neighbors!

Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

So, Where To Go Next?

Well, I’m hoping by this point in my super-long post (if you’re still reading—and if you are, thank you!), I’ve convinced you that getting out of your comfort zone to see the world is well worth it. And now for the next (and very fun) question: where should you go?

I figured I couldn’t write a 3,000+ word post on exploring the world without offering some suggestions for where to go to do it…so read on below! All of these places have their own unique charms, but what they have in common is that they’re a bit outside the norm for many American travelers, but they’re accessible and safe, and can be traveled to without much difficulty (even solo–I know, I’ve traveled solo in every one!) And each one of them can offer you a unique perspective on this dynamic and diverse world we live in (as well as some fantastic vacation memories).

Cambodia—Cambodia is a beautiful, diverse country in a fascinating region of the world: it would make a great introduction to Southeast Asia, in my opinion. Since my recent visit, I’ve been recommending it to just about anyone. It has pretty much all you could want in a vacation spot–temples, beaches, cosmopolitan cities, traditional countryside–and in addition to all these attributes, it has a history that will make you pause and reflect and remarkably kind-hearted and welcoming people who will do their utmost to make your time in their country a wonderful experience.
South Africa—South Africa is the perfect country to make anyone fall in love with the world. I only got to visit Cape Town and the surrounding wine region on my trip, but there’s so much more to see that I can’t wait to go back! Beaches, mountains, beautiful rolling vineyards, dynamic and fascinating cities filled with culture: you could spend months here and not see it all. It’s also a great destination because yes, everyone really will speak English, yet it feels adventurous for an American because you are literally traveling to the other side of the world! Win-win.
Czech Republic—I lived in Prague for a year, and I highly recommend visiting the city and checking out the rest of the Czech Republic while you’re there. When most Americans think of Europe, they often focus first on England, France, and Italy—all great countries that should absolutely be seen. But the Czech Republic is fascinating too: a beautiful country with a fascinating history dating back centuries that’s still evident today in its architecture, streets, and museums. Prague makes a great jumping off point for other parts of Central Europe (don’t miss Budapest while you’re so close!), and since in my opinion this is one of the world’s most fascinating regions, you shouldn’t miss it. The Czech Republic is well-touristed and easy to navigate while still feeling foreign and as though you’re stepping into a different world. It’s a place I believe everyone should visit.
Turkey—When I think of East-meets-West cross-cultural destinations, I would probably think first of Turkey. This majestic country is an impressive place with a dazzling history (you can probably pick up on a theme here, I’m big on traveling to places with historical relevance), a cosmopolitan and easy-to-explore capital in Istanbul where you can see the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand and Spice Bazaars, and plenty of other places that will make you feel you’ve left your familiar routine of home far behind. And I didn’t even make it to Cappadocia, with its lunar landscape over which you can ride in a hot air balloon, or the gorgeous aquamarine waters of the coasts where you can take a small boat for leisurely days at sea exploring far-flung Turkish islands. And yes, despite being located in a rather volatile neighborhood, Turkey is a very safe destination. I traveled there solo a few years ago and had no safety problems (though being a solo, blond woman did draw some attention, so if you don’t feel like doing this trip alone it might be a good one to take with friends). But be sure to go, regardless.
Iceland—This last entry might seem a bit odd, since Iceland, to me, doesn’t really get one outside the comfort zone as much as the other places on this list will…but that’s just fine. Maybe this is your first trip outside the U.S., or your first solo trip, and you want to start a bit smaller. If you’re not ready for Turkey or Cambodia yet, Iceland is perfect. It’s easy to get around (though renting a car would help, but you can still do day-trips if you don’t have one); literally everyone speaks English; its capital of Reykjavik is charming and compact, feeling a little like Europe and a little like its own thing altogether; and the landscapes and nature here are stunning. Seriously, waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, parks everywhere that pretty much redefined natural beauty for me on my recent trip. Iceland is a great spot to begin your international travels, but it’s a place that I think should really be on everyone’s bucket list, from travel newbie to experienced vagabonder. Iceland, quite simply, is the best. I’m already looking forward to the day I can return.

