Between Journeys: Finding Peace at Home

 

I’ve come to a surprising realization: I’m not planning any trips in the near future, and that actually feels… wonderful.

Looking back, I’ve been away a lot. Over the past year, I was technically out of the country during parts of October and November, half of December, eleven days in January, one day in March, and fifteen more days in April. In between those trips, I was often sick. I even came down with something at the end of my January travels and didn’t feel fully recovered for at least two weeks after I got home. After my April trip, I had a lingering, aggressive cough that stuck around for three solid weeks.

Since I returned home over a month ago, I’ve felt a quiet sense of peace settle in. I haven’t had to think about unpacking only to repack again. No booking hotels or flights, no managing packing lists or blocking out my work schedule. I haven’t had to juggle currency exchanges or map out shore excursions. And I certainly haven’t missed the long TSA lines, waiting to board planes, hauling luggage into and out of overhead bins, or arranging transport to and from cruise ports.

Instead, I can wake up and just be here.

There’s something deeply grounding about having nowhere to go. No countdowns. No checklists. No pressure to do something really interesting every day. Just the simplicity of home, routines, and rhythm.

And honestly, this pause couldn’t have come at a better time. I rarely travel during the summer anyway—it’s just too hot almost everywhere. Plus, with kids out of school, I can work both mornings and evenings, which gives me even more flexibility and flow in my days.

So for now, I’m staying put—and it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be.

From Livorno to Florence on your own

Florence On Your Own

Florence on your own from the port of Livorno. Shuttle to City Bus to Train.

If you are still reading, you are not intimidated by the notion of navigating a new place, buying different sets of tickets using euros, and managing in a nation with a language different from your own. Also, you must not be intimidated by ambiguity or uncertainty.

The benefits are:You will feel I huge sense of accomplishment, you will be free to make all of your own choices, and you will save around $80 off the price of the Cruise Lines bus transfer in and out.


This was written based on my experience October 15 of 2019. Importantly the last time I made this do it yourself Florence trip was only two years ago and some of the steps have ALREADY changed.

Here is the step-by-step guide to visiting Florence, from a cruise ship, from Livorno, by yourself. Alert—at October 15, 2019, at some cruise ships no longer allow taxis to transport passengers to the train station from the port.

There is a mandatory shuttle bus that transports passengers from the port area to a central location in town. Not only is it mandatory, in October 2019, passengers are required to pay five-euros round-trip for the service. You can pay ticket takers just outside the shuttle bus.

Once the shuttle bus is full, it will take passengers to a centrally located drop off point. From there, there is a two block walk to the city bus station. Look for the H&M store; the bus stop is just in front of it. Look for the "blue line LAM" heading toward the Stazione. If possible, purchase round-trip city bus tickets from a local tobacco/sundry store. If you purchase tickets prior to boarding, the price is €1.50 each way. If you purchase on board, you must have exact change of €2.50.

The name of the bus stop is Grande 4. It is especially important to make a note of this so you will know when to descend the city bus on your return trip.

There will be approximately seven stops to the train station. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes.

After arriving at the train station, either use the automated machines or stand in line to order from a live human being. In October 2019, the round-trip cost for tickets to Florence were €20.20.

Important important warning: be sure to stamp your ticket in the machine prior to boarding the train!! You are subject to fines if you have not taken this important step.

Trains leave 12 minutes after the hour every hour. There is one faster and direct train that leaves at 8:52 AM arriving at 10:02 AM. All other trains take approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

You will likely arrive on dock number one in the Florence train station. The train station is located approximately 10 minutes north east of Il Duomo— in walking distance.

Commentary, this is a good option if you are willing to deal with all the logistics of taking two crowded city buses, and two trains. I only recommend this for those who have already taken a tour of Florence with a well-informed enthusiastic guide. Florence is one of the great cities of the world and should be toured at least once through the eyes of an expert and local.

Be sure you are comfortable navigating uncertainty, a country with a language on familiar to you, and the mechanics of purchasing tickets using the local currency. Although it is possible you will run into fellow cruise travelers on your route, it is just as likely that you will navigate this completely on your own.

