A great topic – my wife and were discussing this last week while driving through France. There have many factors which have impacted our Travel Style over the years.
STATUS - In the 1990s, I worked in corporate America and traveled 275 days a week. I also booked/coordinated conferences for 200+ persons many times during the year. Thus, I had MILLIONS of Awards points through Amex, IHG, Marriott, Hilton, etc. To escape the chaos that was our US lifestyle we’d go to Europe. In those days cell phones and email were just not prevalent and no one could find me! We flew First Class, stayed exclusively in 5-star "chain" hotels… all on points. But because of my job, our trips were no more than 7-10 days and we hit multiple destinations each trip. So while we saw a lot of places we didn’t necessarily see a lot! And then, technology started to catch up with us… and I could be found!
LOCATION – In the early 200’s, we decided to move to Europe – quite a contrast to the chaos of our previous lifestyle. (Our awards points eroded quickly). Once in Europe, our trips totally changed. Now, we had far more time and stayed in a wide variety of hotels – from a pensione to a 5-star hotel. We spent weeks at a time – especially in the summer – living in different areas, and exploring. So although we perhaps saw fewer places, we saw a lot more!
ACCESS – After 18+ years living in Europe, our lifestyle overseas has dramatically changed from those US corporate days. Travel is part of our daily discussions and weekly decision process (COVID period excluded). It’s great to be able to say, “Would you like to train to Antwerp today to have lunch?” -- or – “What do you think about flying to Rome this weekend?” As my wife and I have lived in eight EU countries, we have friends all over Europe. So, we’re constantly inviting each other over for stays. My wife discovered a hairdresser in Berlin she loved. As we lived then in Copenhagen, she and her friends would fly to Berlin - for the day - to get haircuts and shop. (And the flight & haircut was cheaper than doing the same in CPH as you could do Cimber Sterling Air for 39€ roundtrip... probably why they went out of business). When we lived in Vienna, she and her friends would do Spa Days on the Hungarian border. Yes, a different lifestyle.
LUGGAGE: Whereas our first travels to Europe were in First Class on big International planes with 2+ HUGE pieces of luggage each (because we could), now we primarily travel Economy Class, with carry-on only bags on say, easyjet or Vueling. We take many weekend trips, departing Friday evening and flying home on Sunday. (For example, we’ve seen Paris, London, Berlin, Munich, Venice, Rome, Vienna, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Malaga, Lisbon, and many other spots on quick getaways.). A great way to decide where you want to spend more time!
PACE - Because we have such convenient access, our trips are slower, deeper, and more focused. We don’t plan our days to the minute but rather enjoy what the destination brings us. We are able to travel year-round and focus on specific events or celebrations. We're fortunate to be able to go back at a later date - and have often.
WORK (Revisited) - And now, working in the travel business, I travel often for “work.” Definitely a privilege to have discovered so many amazing destinations, hotels, and experiences.
So certainly, financials play a huge part in how and where you travel, but so do life’s circumstances!