Wine country, South Africa

Gulfoss waterfall, Iceland

Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic

Now, Get Out There—The World Is Waiting for You!

In conclusion: yes, you could spend every summer for the rest of your life going back to the same beach house you always rent on Cape Cod or the Jersey Shore. And you’ll probably have a good time and be quite content. But sometimes, that’s not enough. We can only discover new things that will enrich our lives if we’re willing to step out of our box of routine—job, commute, bills, daily drama and worries—and make a conscious effort to go someplace new, try something different, get out there and explore. Even if you can’t travel to Patagonia next week, you can still take some great steps in this direction: read a new book. Take a language (or any other kind of) class. Eat at a different restaurant and sample a new cuisine. Shake it up. Try something you haven’t done before.

But, if you are fortunate enough to have the means to travel across the globe to seek out a new country, a new perspective, and a new adventure, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It will change you, transform your life and the way you think about that life and your place in the world.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer,” as the famous saying goes. The wealth you can gain from travel, from breaking out of your comfort zone and roaming far and wide, is immeasurable. So don’t hesitate, don’t hold back, don’t make excuses. Just do it!

Asia, Cambodia, Eastern/Central Europe, Iceland, Praha, South Africa, Travel Musings

Jun

2016

My Top Ten Travel Moments of 2015

Melissa Kaplan2

It’s that time of year again! The holidays are flying by, the new year is fast approaching, and “Best of” lists are everywhere.

2015 was a good year for me in terms of travel. I visited two new countries (Thailand and Iceland), as well as a new US city, Seattle. I also got to do some work-related traveling (more to come next year, hopefully!), and spent time with friends and family scattered across the country. I have even bigger plans for next year, but that’s a story for a different blog post (coming soon!)

In the meantime, let me present my “Top Ten Travel Moments of 2015”, in no special order:

Temple Hopping and Massages in Bangkok: This year I made my first-ever visit to Southeast Asia, which means, of course, temples! I was very excited to see Bangkok’s Grand Palace and other historical spots, but when the day finally came, we had masses of tourists and 102 degree weather to contend with. I don’t think I’ve ever drunk so much water in one morning in my life! But there was a saving grace: at Wat Pho, the temples included a massage pavilion, where my friend and I (gratefully) sat down in the cool room and paid about $9 for an excellent foot massage. As magnficent as the temples were, I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the highlight of the day.

Pike Place Market in Seattle: Oh, how I love markets! I’d been hearing about Pike Place for years, and when I got there in May, it didn’t disappoint. We whiled away several hours looking at the food and flower stalls and trying all the samples of hot cider and cheese that we could squeeze in…and I was happily surprised when the cheese-and-fruit plate I purchased on my plane ride home included the exact same sharp cheddar from the store I’d discovered in my wanderings that day. Delicious!

Gulfoss Waterfall in Iceland: I love waterfalls even more than markets (well, it may depend on how hungry I am at the time), and Gulfoss is without question the most spectacular waterfall I’ve ever experienced. A must-see site if you make it to Iceland (which you absolutely should).

Lunch view in Phuket: I’ve written here about my splurge spa day on the Andaman Coast in Thailand, but honestly, as amazing as the massage and facial treatments were, the view at lunch (and the chance to enjoy it in solitude before other diners showed up) was one of the best moments of my Thailand trip, and of my entire year. I mean, just look at it! Serenity now….

Oddfellows Brunch in Seattle: I enjoyed my trip to Seattle more as a chance to relax, unwind, and experience the vibe of the city rather than a frantic attempt to sightsee. So it probably shouldn’t be surprising that one of my fondest memories of my trip is….brunch! Brunch at Oddfellow’s Café was pretty spectacular…my bacon, egg and cheese biscuit was the best I’ve ever had, the drinks were interesting concoctions, and they even tossed in organic greens to make me feel a bit better about my food choices that day. Winning all around.