Florence touring tips:
Be sure to have a detailed local map. Order this online or go directly to the nearest Tourist  information Office. There is one across from the Florence train station.

Study maps online in advance.

Choose two or three sites to visit.

If you want to visit a site requiring tickets, purchase all tickets online in advance. Examples are The Uffizzi gallery and the Academia to see the original David.

Consider taking some form of guided tour or walking tour. Google “free” walking tours in Florence and choose a company. (Pay them at least €10-€15)

 I wish you a splendid day and this  magnificent world-class city!

With whom should you travel? (fewer photos)

With whom should you travel? 

This article is not designed for people who are married, living with a significant other, or living with their parents or children. Generally, if you are living with loved ones, you will happily travel together.

This question is designed for people who do not fit into those categories.

As a veteran solo, world-traveler, I am often asked why I travel solo. I also often hear people say they don’t travel because either they need a companion or because they like someone with whom they can share the price.

I travel because it is my lifelong passion. I have been traveling solo all over the world for more than three decades. Based on the Travelers Century Club’s nations list (http://travelerscenturyclub.org), I have visited 98 nations – – mostly solo!

Importantly, I began traveling solo while studying in Europe, during my junior year abroad in college. I was young enough to be fearless and naïve enough to not know what I did not now. As a result, I developed wanderlust at a tender young age and have been traveling the world solo, fearlessly, ever since.

I feel that having a compatible travel companion is swell. I have moved around a lot for school/work, and always lived alone-- so I have rarely had suitable travel companions. However, I never allowed that to stop me from pursuing my lifelong passion of travel.

If you have a passion for travel, I hope you will not deny yourself this wonderful opportunity to see the world. Don’t let the absence of a companion stop you.

One of the many lessons I have learned as a solo traveler is that you connect with people who share your passion for the destination, that you have both chosen, at that time. The people you meet during your travels are compatible with you in many ways. Your friends and loved ones may not share your passion for travel or for your desired travel destination. As a result, they may put a damper on your travel lifestyle.

So let’s answer the question With whom should you travel?

With whom should you travel?--I believe there are only a few categories, as follows:

Travel companion categories

1) People who live together or have lived together in the past.

2. One of you gave birth to the other.

3. You are in love and planning on spending your life together.

4. Very old, very dear friends who know each other's strengths and weaknesses and who truly value the friendship.

5. Siblings who get along.

6. People who are truly passionate about the destination.

What are some considerations you might explore before choosing travel companions? Here are my lists. I wrote the list based on taking a cruise BUT this applies to ALL travel. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Roommate Stuff

• Wake up time.
• Go to sleep time.
• How neat/organized or not?
• Storing items in the room. How much drawer and closet space etc.
• Bathroom time.
• Bathroom habits.
• Television habits.
• Snoring.
• Talkative in AM? PM?
• Climate Control/Room temperature.
• Gender related issues.(Bathroom use, changing clothes, sleeping arrangements, sex expectations etc.)

Travel and General

• Interests: outdoor, museums, water activities, guided tours, history, food, shopping, etc.
• Politics. World View.
• Health: overall, medications, mobility, restrictions, food issues etc.
• Finances. Spending views/habits.
• Acceptance, tolerance, love, kindness, respect, gratitude.
• Humility/teacheability.
• Attitude toward people from other cultures.
• Punctuality.
• Leader/Follower
• Open-mindedness.
• Flexibility.
• Boundaries.
• Ability to navigate new places.
• Do everything together versus meet at meal times. Independence.
• Cruise on board activities: sunbathing, gambling, dancing, game participation, meetings, computer classes etc.
• Airport/airplane habits.
• Compromise.
• Advance planning/research.
• Dexterity to move around with luggage.
• Having an opinion about what to do. (ie. some travelers happily defer to the other party; some do little research yet obstruct all decision-making)

I feel it is important to consider these ideas because I have met many people who have severed ties with friends, colleagues, and even family members because they suffered a bad travel experience. Life is too short for this!

I have also met people who are willing to share a room with a complete stranger in order to save money. Often, I hear horror stories about how they did not get along and ended by paying more to procure a solo accommodation. It never surprises me because – – they are complete strangers! Please don’t make this mistake. Work a few extra hours to make the extra money, and treat yourself to the peace of mind associated with having your own room. You can always join an organized group tour but just pay the single supplement and get your own room. I did this on organized group trips to China, India, Ireland, and Viet Nam/Thailand.

