2022 travel plans: BFF time

It’s time.

Ahoy!

A year ago I and my best friend (who lives in the Netherlands btw) were discussing where to travel to meet for a long break. It was exciting as well as a little bit scary. It was the first time I travelled on my very own holiday. Since I became a mum, I had never had the chance to travel on my own. I think that’s what made it scary for me. There was a feeling of guilt, of abandonment and of the independence that represented. It was nearly like leaving my mum’s house for the first time.

During that trip, we also brainstormed some ideas on which would be our next destination. As we intend to make it a September trip when all seems lost and the Summer heat is already winding down. The kids are back to school - so travelling is quieter AND more affordable, with all the travel restrictions decreasing -. What better way to end the year?

There were mentions of Italy, Cyprus, Prague and Viena. They’re all very different destinations. Trip Advisor is a good point to start, but it’s also a good idea to do an independent googling for advice, to make ensure the information is reliable.

November or December months (just before the Christmas travelling rush) could be another option, for a Christmas market shopping spree. That wasn’t really an option twenty or thirty years ago when travelling was such a luxury. Today, the cost of travelling can be so affordable that anyone can travel the world. I still see it as a luxury, not so much for the money I spend but for the sheer travelling privilege modern technology made available.

I find it works better if there is a minimum of travel planning because we already know from the start not everything is going to go to plan. For us planning the flights and the stay is essential. If we can get a half board accommodation even better, it’s already one meal off our minds.

To make the best of our trip, it will be important to consider:

• The time to commute from home to the airport (transport being used, possible lifts)

• The travelling time

• The time between the airport and accommodation check-in

• Researching local activities and events (check if pre-booking is required)

• Researching local amenities (restaurants, shops, etc)

All this online legwork is crucial to make the trip a worthwhile one. We want to make sure the long break also allows us time to catch up, so it may be a good idea not to cram too many historic visits in because that can diverge our focus from the main purpose of this trip.

It’s above all a time to chill out and catch up. A time to be enjoyed by both of us, to revisit old times and share our current worries and dreams. BFF time is now our newfound ritual.