The Blue Lagoon, Iceland: Everything you hear about the Blue Lagoon is true. It may be touristy, and it can get crowded (go early in the morning like I did to avoid this), but it is a truly magical place to soak, unwind, and be in the moment. Next time I return to Iceland, it’s the first place I’ll go back to: a once-in-a-lifetime type experience that I can’t wait to repeat.

New York City restaurants: I started a new job this year that has me traveling to New York fairly often. I’ve never been a fan of the city (and full disclosure, that hasn’t changed yet), but I am willing to acknowledge it has some of the best restaurants in the world…I really haven’t had a bad meal there yet. Some of my favorites are an outstanding Thai place a friend took me too, whose name I’ve sadly forgotten, and the legendary Blue Smoke, a Southern/BBQ style restaurant I’ve visited twice and loved both times. Yum!

Reykjavik: I fell in love with this fun, compact, walkable city this year. Reykjavik rocks, plain and simple. Great food, wonderful cafes, fantastic shopping, easy to navigate, and the architecture and vibe call to mind Central European cities where I spent a lot of time when I lived in Europe years ago. I can’t wait to go back.

Cape Cod Beach Time: My aunt and uncle live in Cape Cod, and as a kid my family would go there every summer and every Thanksgiving to visit, so I have lots of wonderful childhood memories playing on the local beach near their home. This year I went back for Thanksgiving for the first time in years, and it was wonderful: seeing family and spending time on the beach again. As much as I love summer, cool falls days filled with sunshine are a great time to visit New England beaches, and the day we went the weather was absolutely perfect; the sky and ocean were the bluest I’ve ever seen them. Traveling to far-flung places is wonderful, but sometimes it’s equally delightful and satisfying to revisit your roots.

Great Falls, Virginia: I figured I’d end this list with something a little closer to home. This fall, I decided to take up hiking as a hobby, and jumped at the chance to join in on a group trek to Great Falls in Virginia. During the two hour hike, I scrambled over rocks, walked through peaceful green forests, took more photos than I can count—and oh yes, saw a spectacular waterfall. You don’t have to travel halfway around the globe for adventure (though naturally, I won’t let that fact stop me from continuing to do so).

Here’s to another great year of travel, discovery, and adventures in 2016!

Have you been to any of these places? What did you think? What were some of your best 2015 travel moments?

Asia, Iceland, Thailand, Travel Musings, US travel

Dec

2015

Why I Love the World

Melissa Kaplan0

I had a very different blog post planned to write today, but it will have to wait. In light of the horrific terror attacks this weekend in Paris and Beirut, I can’t seem to focus my mind on much else. I suspect many people feel the same way.

On Friday night, I was out with some friends for the evening as the word began to trickle in about the Paris shootings, and the scope and horror became increasingly clear. One of my friends, shaking her head over the awful news, commented that hearing about events like this makes her want to turn on her favorite fictional TV show and forget all about the world.

I understand this sentiment; I really do. But I can’t agree with it.

Because the truth is, no matter how many horrible tragedies may mar its beauty, I still love the world.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by events around the globe. I was a news junkie even as a little kid growing up at the tail end of the Cold War, watching the news with my parents in the evenings. I may have had a limited understanding of the things I saw and heard, but I was developing a sense from a very early age that this big, mysterious place—The World—was important. What happened out there mattered.

I went to college to study political science, moved overseas twice, got a graduate degree in international relations, and have traveled to almost thirty countries, all for the same reason: because I love the world. Even when it horrifies me. I can’t stop caring about it, about what happens on our planet and to the people who live here. I can’t stop myself from exploring it and always wanting to learn more.

The world can be ugly and frightening, but it’s so much more than that. It contains so much beauty and wonder that it would be a tragedy to stay home, hide under the covers, and miss out on experiencing it.

The world is the magical allure of Paris, the Eiffel Tower reaching to the sky, its broad boulevards and museums cafes and patisseries inviting weary travelers to come in a while away an hour, or two or three.

It’s the spectacular art in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and the glorious seaside town of Positano looming in the hills over the Amalfi Coast.

It’s London’s red double decker buses and endless rainy drizzle and how it feels to duck in a warm pub or café or bookstore to escape the grey day, surrounded by camaraderie and friends.

