Traveling Update

Aug 29

I’m writing this blog from the bed in my Airbnb in Cincinnati, Ohio. I just got done packing and I have about an hour and a half before I need to head to the airport to catch my flight to Detroit, Michigan. It will be the fifth city on ‘Autumn’s World Tour’. Previously I had been in Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis. My travels began on the first of July with a few weeks break back home in Gilbert, Arizona. At this point, many people know that I’m traveling around the country for a healthy portion of this summer/fall. And from that, I’ve gotten many questions. So now that I’ve gotten a good part of it under my belt, I figured I’d give you guys an update and answer some of those.

FAQAC (frequently asked questions and comments)

‘You’re doing this all alone?!’

A: Well, only sort of. Out of the 10 trips I have booked so far (Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Detroit, LA, Cruise, Chicago, DC, NY), there isn’t a single city where I don’t know at least one person. So that helps. And Shanny is on two of those (Detroit, Cruise). But I don’t mind being on my own anyway. If you’re thinking about traveling alone, check out this blog I wrote on it.

‘Hotel or Airbnb?’

A: A mix. It really depends. Airbnb used to be the more cost-efficient option but now I’d say they’re similarly priced. There are a couple of things I consider when deciding between the two. The first is whether or not there is a WeWork office in the city. I am working on these trips and go to WeWork when I can. But, for example, there isn’t a WeWork in Cincinnati so I’d need a working friendly living space. An Airbnb is better for that than a hotel. Another thing I consider is what part of my trip it’s in. If it’s at the end, I’ll probably want a kitchen, a couch, and certainly, a washer and dryer. And lastly, location, location, location. I try to map out the major things I’ll want to do in a city prior to booking lodging so I can choose something centrally located to all the activities I’ll be doing. That informed my decision to stay in an Airbnb in Seattle and a hotel in Portland.

‘Flying or driving?’

A: Sometimes the train! I took the train to Seattle from Portland and I’ll be taking the train to New York from DC. I love train rides. It’s more scenic than a flight, cheaper, and roomier. But it doesn’t always make sense time-wise. So where that doesn’t work, I fly. I’d love for this to be a road trip but I’m a really nervous driver and I’ll avoid it at all costs. And I barely know how to turn on my wipers let alone change a tire or any other emergency maintenance.

‘It’s not a world tour if you’re only doing US cities.’

A: I HEAR YOU. When things get better I’ll be on the first flight out of here. But until now this is what I can manage. London, don’t worry, you’ll be seeing me soon.

‘Speaking of, is all this traveling safe with the rise in cases?’

A: No one has actually asked me this yet but it has been on my mind. It is obviously a risk traveling this much, even though I’m fully vaccinated. I still feel fine about it and get tested before each leg. But it’s entirely possible things could escalate to a place where I no longer feel comfortable doing this.

‘I could never do that because I’d be so tired/stressed.’

A: This one I do actually get a lot. And I get it, this is definitely not for everyone. But I don’t feel any more tired or stressed than I did when I wasn’t traveling if we’re being quite honest. There are two ways to combat this. The first is good planning, which I get in itself can be stressful to some. But having a list of activities and restaurants I’m interested in prior to going somewhere makes being there much easier. The second is listening to your body and your emotions. If I’m drained, I don’t push it. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with just having dinner and going back to my Airbnb. This isn’t the travel olympics, I’m just trying to have a good time.

And last, but certainly, not least:

‘How’s it going?’

A: My pinky toe has a blister from wearing the same shoes every single day and I’m sad I’m not caught up on my TV shows. My bank account is also crying. My sleep schedule is a little messed up from being in three different time zones in the same month. I’m SO TIRED of picking up my suitcase. But I’ve gotten to see people I haven’t spent time with in years. I’ve made new friends who will be around for a while. I’ve met some of you! I’ve eaten delicious food, had a few drinks, many laughs, and made even more memories. So, overall, I’d say it’s going pretty well.