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Part-Time Traveler

Find your balance of travel and home.

Home » Personal » The Gift of Travel

The Gift of Travel

November 4, 2014 Personal, Travel

Travel is the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself.
Not so long ago I was sitting, stagnantly, in my own life.  I had nearly everything I was supposed to want.  I wasn’t unhappy per se — but I was bored (and I was boring.)  That’s almost worse than being sad. I wasn’t an active participant in my own life.
The only time I felt really, truly alive was the few weeks a year I visited friends out of the country.  There was the way I wanted to feel about life.  There was the girl I knew I wanted to be.  That was my authentic self.
Was that girl real?  Or was she merely escaping, thriving in an unsustainable lifestyle?  The quest to merge the travel lifestyle with the life I want at home is how Part-Time Traveler was born.
relaxing in greece
It’s a funny thing, waking up every day, working hard and hustling to make things happen — but also arriving at some understanding that life works in mysterious ways that we often can’t control.  The journey unfolds in ways we might not anticipate, and cannot plan for or work towards.  Some would label it individual agency versus destiny, others effort versus surrender.

[quote] Travel taught me how to embrace both — how and when to act, and how and when to let go. [/quote]
I’ve hinted about the massive life changes I went through just about a year ago.  About getting hit by a ton of bricks after my breakup, though I expected it.  About moving back in with my parents, though I never expected it. I think I’m almost ready to write about them here.
For now, I’m reflecting on the many gifts travel has given me.  So many travel blogs focus on the important ‘how’ questions behind travel…I want to focus on why we travel.  I’m sharing so that you might embark upon your own journey and receive the same.


 Travel…

Made me feel small…then pushed me to grow and stand taller.

Gave me perspective — on the lives of others, and on my life….past, present, future.

Changed how I interact with others.  Made me friendlier, kinder, more trusting.

Helped me learn the value of experiences over things.

Deepened my appreciation for diversity and affirmed my belief in tolerance.


Opened me up to embrace new experiences, at home and abroad.

Restored my self confidence.

Sparked a flame of curiosity, wonder, and excitement that I carry with me at home.

Gave me the ‘a-ha’ that I don’t have to live like everyone else.

Brought new flavors into my life (both literal and figurative.)  Gave me new cravings.

desert safari india 


Helped me realize that my appearance doesn’t define me.

Helped me learn the difference between expectation and hope.

Allowed me to confront and overcome my fears.

Affirmed the power of our own intuition.

buddha park laos


 Granted me the space and mindfulness to realize my significant other wasn’t right for me.

Restored my health — mentally, physically, and spiritually — when I had lost my way a bit in all three.

Helped me see that we can start over again when we need to, no matter the limitations we perceive.

Made me unapologetic about pursuing my passions.

Made me realize we don’t have to accept being unhappy, uninspired or “lost.”

exploring angkor wat


Let me know that it’s possible to almost love a place as much as you love a person.

Helped me live in the present.

Made me less restless.

Made me more restless.

Illuminated…that so much is possible.

I don’t travel as much these days — because now I’m standing, walking, even dancing in my life.  I know that if I start to passively sit and watch the days pass by, if I begin to feel like I’m living someone else’s life and not my own…I can turn to travel like an old friend.  I can trust travel will get me back on my feet and skipping down the right road again (if there is such a thing.)
Don’t idly by as years pass without you taking your vacation days.  Don’t refuse the chance to challenge yourself and chase a dream on a false perception of security.  Take risks knowing that though you might fall, it is the only way you can fly.  Don’t be paralyzed by fear.
Perhaps finding this is the greatest gift travel has given me.

book a flight travel quote
Like a moth to an old flame, I’m headed to Guatemala today.  I don’t know what I will see, who I will meet, what adventures await…but I know it’ll expand my view of the world, and of my true self.

What has travel given to you?

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Winner of Gold and Silver 2019 Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing.

About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

Comments

  1. Chanel | Cultural Xplorer says

    November 5, 2014 at 5:58 am

    great read Anne! Travel has taught me how to really be independent and how to appreciate other cultures and people more than I have before.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      November 8, 2014 at 12:56 pm

      I so agree, particularly with your point about independence. That too has been an invaluable asset from travel, especially as a woman.
      Thank you for reading!

      Reply
  2. Emiko says

    December 3, 2014 at 3:44 am

    Such a beautiful post. Sometimes I forget to stop and really appreciate all that travel has given me. I second everything you wrote! For me, travel has gifted me the ability to realize what’s important. Like you said, experience over things. Or how important my friends and family are, but also developing connections all over the world. And to constantly see things with fresh eyes and see the world from different perspectives.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      December 3, 2014 at 10:52 am

      Thank you for the heartfelt comment, Emiko. You’ve hit the mark on exactly what I was trying to convey in this post. Isn’t it amazing that we likely have completely different travel experiences yet we share the same lessons? My favorite part of your comment is “to constantly see things with fresh eyes.” I appreciate that you’ve renewed my perspective on what I learned and wrote. Wishing you all the best and thank you for reading.

