My piece “Destination World” is about finding peace of mind through travel. In my youth, travel wasn’t an option or a possibility. I have devoted the last three years of my life to traveling the world.
Life as a professional writer has had its ups and downs. I’ve had moments of back-to-back projects, freelance pieces, and savings to spare. At my lowest, I was underemployed in New York City with five dollars to my name dreading making the call to my dad asking if he’d pay my rent for the month. Travel wasn’t even in the realm of possibility. But the eternal optimist in me always knew that adventure was on the horizon.
After securing a permanent writing position, I planned a Mediterranean cruise for the summer. Without permanent work and being grossly underpaid, the only travel I did for three years was between New York City and Chicago. It was time for an escape.
The trip was life-changing.
I biked through the coast of Naples, Italy. Prayed in St. Peter’s Square, tasted the finest of wines in Tuscany, sunbathed in the French Riviera. For once, I exhaled.
I met new people from all over the world who were shocked to learn that I was on this journey alone. But I couldn’t do this with anyone. Taking journeys solo isn’t anything new for me. I’ve traveled stateside solo and even made the big move from Chicago to New York on my own.
Did I get my groove back? Not in the sense that I came back with a sexy, chocolate Taye Diggs look-alike. But I got the next best thing: unlimited inspiration to write and the new goal of always planning a vacation.