It’s the view from a table on the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel, eating falafel and hummus before heading to the Dead Sea to float for an afternoon.

It’s the windmills and whitewashed houses and impossibly blue waters of the Greek Islands.

It’s the magnificent gold-pattered Aya Sofia in Istanbul.

It’s tapas and sangria in Barcelona.

It’s drinking wine looking out over a sweeping green vineyard in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

It’s the thundering of Gullfoss waterfall in Iceland, pierced by a double rainbow.

It’s all of these places, and it’s the people who live in them too. It’s the strangers who gave me directions when I was lost in foreign countries, who open their homes to travelers passing through, who share a meal or a kind word with people they barely know. It’s billions of people we haven’t met yet, just trying to live their lives and in the process, making our planet a slightly better place.

It’s easy to despair about the world, especially in times like this. The world isn’t an easy place to live in. It never has been. But I refuse to give up hope.

I’ll keep traveling, keep exploring, keep trying to learn as much as I can about the people and cultures and countries of the globe. And no matter what may happen in the future, I won’t turn my back on them or let fear keep me away.

Because no matter what, even on its worst days, I still love the world.

France, Iceland, London, South Africa, Spain, Travel Musings

Nov

2015

Gullfoss and the Blue Lagoon: The Power of Deeper Experiences

Melissa Kaplan0

Over the past few years, social media has exploded in popularity and importance, and has worked its way into virtually every aspect of our lives. It even (and perhaps especially) affects how we travel.

And lately, there seems to be a growing backlash movement against the record-every-second, constantly-upload-photos-from-your-iphone mentality that has gripped so many travelers. More and more, people are stepping back and re-evaluating whether everything we see and do really needs to be documented, or whether it’s more valuable to live in the moment and collect experiences rather than Instagram photos.

I like photos. I like Facebook and Instagram, and sometimes twitter. But lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to be online less and present in the moment more, realizing the value in making this effort to appreciate life as it’s happening, rather than frantically scrambling to record it while it whizzes by.

This new attitude is really important to me, and I think I’ve made a lot of progress towards “living in the moment.” But that raises the question: what does living in the moment really mean? Is it even possible to always be in the moment, or do some moments simply not quite happen in the way we imagine, or rush by us too fast for us to really take them in?

A Traveler’s Conundrum

I find that this dilemma especially applies to us travelers. We are always driven to seek out a new place, a new sight, a new memory to carry with us as we move from one part of the globe to another. It’s part of who we are. So surely we, of all people, should be slowing down and doing our very best to “be present” and savor the moments we worked so hard and journeyed so far to experience?

I thought a lot about this during my recent trip to Iceland. As much as I adored Reykavik, where I spent two days, the highlights of the trip for me were getting out and seeing the country beyond its charming capital. My two favorite sights, without question, were Gullfoss waterfall and the legendary Blue Lagoon. Both were incredible, but I experienced them in very different ways.

Gullfoss was one of the marquee sights I saw on my day-long excursion into the Golden Circle surrounding Reykavik. A waterfall enormous almost beyond imagining, it crashed and thundered and roared, dazzling its audience with mist and rainbows (two at once!) It was stunning, and I felt I could look at it forever, just trying to take it all in.

But unfortunately, I didn’t have forever. I had approximately half an hour before I had to head back to the tour bus. I needed to squeeze in my experience pretty damn fast. And frankly, that sucked.

I walked around Gullfoss, taking in its majesty from all possible angles, and kept telling myself to savor this. Experience this. Feel it now, because in ten minutes you need to leave.

That’s a lot of pressure.

I really did love Gullfoss: it was stunning and one of my very favorite sights in Iceland. But as I gazed out at it, feeling the spray of the water on my face and trying to make the most of my limited time, I kept waiting for a big moment, a connection with this stunning place. And it didn’t quite come. There just wasn’t enough time, and I was too aware of how quickly the time was passing to be able to fully enjoy Gullfoss the way I wanted. I left impressed, but at the same time, a little disappointed, and feeling almost like a failure as a traveler. I hadn’t experienced! I hadn’t been in the moment enough! Damn it.

