A Travelers Dilemma
One of the biggest internal struggles that I have as a camper and traveler is which is better... going to new places or going to places that we know we love.
For example, this Spring my wife and I have a trip planned to Nashville. It will be our third time visiting there and to say we are excited would be a bit of an understatement.
And yet, somewhere in the back of my mind is this nagging feeling that we should be going somewhere we haven't been yet. I mean, why keep going back to a place you have already been.
I know that ultimately, the true answer to happiness is that you find time to do both. However, we all know what life is like and we know that obvious truth can not always be our reality.
@mrsbozz and our friends often have discussions about people who own cabins or permanent lots at specific campgrounds that they just park their trailer at all summer and never move.
We always come to the conclusion that we would never want something like that because we like to explore new places and hitch up and move whenever we want.
Despite that sentiment, I think it is funny that we still find ourselves going back to the same campgrounds year after year. I mean, is that really all that different than having a permanent place to call your own?
I mean, when you have views like this, can you really blame us for going back to the same place over and over.
Trust me, I know there are many beautiful places all over the world. In the US alone I would need about ten sets of hands to name all of the places that are on my bucket list to visit. Don't even get me started on the rest of the world!
As you can see, it is a tough call. Perhaps it all boils down to how risk-adverse you are.
What if you try one of those new places and it doesn't live up to your expectations? I think proximity has a lot to do with it as well. Why take the chance on doing all that travel when you know you have places you like much closer.
For example, I would love to visit Austin, TX some day. I hear it is a very eclectic town and I know they have a vibrant music scene.
The problem is, I know I love Nashville, and Austin is another 12 hours further away (assuming I am driving). I would need to take two additional days off of work for travel just to cover the trip down. Then you have to figure in the trip back tKa
So that raises the question, is it less about being risk-adverse and more about being tied down to a your job and the responsibilities of adulthood. I know that pretty much any campground in the lower peninsula of Michigan I can get to within just about two hours.
That makes setting up a weekend camping trip to one of those places pretty easy. I can take a half day on Thursday, all day Friday and be home before noon on Sunday. Plenty of time to get laundry done and prepare myself for work again on Monday.
I feel like I am babbling a bit with this, but you can see how multifaceted this conundrum is.
Hence the dilemma.
I know many of you who are world travelers probably think I am crazy and you are saying to yourself, this is a no-brainer, you always go someplace new.
Maybe I am wrong.
Let's discuss it in the comments. I look forward to hearing your opinions!
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Even if you go to the same place you will always have a different experience. It is about knowing how to take advantage of and eliminate what you visit.
Very good point! I will have to keep that in mind!
Ah i dunno. If you find a place you like and have a relaxing and great time there then why take the risk in coming somewhere else when you want the same result. I go to Portugal every summer to a Vilamoura. Its just a lovely place and good spot for small kids. We know the nice restaurants and child friendly spots so it's just easier and that's what we want. Maybe in a few years we will start to change it up but at moment we are happy there. There is the grass is always greener mindset but I really like that view. Sometimes you might have found a spot that hasn't been taken over by tourists yet. You will know when you grow tired of the place. it will happen too and you will both agree at the same time. Let's go somewhere different
Very good points! That sounds like a really awesome spot you have found there. I can understand by your description why you keep going back over and over again.
I think you are right on both counts. I have done both and it worked for me, but, you don't have the same set of issues to work with. I have kids, so that changes everything. Work has moved us all over the world.
So, for me, buying 80 acres and a house/and barn and sauna house on Little Bay de Noc in the UP was heaven. I would take the kids there all summer and they had consistency in their life. I also got a fire sale on the place and had instant equity if I needed a quick sale. It was inexpensive enough to be able to let it sit when other things came to my door. I also owned a 38 ft. trailer and have to say that was such an amazing way to travel and boy, howdy! That clicked on all my channels.
I found if I liked something and there were people that were going to be there, that was fun and like you say, close enough to have the time there. I love Austin and lived in San Antonio for a little over 2 years. Floating down the Guadalupe River was so cool! Of course, months later, when I watched houses float on by, not so much. Yikes! I like new adventures, but, there is something very warm and inviting about knowing what to expect and working within that framework. Also, a timeshare does the same thing. They have camping timeshares, I went to an invitational and they gave you4 days at their place, another great way if you like to visit the same few places. I remember it has great amenities.
I think you have the right idea. At this time in life, this is what works for you. I worked within my framework, but once the kids got to high school, I didn't need the place in the UP and it was inconvenient to get to for no reason. So, I found another family that was looking for the same thing that I needed at the time, the consistent feeling for their kids with a part-time residence in summer. Bazinga! Perfect place and what a gift for both of us. I got to pass it to another that would love it like we did and they got the same consistency you need with kids. You know what you like and maybe one year, throw caution to the wind and go somewhere else for half the time. I always got six weeks off, so it was easy to split it up. If you have never been to Zion National Park, you should try it. It is three hours from Vegas, which I loved and I don't gamble. Some day, not this day while you are still in the neighborhood and making it yours. There will be a need to reach out someday, and maybe there won't be the want. Just know, you can change how you feel anytime. If you never do, does it really matter? I say no regrets. It doesn't matter if it doesn't move you one way or the other. I say the best place is the one you look forward to and have fun in. You have the rest of your life to check out the others, and maybe they won't even be camping.
You just never know! It is too hot in Texas in the summer! Yikes! Choose again. :) OK... I am taking up way too much space... Did I happen to mention that you have some stunning scenery up there? Indeed. I don't wonder why the dilemma. You have it all up there.
Have a great day!
My wife would love to just get a motor home and travel around when we are a little older and out of work. I kind of like the idea of having a place to call home. I don't think I could ever give up a permanent residence somewhere. Last time we went to Vegas we took a day and traveled to Valley of Fire, but we didn't make it to Zion. It was on the list though. We will be out that way again some day and for sure make it there. Thanks for the great reply. You raised some really good points!
As the last commenter said you will always have a different experience, even when visiting the same place repeatedly. Try to take care of the important things during your visit and minimize the unnecessary ones. I agree with this.
Thank you! That makes a lot of sense. I appreciate it.
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Thank you!
nice port, thank for information
Thank you.
beautiful sky, beautiful beach, i love it
Thank you!
I feel- it is not always the “where” that matters to make or break the enjoyment of traveling, but who you are with. A looong ass road trip- say through Nebraska driving alone suuuucks, but with a good co-Pilot can make it tolerable. Lol. But to your larger point: my philosophy- do at least 2-3 nearby trips (say w/in 1 day’s travel) & at least one big long trip per year that might require multi day drive or flights. But that’s just me :) I’m a sucker for new places and old familiar faces
Those are some really great points. I totally hear you about having the right copilot. Good thing I am married so that part is kind of taken care of! Even though she sleeps most of the time in the car. That isn't always a bad thing!
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I can totally relate, I have a tendency to go back where I have been, if I really liked the place, but in the same time I wish I could travel new places ! I think we just need more holidays so we can go where we already went and still have time to go to new places :)