      Reply
  3. Holly @bravecheesehead says

    January 15, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    Anne! I love that last quote… “Good things come to those who book flights.” I might have to steal that! I can’t tell you how much I can appreciate your post. I am feeling a bit the same right now – I’m awaiting a final decision on whether or not a got a new job I interviewed for, but all I can think about is packing up and taking off for a few months, leaving everything behind. I always feel like my best self when I’m somewhere I’ve never been before.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      January 15, 2015 at 2:34 pm

      Hi Holly! It depends on where you are in life. There are times I absolutely needed to get away to improve my life, and others where I needed to bring my best self out by acting differently at home. Either way, travel never seems to hurt 🙂 I wish you all the best in your journey! Thank you for reading.

      Reply
  4. Wanda Sálamo says

    August 12, 2015 at 9:04 am

    What travels have given me, is to enjoy my family more, enjoy more of life in different scenarios of the world, learn about different cultures and people. Love❤ to travel! The best and extraordinary experience I’ve had in my life✈

    Reply
    • Anne says

      August 12, 2015 at 2:41 pm

      Love that, Wanda. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  5. Jenn says

    January 29, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Beautiful. Thank you for posting.

    Reply
    • Anne says

      January 30, 2016 at 11:29 am

      Thank you for reading, Jenn!

      Reply

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I’m Anne! I spend part of my time traveling the world and the other part living in my soul city, San Francisco.

I have a love for all things travel. I also have a love for nesting. I do NOT believe the two have to be mutually exclusive. If you seek that balance…you’ve come to the right place.

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Last: Greece (Santorini, Milos, Crete) and Northern Italy (Piemonte, Lombardia, and Emilia Romagna.)

Next: Michigan lake summer

Now: At home in San Francisco

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Factoring in a little one has both changed and rei Factoring in a little one has both changed and reinforced how I travel. For so long accommodations have been “just a place to sleep” for me, so I could prioritize my time and money elsewhere.

Now, whether it’s nap schedules or simply the ability for my husband and I to relax longer on a given afternoon, it’s great to be able to experience a destination right from the front step (or even better, from bed.) 🌄

What’s stayed the same, of course, is that a change of place and pace is incredibly restorative and energizing — and you don’t have to go far to get that.

Thank you to @innabovetide for the perfect weekend stay right on the bay. It was just what our family needed 🤍 #parttimetraveler #sausalito #besthotels
Thinking back to my last trip before taking my nex Thinking back to my last trip before taking my next one (with baby!) and wishing I could transport here for a cornetto and cappuccino ☕️

Meanwhile, please send any and all tips for traveling with a five-month-old. (Also, send coffee. All the coffee.)
—
 #parttimetraveler #piedmonte #italianlife #caffè #pasticeria
After the rain. 🌁 #alwaysSF #goldengatebridge After the rain.
🌁 

#alwaysSF #goldengatebridge
Walks around the city look a bit different these d Walks around the city look a bit different these days 🤍

It’s been three months now since I became a mama. It’s the single greatest life transition I’ve ever undergone.

The amount of love I have for my son is immeasurable. But being a new mother is not easy — no matter how well you heal, how much (or really, how little) you sleep, or how much you love your babe. For me it is humbling how challenging it can be and, at the same time, how happy it can make you.

Mamas, I see you. What a profound thing it is to care for a new life.
—
#citybaby #fourthtrimester #newmama
Mendocino moments ✨ Just a few hours drive up t Mendocino moments ✨

Just a few hours drive up the coast from SF, being here always feels like a breath of fresh air (maybe because it is?) The redwood-lined drive in alone puts me instantly at ease. (Balm for this tired new mama’s soul.) 

Even better we were able to visit with baby and dog in tow 🤍 Have you been? 

Don’t miss walking the trail along the headlands, hiking, biking, or canoeing Big River, and the wonderfully fresh seafood and/or produce.

 #parttimetraveler #mendocino #weekendgetaway #dogfriendly
Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a mere six weeks ago and he is everything 🤍

His name means “bringer of light” and he is the light of our lives. And while we are currently cocooning in the comfort of our family and our home, I can’t wait to take him on adventures and show him the beauty of this world.
One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend bot One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend both city hall weddings and marrying your favorite person. 15/10, would marry again (I’d choose you over and over and over.)
📷: @amandaweiphoto 

#happyanniversary #myperson #weddingday #sfcityhallwedding
Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a mother as long as I can remember. I stand here, in the final weeks before birth, in some pain and discomfort (the end of pregnancy is no joke,) but mostly in awe of the female body and this experience of growing a life that’s about to enter this world. 

We are beyond excited to meet you, little  one!✨#37weekspregnant #selfportrait #maternityphotos #almostbabytime
Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot less part-time travel and a lot more…full-time homebody. I haven’t shared much about my own house in San Francisco, but perhaps it’s time for that to change!

My husband and I merged existing furniture and styles before we were even in this space. And as we prepare to welcome baby, the nesting urge is strong (plus we’ll be spending even more time in our home!) So it feels like a good time to refresh our space to suit both of us cohesively.

Although I already had a plan in mind for the nursery design, when @thehavenly reached out to work together I knew our living room, the heart of our home, could use some fine tuning. I’ve independently used them before to affordably design our home office (soon-to-be nursery or I’d share!) and loved it, so I jumped at the chance to be a #Havenly ambassador. 

I’m working 1:1 with a talented designer now (stay tuned!) and will also share a 25% off discount soon if you’d like to do the same. They also have a fun design quiz (linked in bio) to help you figure out your style. 
More to come! 💛
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