A More Leisurely Experience

The next day, I was up at the crack of dawn to see the place in Iceland I’d been most eager to experience: the Blue Lagoon. I awoke ridiculously early, took a shuttle bus from Reykavik to the lagoon, figured out the logistics of showering and changing and storing my suitcase, and by nine o’clock I was wading into the milky blue water I’d seen on a million postcards and Instagram photos.

The day was cloudy and grey. The water was warm, soothing, and enveloped me immediately, relaxing me. I moved slowly, parting the water in a cross between swimming and walking, and found a niche over in the corner, where few people had yet arrived. It was almost empty. It was perfect.

I leaned back against the edge of the lagoon, feeling the warmth of the water and watching the steam rise up from it, creating a virtual fairy-tale land. I realized I was falling for this place, as it’s meant to be done when we travel; slowly, without haste, without undue pressure. I didn’t need to remind myself to be in the moment. I had two whole hours, which was more than enough time to take it all in, float around the entire lagoon to explore every corner, and then return to my favorite spot to lean back, breathe in the steamy mist, and marvel at the beauty of this place.

I didn’t bring my camera with me (mostly because I couldn’t figure out the logistics of how to hold it and keep it dry while swimming) so I didn’t get the obligatory “Iook at me I’m in the Blue Lagoon” selfie so many other people were taking. And that was absolutely fine. I didn’t need it. I didn’t even want it. Not being able to take photos gave me more freedom to take in what I was seeing and, as we travelers love to say, “be in the moment.”

Now, when I see a photo of the Blue Lagoon, I can actually pinpoint the place I spent the most time, the little tucked away corner on the right side of that enormous milky teal pool. I remember being there, what it looked like, how I felt. And I will have that memory forever.

Lessons Learned

What’s the moral of the story? For me, it’s the importance of slowing down, traveling at a more leisurely pace, giving myself time to really absorb a place before I have to move on. I’ve done a lot of rapid-fire travel in my life (the world is so big and there’s so much to see!) but I think I’m done with that now. I want to travel more slowly, explore more deeply, and give myself time to enjoy experiences rather than race through them in hopes that something will somehow stick.

This is how I’m going to approach travel from now on, and I think I’ll be a much happier and more fulfilled traveler as a result. Because while there’s much to see in the world, there’s just as much that’s worth slowing down for.

Have you been to Gulfloss or the Blue Lagoon? What was your experience like? How do you feel about slower-paced travel?

Iceland, Travel Musings

Oct

2015

The Challenges of Short-Term Travel

Melissa Kaplan2

Today I stumbled upon a blog post about a small country in Southeast Asia. The blogger began by noting that, sadly, she “only” had a month to spend in this particular place, and wished she could have stayed longer (it did sound quite lovely). But I couldn’t help shaking my head a bit at this statement: four weeks in one country?! I could probably see (at least the highlights of) Southeast Asia in four weeks!

I’ve long been a traveler who takes lots of super-quick trips. This is not particularly because I like them, but because that’s just the way my travel life has worked out. I never spent a summer backpacking through Europe as a teenager, or saved up for a six-month leisurely Southeast Asia trek in my twenties. I had no idea, for years, that either of these were viable options.

Growing up, I traveled a fair amount with my family—Bermuda every summer; Europe a few times to see family; trips in the U.S. to Boston, California, Atlanta, Cape Cod. I wasn’t travel-deprived, but neither did I consider long-term travel as something I might be able to do as an adult. I was twenty-four when I first heard the expression “backpacking through Europe” on a TV show I was watching. I was in my thirties before it even occurred to me that South America or Southeast Asia might be worth a look.

The travel bug hit me relatively late in life. And by the time it did, I had a career I couldn’t just pick up and leave easily. I did finally quit my job in my late twenties to move overseas, living in Prague and London for two years, both of which were amazing experiences and allowed me to squeeze in lots of side trips to other interesting European hot spots; but again, these were short weekend trips. The longest continuous trip I’ve ever taken lasted two weeks (Italy and Croatia). Usually, my overseas travels are squeezed into a week (if I’m lucky) or even a long weekend, if I have to be especially mindful of using up vacation days.

