If you missed it – I took a trip a few weeks ago.
By myself. In response to my husband’s suggestion that I “go away somewhere.”
I’d been crabby and bitchy and restless. But the experience of merely thinking about where I could go – of all the wondrous options – was exhilarating! I instantly shifted from despondency to delight. After all these many months of staying home, I was finally going to do the thing I love more than almost anything else. I published a blog about my plan – without divulging my chosen destination – and got LOTS of encouraging and curious comments from loyal readers. Thank you!
Y’all were excited for me and were looking forward to hearing all about it. I promised to share . . . and can tell you this much:
The experience really revved me up. I’d lost my mojo, but I got it back on that trip. Late in the afternoon on my second day, I sat alone on the terrace of a charming restaurant, contemplating my blessed life. Enjoying a tasty cocktail and delicious plate of appetizers. Listening to the sounds of the place as the shadows lengthened. And wondering if there was ever anyone, anywhere, who – at the end of their life – had ever said,
“I wish I hadn’t traveled so much.”
And I had a brilliant idea.
You see, I love surprises. “Surprise and delight” is one of the hallmarks of my trip offerings. It might be a spontaneous stop for gelato in Italy or a private concert in a 3,000-year-old amphitheater in Ephesus. That’s why I proudly wear the title of “Creative Queen”!
What if all you knew – besides the dates: April xx – xx, 2022 – was that you’d stay at a charming family-owned hotel in a stellar location. You’d enjoy a handful of organized activities and meals, with plenty of free time to explore on your own. I’d specify that you’d need a passport – but maybe that would be a ruse. I’d tell you to pack comfortable shoes, casual layers, and a bathing suit. That’s not much of a clue, either!
But – knowing me – you’d have confidence that I’d be taking you to a place that you’d absolutely love. You just wouldn’t know where in the world it would be!
Sound like a plan? I can’t be the only person who would love such an experience, can I? Would you sign up?
Lemme know! I can only take a small, select group . . .
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10 Comments
Caroline Chellamy November 7, 2021 at 8:47am
Awesome idea!
For us schlubs that work, I would need actual dates to get time off and cost of the trip. I would love the option to book my own air (lots of unused points because of CoVID!) not sure how that fits into your surprise but I certainly would appreciate it ( maybe it’s like a gender reveal- you can have that Choice- just don’t tell anyone else….shhhhhh!)
Sheila Trexler November 7, 2021 at 9:23am
Exciting idea but not for me. I want to know where I will be going because there are places I would not want to revisit and places where I have never been but have no desire to visit.
Dawn Ho November 7, 2021 at 10:17am
I’m in!
Bob Franz November 7, 2021 at 10:39am
I have other travel commitments for one week in April and the first week of May. Other than that, yes!
Andrea Michaels November 7, 2021 at 1:00pm
Marilyn this is exactly what Haute Dokimazo did for the Secret Family Reunion. We showed up at JFK with no clue And wound up at an eco farm in Tuscany
Katlin Smith November 7, 2021 at 2:40pm
In 1996, a US airline that was based in Colorado ran a promotion that sent adventurous participants on a two night trip to any of their destinations in the U.S. with hotel and car included. It was called Mystery Dossier – Passport to Adventure. They told you just before the trip what weather to expect and what to pack. Then, when you were on the plane, they revealed your destination with travel brochures, etc. We originated in Portland and landed in Colorado Springs, a shortish flight which meant more time for exploring. Other friends who did the trip flew on to Florida and Texas. We ALL had a wonderful time! Who knew there was so much to do and see in Colorado Springs including Pike’s Peak, fossil beds, the wonderful town symphony, which was playing that weekend, and on and on?! This was WAY FUN travel! Great idea!
Cynthia Sawtell November 7, 2021 at 5:27pm
YES!! I’m ready to go.
I have another grand baby coming at the end of April and will need to be in Baltimore for some of May, but it sounds like it wouldn’t interfere…
Keep me posted, for sure!
Mitch Pearlman November 8, 2021 at 7:05am
I would be interested.
Pilar November 8, 2021 at 7:43am
Scary, exhilarating, thrilling! Hard to plan for weather, and wondering about endurance if it’s challenging physically!
But so enticing….
Diana November 8, 2021 at 12:12pm
I can’t imagine a better tour guide than you for a surprise adventure 😊!