What would YOU add to these lists??

With whom should you travel?

With whom should you travel?

This article is not designed for people who are married, living with a significant other, or living with their parents or children. Generally, if you are living with loved ones, you will happily travel together.

This question is designed for people who do not fit into those categories.

As a veteran solo, world-traveler, I am often asked why I travel solo. I also often hear people say they don’t travel because either they need a companion or because they like someone with whom they can share the price.

I travel because it is my lifelong passion. I have been traveling solo all over the world for more than three decades. Based on the Travelers Century Club’s nations list (http://travelerscenturyclub.org), I have visited 98 nations – – mostly solo!

Importantly, I began traveling solo while studying in Europe, during my junior year abroad in college. I was young enough to be fearless and naïve enough to not know what I did not now. As a result, I developed wanderlust at a tender young age and have been traveling the world solo, fearlessly, ever since.

I feel that having a compatible travel companion is swell. I have moved around a lot for school/work, and always lived alone-- so I have rarely had suitable travel companions. However, I never allowed that to stop me from pursuing my lifelong passion of travel.

If you have a passion for travel, I hope you will not deny yourself this wonderful opportunity to see the world. Don’t let the absence of a companion stop you.

One of the many lessons I have learned as a solo traveler is that you connect with people who share your passion for the destination, that you have both chosen, at that time. The people you meet during your travels are compatible with you in many ways. Your friends and loved ones may not share your passion for travel or for your desired travel destination. As a result, they may put a damper on your travel lifestyle.

So let’s answer the question With whom should you travel?

With whom should you travel?--I believe there are only a few categories, as follows:

Travel companion categories

1) People who live together or have lived together in the past.

2. One of you gave birth to the other.

3. You are in love and planning on spending your life together.

4. Very old, very dear friends who know each others strengths and weaknesses and who truly value the friendship.

5. Siblings who get along.

6. People who are truly passionate about the destination.

What are some considerations you might explore before choosing travel companions? Here are my lists. I wrote the list based on taking a cruise BUT this applies to ALL travel. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Roommate Stuff

• Wake up time.
• Go to sleep time.
• How neat/organized or not?
• Storing items in the room. How much drawer and closet space etc.
• Bathroom time.
• Bathroom habits.
• Television habits.
• Snoring.
• Talkative in AM? PM?
• Climate Control/Room temperature.
• Gender related issues.(Bathroom use, changing clothes, sleeping arrangements, sex expectations etc.)

Travel and General

• Interests: outdoor, museums, water activities, guided tours, history, food, shopping, etc.
• Politics. World View.
• Health: overall, medications, mobility, restrictions, food issues etc.
• Finances. Spending views/habits.
• Acceptance, tolerance, love, kindness, respect, gratitude.
• Humility/teacheability.
• Attitude toward people from other cultures.
• Punctuality.
• Leader/Follower
• Open-mindedness.
• Flexibility.
• Boundaries.
• Ability to navigate new places.
• Do everything together versus meet at meal times. Independence.
• Cruise on board activities: sunbathing, gambling, dancing, game participation, meetings, computer classes etc.
• Airport/airplane habits.
• Compromise.
• Advance planning/research.
• Dexterity to move around with luggage.
• Having an opinion about what to do. (ie. some travelers happily defer to the other party; some do little research yet obstruct all decision-making)

I feel it is important to consider these ideas because I have met many people who have severed ties with friends, colleagues, and even family members because they suffered a bad travel experience. Life is too short for this!

I have also met people who are willing to share a room with a complete stranger in order to save money. Often, I hear horror stories about how they did not get along and ending by paying more to procure a solo accomadation. It never surprises me because – – they are complete strangers! Please don’t make this mistake. Work a few extra hours to make the extra money, and treat yourself to the peace of mind associated with having your own room. You can always join an organized group tour but just pay the single supplement and get your own room. I did this on organized group trips to China, India, and Viet Nam/Thailand.

What would YOU add to these lists??