Page 6 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2019 PORTUGAL

RON & MARY’S EDITOR’S NOTE

TRAVEL IN THE TIME OF CHAOS
ithout a doubt, we live in interest‐ a stunning small town in Italy or listening to a
ing times. Devastating wars. pounding drum orchestra in Japan.
Global warming. Economic uncer‐ Yes, travel stimulates. When we hit the road,
Wtainty. Pandemics. Threats to routine is out the window. Foreign languages,
democracies, including our own. cultures, cuisines, and laws require a host of
The Chinese curse about "interesting times" problem-solving responses and thinking on your
has seldom rung truer. Then why is everyone feet. If Plan A is a bust, go to Plan B and many
traveling? Almost all of our friends have been times you need a Plan C. Successfully dealing
posting recent travel adventures on Facebook with these situations is satisfying and brings
and Instagram. Shouldn’t they should be at more than a little boost to the ego. BTW, if Plan
home, hiding under their beds with doors C doesn’t work out, it most certainly will make
locked and alarms set? for a great story for years to come. Travel crisis
And yet, according to travel industry data, the memories age well, becoming more elaborate
demand for leisure travel is undiminished, as and funny with time and repetition.
proved by our globe-trotting friends. The ques‐ And yes, travel can also be risky, especially in
tion remains–why? “interesting times.” Each trip presents different
Social media certainly has something to do potential pitfalls. Who knew Europe would en‐
with it. Posts are great motivators: “Honey, dure its hottest summer on record when we em‐
John, and Sally are having so much fun on that barked on travel to Italy and Greece in July?
cruise to Spain. Maybe we should book a cruise Know your risk tolerance before you book. And
out of Barcelona.” Yes, keeping up with the know that regardless of how carefully you plan
Joneses is still alive and well. or how much you spend, stuff will happen. It al‐
Plus, it’s easy to get addicted to traveling. It ways does.
seems like our friends are taking more and In our experience, travel makes you feel alive
longer trips. We certainly fall into that category. - and ultimately happy. Triggering all those en‐
We spend nearly half the year traveling the dorphins and serotonin makes travel addictive
world. We are drawn to the adventure and the in a good way. That’s our theory of why we -
almost spiritual lift we experience when we see and so many millions of others - are exploring
art like the Mona Lisa, or the grandeur of the the world during times of chaos and uncertainty.
pyramids, or the heart-thumping sighting of a At least it’s better than hiding under the bed.
rare white rhino. Or the pleasure of discovering
Ron & Mary James

Publishers & Editors

6 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2024