I’m writing this on a plane, currently somewhere over the Atlantic between London and Miami.
In the middle seat. In the most basic of economy sections.
Since it’s the time of year for being thankful, I started thinking about some of the things us travel lovers should be grateful for this year.
First and foremost is the fact that travel is completely and utterly back to normal. No nervous moments waiting for the results of a pre-trip Covid test. No searching for current entry requirements of your destination. No quarantines. That stuff is all in the past, where it hopefully will remain.
Now, in no particular order, a few other things to be thankful for this year:
Having an entire airplane row all to yourself. (Not happening today!)
Walking around the corner and seeing The Eiffel Tower for the first time. Or the Statue of Liberty. Or the Vegas Strip. Or Big Ben.
The infinity pool with a view of the sea. And its cousin, the swim-up bar.
Travel advisors, who always have your back.
Waking up on the first day of a trip knowing that all the fun lies ahead. And the feeling that soon follows about how next Monday at work seems like a month away.
Couple looking at beautiful sunset in infinity pool. (Photo via grinvalds / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Seeing that the forecast back home is bad while you're enjoying paradise.
The tour guides, who inform and entertain in equal measure and sometimes even become friends.
The song that gets stuck in your head on a trip that forever takes you back.
The fact that no matter how popular a destination becomes and how many cries of overtourtism ring out from the rooftops, there’s always a hidden side of things waiting to be found—if you’re willing to look.
The vacation photo that goes straight to profile pic status.
The local restaurant you happen to stumble upon that ends up serving you the best meal of the trip.
The hotel reception welcome drink.
The souvenir you debated over that instantly becomes a beloved reminder of your trip.
When they hold the plane or train for you to make a connection.
PHOTO: The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France (Photo via Europhotos / Dreamstime)
Coming face-to-face with a piece of history or a work of art that moves you.
Seeing water that blue for the first time in your life.
The magic of a theme park and the look on the kids faces when they walk in for the first time or spot their favorite character.
Doing the touristy things, but also learning a few secrets from the locals, too.
Eating Italian food in Italy. And Mexican food in Mexico. And Thai food in Thailand.
Being told you’re going to be landing ahead of schedule.
The photo of the clouds and wing that you take from the window seat.
Flight crew, who deal with too many crazy passengers, and usually do it with a smile.
Beautiful Sunset on the Beach of Naples, Florida (Susanne Neumann / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Discovering a new cocktail on vacation that you immediately start making when you get back home.
No line at security.
Getting out of your comfort zone.
Visiting that place you saw in a movie or on television and re-creating your favorite scene.
Fresh snow on the slopes.
Hiking up to the top of a steep hill to be rewarded with a stunning view.
View from Mittelberg towards the valley in Austria's Vorarlberg region. (Photo via Österreich Werbung / Dietmar Denger) (Photo Credit: Österreich Werbung / Dietmar Denger)
Your luggage arriving first.
Discovering that the destination you didn’t have high expectations for is actually rather awesome.
Trip friends. You may not ever see them again, but the fun you had together lasts forever.
Giving back to the community you visit.
Sunrises on the beach. Sunsets on the beach.
The people we are when we’re on vacation.
Last but certainly not least: coming home for Thanksgiving.
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