Despite all this, I’ve managed to visit nearly thirty countries. I’ve found a way to make short-term travel feasible for myself and have packed a lot of destinations into the past decade. I certainly can’t complain.

Yet reading this particular blog post made me feel a bit wistful. How wonderful would it be to have months on end to explore a new continent or country—to really get to dig in, uncover hidden secrets, not feel rushed, and truly get to slow down and enjoy the journey?

Making a Change

Not long ago, I decided I wanted to check out a new country in South America (which shall remain nameless until my plans firm up—there have to be some surprises, after all!) At first I thought I could fit it into an extra-long weekend and only take three days off work—saving up those precious vacation days, woohoo!

But the more I considered my potential itinerary, the more exhausted it made me feel, which is possibly a sign that I’m getting old, but whatever. Did I really want to fly twelve hours each way to be in a new city and country for only three days? The more I thought about it, the less fun it sounded to me.

On my most recent trip to Iceland, I only spent three days in the country. For Iceland, this actually worked out okay, because it’s compact enough that you can see a lot in that period and the flight time and jet lag aren’t prohibitive. Still, as much as I enjoyed my trip, it was rather exhausting to head to the airport straight from a full day of work (still answering work emails on the way to catch my flight), fly overnight, then three days later be back on the plane so I could repeat the journey and be at work again the next morning. In fact, several colleagues who are facebook friends and had been following my trip online were shocked to see me back already when I’d been posting photos of my visit to the Blue Lagoon literally the day before!

All this has made me realize something: I need to slow down. I love travel, I love seeing as many new places as I can possibly find the means to explore. But I need to do it at a more sane pace. I need more time to relax and unwind and truly enjoy the places I’m seeing. This may mean fewer trips, but longer, slower-paced, and ultimately, more rewarding ones.

I’m still planning to go to South America in the spring, but not for a quickie trip. Instead, I want to take off a whole week (hey, it’s not a month but it’s the best I can do), have several days to explore the capitol and surrounding countryside, and actually have a full recovery day on the other end when I get home. Planning a trip that way feels like a wonderful luxury, and I’m excited (rather than exhausted) just thinking about how great it will be.

I may never be able to while away half a year in Europe or Asia, but I think those who can are both very fortunate and onto something important. Slower, deeper, and more relaxing travel has all kinds of benefits, not the least of which is that it makes travel feel like a pleasure rather than a chore. And that’s the way it should be.

Are you a slow traveler, or do you prefer shorter trips? How do you fit travel into the rest of your life? Any tips or suggestions?

Iceland, South America, Travel Musings

Oct

2015

Nine Reasons Reykavik Rocks

Melissa Kaplan0

I’m a city person; I always have been. When I plan my travels, it’s almost always the lure of exploring a new city that draws me in first: Cafes! Museums! Restaurants! Architecture! What can I say, I’m like that.

Although I was excited to explore the natural wonders (and of course the Blue Lagoon) on my recent trip to Iceland, I was also eagerly anticipating the two days I’d spend in Reykavik. I’d heard great things about this little city in the middle of the North Atlantic, and I couldn’t wait to check it out for myself.

Reykavik, happily, did not disappoint. It’s one of the most enjoyable smaller cities I’ve ever spent time in. Here’s a list of the things I liked most about Reykavik (aka Nine Reasons Reykavik Rocks):

Hot dogs! This seems an odd thing to mention, but anyone who visits Reykavik will inevitably try a hot dog or two. Or more. I can attest that they’re indeed delicious; deeply flavorful, with unusual Iceland-style toppings including remoulade sauce (YUM) and crunchy onions. Oh, how I wish I were eating one right now! Iceland has succeeded in raising the humble hot dog to another level entirely.

