Why I Travel to the World's Haute Spots


Why I do it? Travel writing takes me beyond my comfort zone and into parts of the world that many people only dream about. I hear it all the time—I wish that I were in your shoes… traveling to exotic destinations, staying in 5-star hotels and resorts and dining at some of the best restaurants in Paris, Acapulco, Vancouver or wherever my travels take me. An added plus, I write about spas and luxury travel so I also experience decadent spa treatments as part of my story research giving birth to the “glamorous life.” But for me, there’s nothing glamorous about it.

I’m a story teller and I love to write. Travel is just one subject that I write about. I’m also a speech writer and communications strategist. But for me, travel is a lifestyle. It’s part of who I am. I’m very clear about what I want my life to look and feel like… so I set it up to include traveling to the world’s most beautiful places (even if the destination is ugly to others) and meeting people who add perspective and provoke thought about the world that we all live in.

My travels have helped me appreciate life in its many forms… like the solo trips that I take to the Bahamas or other parts of the Caribbean where I spend my days capturing life with my camera. No matter where I am, I always find something unique or different about that place and its people that I take home with me. I remember one summer in Paris when I took a photography class with people from all parts of the world.

On a recent trip to England, I learned a little bit about the people of Manchester and their support of President Lincoln’s efforts to abolish slavery. Who knew that in a far away land, there were people who (also had a vested interest in the cotton industry) felt that slavery was wrong and spoke out against it no matter the cost? The moment that I heard that… I felt a connection to the people of Manchester, particularly since I’m a southern girl.

As a little girl, travel for me was that quarterly road trip to grandma’s house in the country. But it shaped my curiosity about the world beyond my front door. Today, travel is a way of life… giving birth to inspiration, creativity, and passion! I just wish that every little boy or girl that I pass by on the way to grandma’s house gets to experience a life without limits and appreciation for other cultures. 

As I unpack my bags and plan for my next trip, I’ve created yet another memory of a place beyond my hometown. But more importantly, I’ve gotten to experience something that holds great value… and can’t be bought at Neiman’s.

What are you passionate about?

Comments

  1. Music is my passion. The sounds fill my mind with memories, thoughts, experiences . . . Putting on headphones is an escape to that place that keeps me happy!

    myconcertreviews.wordpress.com

    Renee

    ReplyDelete
  2. I want to travel more, you know where I want to go!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Traveling is a passion and a lifestyle. It's part of my makeup. I can be on a personal trip and/or a press trip thinking about my next destination. I will forever be a traveler. As my father always told me "spend your money on experiences rather than things that diminish." A favorite hobby of mine is making a packing list for my destinations. There is no greater feeling.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post! I'm passionate about family, friends, traveling, tennis, running ... life!

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great post and insight into who you are. I hope that your blog inspires others uto spread their wings - it certainly does for me!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Traveling is my passion... I am a beach lover and love to go islands.I am not a writer , but you inspires me to write down...Thanks for the nice posting...Costa Blanca

    ReplyDelete
  7. This was inspiring! I too love to travel. I am passionate about my husband and two children, reflexology, and reaching a higher level with self.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm passionate about Motherhood and fashion. I think that it takes time to find out your true passions in life, but when you do they're worth following and chasing after.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Haute Travels!

    I love love love your blog! I am passionate about family, food, writing and travel. I would love to know how you got your start blogging about travel and any advice you have for those us wanting to enter the business. Your blogs are always so inspiring! Thanks for the great read:)

    Teena T.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I started thinking about travel writing in 2005 while working as a TV News Producer for Fox (the Network). But it wasn't until my best friend supported my desire to go to Paris and study photography that my passion and purpose collided. He even bought me a 35 mm camera and said "Just quit your job and fly off to Paris!" As fate would have it... I took a class during the summer and spent my days photographing life in Paris. A year later, I was finally out of the insane world of TV news and moving toward a different career in communications. I was also pitching a travel mag that ended up giving me an assignment to write about spas and shopping. I wrote an article about a local spa in Chicago... and a shopping article about Paris. I went on to write about spas in other parts of the world. In 2009, I attended a conference for women who blog or thought about blogging. I met the creators of The Broke Socialite and Frugalista Files... and they encouraged me to start my own blog about travel with a beauty and fashion twist. So I did! And the rest you know! It's been 9 months and my blog continues to grow, inspire and educate people who love to travel!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment