The Wonder of the Familiar – What Is the Right Trip for You

It was early morning on one of those cool, quiet summer days as I started my commute. I was laser focused on my agenda for the day, but suddenly realized I had extra time. I decided to take a detour. 

As I rounded the bend of that winding country road, I breathed and relaxed.  Two deer lifted their heads in the tall grass and gazed at me.  Such a beautiful, serene scene that I was the only one to witness.  

Suddenly, I was struck by the thought “I am missing everything!”   

As creatures of habit, we can become lost in our routines, oblivious, numb and apathetic to our surroundings. Recently I discussed the idea of the “perpetual tourist” with a guest at my Airbnb. 

There is a certain comfort in operating on autopilot, but we need to experience new  things as well. For some people that means traveling to exotic places, but most of the year, time is spent closer to home. We have tons of local summer events and crowds that go with them, but sometimes I prefer less noisy, simple pleasures. Sitting on the patio watching the squirrels, birds, maybe some turkeys or even a raccoon . . . absorbing the sights, sounds and smells. Being in the moment.

When my grandchildren were young I wrote an article “Trips with Kids - or Not”, focused on short trips close to home that could be fun, entertaining, educational and interesting without being expensive. Now my friend and I play tourist. We explore parts of the town we have not been to recently, take different routes to familiar places and keep an eye out for new things. I am often surprised by all that we find. 

I invite you to step out and learn about all kinds of travel at our Geezer Forum kickoff event so you can be a perpetual tourist and see the wonder in the familiar too.

Remember, a Geezer is not a grouchy old man, but the disguise of an aging, wise and vibrant person!