Yesterday we went out to the barn for me to select two suitcases to take on my upcoming trip. We had accrued quite the collection of large cheapies over the years when we lived in England and thus traveled quite extensively. (I'm at 43 countries visited, which is hard to believe.) Alas, both suitcases needed a good wipe down due to the accumulation of dust, and the fact that I haven't used them since the fall of 2022. I recalled I had ordered new luggage tags after our move, so I got those replaced. Now it's just a matter of fitting my clothes plus all of the sundry fun Texas items I bought for my expat friend into the available space. Though after almost 30 years living in The Netherlands, Europe has replaced Texas as her home.
As I get older, I've noticed my travel bucket list has gotten shorter. Beyond a second trip to the Holy Lands with the husband after he retires, about the only gotta-go place that's a bee in my bonnet is New Zealand. Oh sure, there are still places on the US mainland we plan to hit on road trips in retirement. Plus another Alaska trip, as well as river cruise or two, but that's about it.
Growing up and in my early adulthood, we had no money for travel. I didn't take my first ride on an airplane until I was 26. Once we had the girls, it became more about waiting for them to mature a bit, and then scheduling travel around their interests and activities. Now it's about arranging a dog and house sitter for our rotten fur babies here in our empty nest. Alas, I guess I didn't realize I'd hit this stage in the game quite so soon, where we'll have the money and time to travel but lack the inclination because it's kind of a hassle to be away from home.
The husband has been investigating travel trailers and motorhomes lately. I do my best not to think about Cousin Eddie's tenement on wheels in "Christmas Vacation". The husband thinks this is a fabulous option because we don't have to unpack, travel with all of the amenities of home and can take the doggos along for the ride. There's no need to be at the mercy of folks to dog/house sit, which is a lovely thought. However, I've gotta admit I'm not exactly sold on this idea. But who knows. Lots of folks are big fans, including the husband's parents who spent a big chunk of their retirement toodling all over the US in their motorhome while towing their little SUV behind it. At this point, I'd probably give it a go if it provided a means to escape our ridiculously hot Texas summers and head to the mountains for a couple months at a time. Never say never, y'all.
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