I recently turned to my young daughter while in an airport and had a senior moment. “Ava… WHAT CITY ARE WE IN ?”
I’d rather think of it as a rock star moment, caused by waking up in many different destinations, and exhaustion from fun late nights and rock n roll.
It might be because I HAVE been on the road a lot this year…. but have also gone down some new roads in life which have left me preoccupied.
A close friend, diagnosed with a terrible disease, at too young an age.
My daughter, possibly leaving the womb of her tight knit soccer team to join a club team.
So.. after that little cathartic rant, can I ask – aren’t we all longing for that peaceful place? Where in the world have you been that you just feel it in your bones… a place that goes right to the core of you? Where do you feel a worldly connection?
I call it comfort food travel -For me…. one obvious place is out on the water. It is a unique, and peaceful perspective from which to admire the world…and the rhythm of the gentle waves reverberates for days after. There are many destinations in the world where you can access the ocean, bay, etc and here are a few suggestions:
SUP -Stand Up Paddling or kayaking- If you’ve never tried it, there are schools all over the world to help you. It is always fun to learn something new on a trip – let this be your take away.
Burma
You get up close with the marine life, admiring brightly colored coral and schools of fish. (I SUPed over baby sharks here in Burma!) No to mention, bring a friend and it is a bonding outing.
www.balisupschool.com in Bali.
www.standuppadlesurfschool.com in Maui.
Lucky Catch Cruises, Portland Maine
A working lobster boat in Maine:
If you make it to Portland Maine, you gotta take a Lucky Catch Cruise. This is one of my travel highlights – Capt Tom takes you out on his lobster boat during lobster season, and involves you in the process of catching lobster – a huge industry for the state of Maine. Kids are more than welcome, and learn so much about the cycle of food – from the bottom of the ocean to your dinner plate. You can buy the lobster you catch for a mere $5!!
To top it off, on a nice day it is a relaxing cruise where you can take in the gorgeous Maine coastline and some iconic lighthouses. I will write more about this one of a kind experience at the beginning of lobster season.
Newport Beach
Rent an electric boat: This is fun because you can be your own captain.
You can rent these little electric boats that fit about 10 people, and cruise through many water ways in the U.S. Florida, Maryland, and here in California to name a few. It’s not expensive, and they don’t go fast for you first timers. It doesn’t have to be summer – You can pull down plastic covers to block the breeze….
…Here in California, this winter night is crisp and clear. It gets more crowded and harder to rent in the summer.
www.experiencetheduffyboat.com
Venice, Italy, 1988
A gondola ride in Italy:
- Really… I know it can be touristy, but ya gotta do it once. The first time I rode on the canals of Venice, I felt like I had been there in former lives. As you look out on the palaces along the Grand Canal, you are enveloped in the blanket of old world charm. A 60 minute ride typically costs about 100 euro, but you can try to negotiate.
A much less costly option is to take a vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal.
Take a ski boat or a fishing boat out – These can be arranged at most hotels in Cabo…
Florida Keys
or Florida. Once again, another fun activity for kids.
As we enter spring… be mindful of what floats your boat, and go for it. You deserve the fun… and comfort.
