For the past year, I haven’t let myself dream about travel. We’ve done some day travel to go fishing or to use our telescope, and I’ve even been on two road trips, following all Covid guidelines. I usually like to go somewhere far away, out of the country if I can get it, at least once a year. But this year, I didn’t even allow myself to think about it. With the numbers falling in most states across the country and vaccines being distributed, it feels like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So this weekend, we discussed where we want to travel next. It was incredibly freeing and inspirational. Here’s where we’d like to go once we can safely travel without damaging or putting locals at risk:
West Coast Road Trip – this is one we’ve been talking about for a couple years now. We want to fly to Seattle, rent a convertible and drive down to Portland, San Francisco, Big Sur, LA, and San Diego. We want to see the Redwoods and we want to put our toes in the sand. The last time I felt that was about four years ago. Yikes! The ocean is calling.
Roswell/Area 51 – This is somewhere I’ve explored before, but the last time I was there, I ended up leaving because I had a massive panic attack. It was a hard time in my life, which always makes it hard to travel for me. We want to go to the International UFO Museum, alien themed diners, Area 51 if we can find it (don’t tell the government 🙂 ), and just drive with my moon roof open, eyes to the stars. Hoping to see another UFO!
West Western Europe – we want to fly into the UK and spend a few night there, take a train to Scotland and explore there, then fly to Ireland. I’ve been to the UK and to Ireland before, but never Scotland. Malcolm has only been out of the country once. Does my motivation to explore Scotland connect to my love/border lining obsession with Outlander? Maybe. Is it still a good reason to go? Oh, fuck yeah. If we have time/resources, we’d love to hit Iceland while we’re in the area. The Northern Lights are also calling to me.
Western Europe – we want to visit Barcelona, the French Riviera, and Paris. I traveled to Paris in 2009, so I’m sure a lot has changed. I can’t wait to sit in a Parisian cafe for hours, listening to the locals complain about Americans.
Massachusetts – Boston and Salem in autumn. My boss grew up in Salem and has warned me about the crowds in the fall. I am mentally prepping myself for this, because I’ve wanted to visit here since I was a kid. Spooky, witchy, pumpkins, Boston Cream Pie, lobstah rolls, give it to me.
There are so, so many more — this is just a snapshot of what we discussed. Where have you been dreaming of traveling during the pandemic?
xMaegan
Daisy-Head Maezie 
Those sound like great trips. I’d like to do the Area 51 with y’all!!
The last time I was there, I half-heartedly tried to find it. No luck. We might not be able to find it, but how fun will it be to try?
Do you remember anything about our west coast trip when you were young? Hiking among the redwoods is a must. Watch out for the homeless in San Francisco who try to sell you used cable car tickets (if the cable cars are running – they stopped them for the duration of the pandemic). Hanging out at Pike Place Market is fun, and grabbing some sourdough bread at Fisherman’s Wharf is required. And don’t forget about all of the observatories you can visit. I don’t know what it’s like these days, but you used to be able to park at one of the southernmost trailheads at Torrey Pines state park in San Diego and hike down to a relatively people-free beach.
Boston has been on my list for a while since my boyfriend has dreams of running the Boston Marathon. Just last year, I told him we needed to add Salem to our list and brave it in the fall because everyone says it’s quite the experience!
Ooh, I know someone who did that a few years ago. It’s very prestigious, I hear. Yes! Fall/Halloween is my favorite time of the year. I can’t wait to get witchy in Salem 🙂
Ooh! Yes, I vaguely remember that trip. I remember seeing the Redwoods, getting awfully car sick, your friend with the three-legged turtle, and a rental car. Hah, oh and Mom was mad you didn’t propose on that trip, so I told you to propose when we got back! I guess that worked out 🙂 Love you!