Bottle Up That Travel Feeling

If I just close my eyes I can hear the roll of the surf on a white sand beach. I can smell that fresh sun scorched air with a hint of suntan lotion. I can feel the salt spray of the ocean. Seagulls are squawking. When the sun comes out from behind a cotton candy cloud, it's so warm it gives you goosebumps. Let's pretend we're in the Caribbean -- so the water is that beautiful teal color. The first time I saw that water, I was smiling ear to ear.

It's not just the beach that I love, it's travel. I will go anywhere and I want to go everywhere. I want to see the pyramids in Egypt, the Coliseum in Rome, and skyscrapers in Hong Kong. Yes, the beach (any beach) is also a wonderful destination. The idea of it makes me smile. The desire to get up and go practically makes me salivate. Seriously, my mouth is watering.

It's not about time off or even about relaxing. It's about seeing new parts of the world and experiencing new cultures. It's about having fun and meeting new people. It's the weather, the language, the sights you've seen so many times before in books or on television.

Four months ago I was lucky enough to honeymoon in Costa Rica. It was so tropical, lush and green. The landscape was wild and it was beautiful. I think of that trip as an adventure. My husband and I went whitewater rafting, deep sea fishing, and zip-lining through the rain forest. We went horseback riding, hiked to waterfalls, and sat in hot mud pits heated by the center of the earth. Outside of La Fortuna, we had such an incredible view of the Arenal Volcano from our hotel window, it was breathtaking. The still active volcano would spit red lava and hot rocks daily. That made for quite a show at night -- in fact that was the nightlife -- just watching the volcano. The Costa Rican people were incredibly friendly. Anytime I made use of my rusty high school Spanish, they were excited and even encouraged the exchanges. Instead of being self-conscious that I was butchering their language, I looked for more opportunities to learn. The trip was both exciting and peaceful. It provoked emotions and sensations that should be bottled up. I would pay a pretty penny to spray myself with that type of contentment daily.

Next week, I'll be fantasizing about travel again. I'm interviewing a travel agent about all of the amazing deals that are up for grabs in a poor economy. To fill up hotel rooms and cruise ships, it becomes necessary to offer adventure at a cheaper price. This could be the chance to take the trip of your dreams! Of course you still need to do your research, to shop around. Consider all-inclusive resorts. If you're spontaneous and are willing to travel at the last minute, you can really save some dough. Or, just open yourself up to some new travel destinations.

So often I'm reporting on the woes of the poor economy, I figured this time I would focus on the bright spot. That's right, there's always a bright spot. I may not be booking a trip with the travel agent next week, but you can bet I'll be smelling the surf and fantasizing about the contentment that only a great trip can bring.

Learn More About Costa Rica!

http://www.microsites.visitcostarica.com/

http://www.tourism.co.cr/

The White Death

Have you heard of the "White Death?" If you're buried in snow right now, you know exactly what it is. In news, we joke about the name, because our coverage can be a little overboard. Let's be honest -- we behave like the sky is falling. Take cover! But, people do watch. Viewership on snow days is off the charts. People want to know the forecast. When is the snow going to start? When is it going to end? How are the road conditions? Can I get to work/school/daycare/grocery store?

I use to think the high level of concern was absurd. It's only snow, people! That was until last month when I made the news. It was the first decent snowfall of the season, and I was involved in one of the first car accidents of the day. It was terrifying. I was on the interstate and suddenly my car fishtailed. I tried to gain control of the car. It didn't work and I remember feeling disbelief -- knowing I was going to get in an accident. I hoped my car wouldn't flip, but somehow I knew it was going to happen. In a matter of seconds, my car spun out of the center lane, slammed into an embankment and then flipped over landing on its top. I was hanging upside down thanks to my seat belt. The roof was crushed, the windshield and windows had exploded into bits of glass. There was a strong smell of gas.

I wiggled my toes and my fingers, taking stock of each and every body part in 30 seconds and then breathed a sigh of relief. I was okay. I was okay! My next thought was finding my cell phone -- no luck. Later I would find my bag pinned underneath the car. I still don't know how that's possible -- did it fly out of a window before the car flipped? In the end -- I crawled out of the car and got the help I needed thanks to a good samaritan. Days followed of neck and back aches, dizziness and vomiting. A week later I was as good as new.

Something still isn't right, though. Driving is different. I'm a little nervous, and that means I'm more cautious. Oh, and snow sparks a new reaction. I drive like I'm 85 years old. Yes, when you see the slow-poke going 20 mph in the right lane -- it could be me. I'm also yelling at you -- calling you names that essentially mean I think you're driving too fast and being irresponsible!

So, the snow is a big deal. Maybe the sky isn't falling, but it has taken on a different meaning for me. As a child it was snow days and sledding. It was wonderful. As a reporter it became long days and a dozen live shots out in the cold. It was a nuisance. Now, it's intimidating. It's a reminder of how lucky I was to walk away from a horrible car accident. It also means I'm ready for Spring.