Art galleries: Reykavik is full of art. I love this in a city. But in Reykavik, the art isn’t confined solely to museums; it’s also on the streets and in the galleries, which anyone can pop into on a whim to discover some of the outstanding talent this country has produced. The fact that a lot of the art features the beautiful Icelandic countryside doesn’t hurt either. I spent hours wandering into one gallery after another, and I was consistently impressed with the quality of the art, as well as the friendliness and helpfulness of the gallery owners. My one souvenir from my trip was a photograph of the countryside I bought from a gallery I visited a few times. Artwork, in my opinion, often makes the best mementos, and Reykavik provides tons of great options to see and to buy it.

Laugavegur street shopping: This is, quite possibly, my new favorite street in the world. It’s seemingly endless (in a good way) and lined with shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. The best part is there are no big chains here, just lots of unique boutiques and cute, quirky stores selling clothes, artwork, crafts, food, and touristy items that don’t feel too touristy. Unfortunately it comes at a price (as with much in Iceland): after admiring a lovely wool sweater and discovering it cost approximately $200, I realized I was not going to be making any substantial purchases in Reykavik. But for browsing, which I love to do, this street is unsurpassed.

Colorful houses: Having spent childhood summers (parts of them anyway) in Bermuda, I’ve always had a strong appreciation for beautiful pastel-colored houses. Reykavik has loads of these, and they brighten up the city even on gloomy fog-filled days. The houses reminded me of a colorful string of gumdrops. Cue childhood nostalgia.

Tiu Dropar: I can’t believe I almost missed this place. It was listed in my guidebook but I hadn’t paid it any particular notice, until I flipped through the in-flight magazine to learn more about the city’s cafes and restaurants and heard that Tiu Droppar’s hot chocolate was considered by many the best in the city. Challenge accepted. I have something of a hot chocolate obsession so my standards are really high, but I LOVED the hot chocolate at Tiu Droppar, rich and beautifully smothered in whipped cream. Oh, and it’s also a charming, basement café perfect for reading a book or chatting with friends over hot drinks during the day, which transforms itself into a wine bar with live music at night. Of course I went back for that, and had a great time. Why can’t more cities have cool places like this?

The Laundromat: On the opposite end of the spectrum from Tiu Dropar, which was a happy surprise to me, The Laundromat was one place I was really determined to visit (and specifically, brunch at). It’s a café/restaurant lined with books (is a better combination possible?) and was the absolute perfect stop on a rainy day for brunch at a not-totally-outrageous price (hard to find in Reykavik, I must say). I had eggs, bacon, and toast, forsaking the enormous Dirty Brunch (which includes that and just about every other breakfast food you can think of) as I feared I wouldn’t be able to eat for the rest of the day if I went with that. Next time! (Oh, and apparently you can actually do laundry here, though I didn’t try this out).

Sea views: You can see water from plenty of places in Iceland, and Reykavik is no exception. As I walked around, one of my favorite things to do was turn down a random street so I could gaze in awe at the view of the sea just down the hill. It was a lovely counterpoint to the city’s chic urban-ness.

Vegamot: Another restaurant hyped to the sky by guidebooks and bloggers, which I decided I just had to try for myself. And yes, it’s really good! I ordered an enormous plate of chicken nachos that could have fed three people, and was sorry I wasn’t able to finish it off. Meanwhile, other patrons around me were tucking into an assortment of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and the like which looked equally delicious, and made me a bit sad that I’d decided to dine there on my last night in town so I wouldn’t be able to return…at least for a while. But next time I’m in Iceland, I’ll definitely be back!

The people: The Icelanders I met were uniformly friendly, courteous, and helpful. It can be hard to be a tourist finding your way around a new city on your own, and while I didn’t get to have many in-depth chats with local folks during my brief stay, I was nothing but delighted with every single interaction I had with Reykavik residents. Another reason Iceland is a great spot for first-time travelers, as I’ve written before: welcoming people always helps make a new city feel a bit more like home.

Have you visited Reykavik? Any places or items to add to this list? Share!

Iceland

Sep

2015

Iceland: The Perfect Country for First-Time Travelers

Melissa Kaplan0

When it comes to traveling, many of my friends fall at two different ends of the spectrum. I have some friends who are incessant globe-trotters with passport stamp counts that far exceed mine. On the other hand, I have friends who don’t own passports at all, and have never traveled outside of the U.S.

