I think of my travels as coming in different sizes. For example, our family plans to go on an African safari. That’s BIG travel! It’s a long-term goal. On the other hand, I will be taking the kids to Brainerd this week to explore an old rail station. That’s a small travel goal. Our extended family also plans to go to the Black Hills this summer. That’s a medium-sized travel goal. Each and every one of those plans has merit and is worthwhile. Each one offers the opportunity to explore a corner of the world that we’ve never seen before.
I’d like to encourage you to make a list of travels goals and categorize your trips into multiple sizes. Here is an example of my list:
Small Travels:
- Camping at the Drive In and Dam Festival
- Brainerd history days
- Southeast MN cave exploration
- Little Falls Craft Show
- Hiking Mt Tom
- Tall Ships Duluth
Medium Travels:
- Black Hills Family Vacation
- Las Vegas Girls Getaway
Large Travels:
- California Family Vacation
- Costa Rica
- African Safari
I put things into the sizes that felt right to me. It’s ok if your list is different. For some people, a trip to Las Vegas would be BIG travel. For some, a trip to the Black Hills would be small travel.
My small travel plans will always be a longer list than the other two. That’s because I love seeking out new opportunities to explore on a regular basis. There is a lot of value in the small travels that can happen in our own city and state. (Plus, there is something so satisfying about crossing things off your list, isn’t there?)
By breaking your travel up into different sizes you may see things in a new light. The possibilities are endless!
I know I won’t be getting a new stamp in my passport every month, or even every year. It’s important to realize that there is always, ALWAYS something to see, do, and explore in the world around us. Just remember that travel is whatever you make it.
