In June 2019, we went all out. Well, as “all out” as a middle-class couple with three sons under the age of 16 could afford.
Corinn and I went to Italy with two of our best friends, Mike and Jen. Two nights in Venice. Four nights in Florence, with a day trip to the Cinque Terre. Three nights in Rome.
It was a dream vacation, packed with luxury that we’d never experienced, food we’d never tasted, a language we’d never heard outside of a movie, history we’d never learned, priceless art and architecture we’d never seen, hospitality we’d never encountered, and memories we hope to always recall.
A few months later, though, we watched with sadness as the flood waters consumed the sidewalks and streets we walked in Venice. And a few months after that, we watched as COVID-19 swept the country and shuttered the beauty of the Florentine and Roman walkways, the stores we shopped, the restaurants we enjoyed, the hotels we slept in, and that Monterosso beach where we enjoyed the effervescent waters of the Ligurian Sea for 15 of the most-refreshing minutes.
Just as we were telling people of the wonders of the country we came to love in only nine nights, the entirety of the ancient land was closed. Thousands of people died. Many more were sick. Vendors we’d used — from shuttle drivers and transport services, to hotels and gelato shops — were facing bankruptcy. It’s a terrible and common story happening around the world.
This time of quarantine has brought immense sadness, but it has also brought great awareness, for me at least. During these past weeks, I’m slowly learning about what is important. Time with our sons. Alone time with my wife. Adventure — even in your back yard — is essential. We need to enjoy what we have when we have it. Slow down. Observe. Don’t wish it away. Don’t rush through it.
Travel is a luxury. Especially world travel. I’m aware of that — that’s why it took us so long to do it. I’m blessed that Corinn and I and our friends took the leap, saved the money as we could over many many months and traveled to Italy. I’m forever grateful that we made that adventure a priority and did what we could to protect the money and protect the time to make it happen.
The world will rebound, and that includes Italy. The country that conquered, was conquered and reconquered throughout the centuries will be open again. And so will the other countries and economies.
When this ends and the world emerges from quarantine, when you’re able to plot out some dream adventures and you’re able to save up the funds, I recommend that you consider Italy as your next destination.
When Italy reopens, go.