From the latter camp, several have told me lately that they really want to travel overseas. I know that this can be a rather intimidating prospect when you’re doing it for the first time, especially if you decide to go solo. So for travelers planning a first foreign trip, the choice of destination can be very important.

All of this got me thinking, on my recent trip to Iceland, that this country would be an absolute perfect locale for someone taking their first overseas trip, and hopefully kick off a lifetime of exotic adventures (or at least a few more down the road).

Why is Iceland such a great choice for a first trip outside of the U.S.? Plenty of reasons!

It’s easy. I’m not one to say that every trip needs to be to an “easy” country…there are loads of fascinating destinations off the beaten track which are hugely rewarding and worth seeing, despite some bumps and discomfort along the way. But that’s not the ideal way to begin with your first overseas trip. It’s fine—even desirable—to go someplace easy and slowly adjust to the rhythm of travel and life outside your usual comfort zone. Iceland fits the bill here. Its capital city, Reykavik, is easy to navigate; the people are friendly and helpful; and everyone (or just about everyone) speaks English (at least in Reykavik and the surrounding area). All this ease can help smooth the way for first-timers, and let them focus less on logistics and making themselves understood and more on enjoying their trip to the fullest.

Quick flight, minimal jet lag. Flights to Reykavik from Washington, DC are about five hours (slightly longer coming back). There are cheap direct flights on WOW air, and Icelandair also offers reasonable fares, as well as their famous offer of a seven-day stopover on the way to or from another destination. Additionally, the time difference is four hours—not nothing, but roughly comparable to the experience of flying from the East to West coasts in America. For a first trip overseas, this can help minimize the painful aspects of adjusting to a new time zone after a sleepless night on a plane (or maybe that’s just me). Iceland is very doable, even for those who aren’t used to long-haul flights. If you can handle a flight to California, you can manage a trip to Iceland.

Reykavik. I fell hard for Reykavik (blog post coming on this soon). It’s one of the most enjoyable cities I’ve ever spent time in, and as one who loves cities and has visited plenty, I don’t say that lightly. Reykavik has just about everything a first-time overseas traveler (or anyone, really) could want: ease of navigation, friendly English-speaking locals, lots of great restaurants, good (if expensive) shopping, and even some fantastic sea views to remind you that yes, you are in Iceland. I really loved it and can’t wait to go back. I suspect many newer travelers would be enchanted by Reykavik too.

The countryside. Of course, Iceland isn’t all about its (medium-sized) city. Once you leave Reykavik behind, whether in a rental car or on a tour bus, you’ll discover an amazingly diverse landscape of geysers, parks, and my favorite, waterfalls. It’s easy to get out of the city to explore these natural wonders, which provide a great counterpoint to Reykavik’s urban delights. And of course, before you head to the airport for your return flight, you can spend a few hours basking in the Blue Lagoon, which may just be my new happy place. So much natural beauty and unique attractions within striking distance of the city limits? It’s just another plus for travelers who want to see as much as possible before heading home. Any first overseas trip should be filled with a multitude of special memories; Iceland makes that incredibly easy.

A sample of Europe, without going all the way. Iceland—particularly Reykavik—reminded me quite a bit of Europe (which technically, it is, but situated conveniently in the Atlantic halfway between the Old and New world landmasses). But Reykavik often felt like a very Central European city to me: streets lined with fascinating architecture, plenty of unique shops and restaurants, loads of charming cafes, some great museums…pretty much all the things I love and miss about Europe were right here. While I would strongly encourage all travelers to visit Europe at least once in their lives (and hopefully more!), Iceland is a really great place to get a feel for Europe without having to go all the way over there. It’s a great “European sampler” before taking the plunge to explore the continent.

Of course, Iceland has some drawbacks, the main one being that it’s really rather expensive—though cheap flights help balance things out and it CAN be done on a budget. But no country is perfect. And when I think about possible destinations to recommend to my friends who are about to dive into the exciting world of foreign travel, I can think of no better place than Iceland for them to start.

Happy travels!

Iceland, Travel Musings

Sep

2015