Life has been a bit hectic lately. Over the summer, my partner and I were discussing plans for a trip during the week of Thanksgiving. Last year we spent the holiday in Scotland and Ireland, and this year I imagined relaxing on a warm beach with my toes in the sand. However, a visit to my podiatrist changed our plans. I found out I needed foot surgery within the next six months, and that I wouldn’t be able to fly for six weeks during recovery. Ever since that appointment, it has felt like I’ve been sprinting to get everything done before surgery and the upcoming holidays.
After talking it through, we decided the week of Thanksgiving would be the best time to schedule it. So, instead of bringing you fresh travel content and stories, I’m on my couch, elevating my foot and nursing it back to health. Initially, I was worried I would get bored during this unexpected stretch of being “grounded”, but so-far, I’m enjoyinh my naps, reading, coloring and movie watching. It’s not the same as soaking up sunshine on the beach or grabbing a fresh pastry from a cafe, but I’m actually resting because my body is finally forcing me to. If we had traveled, we’d be planning activities and outings, which is lovely, but not what I needed right now.
And even though I’m resting, I still find myself drifting toward travel-adjecent comforts like watching Rick Steves’ Europe on PBS and paging through Literary Paris: A Photographic Tour to get a small taste of the world from my couch. I also pushed back planning my 2026 travel until after my surgery so I have something to research and look forward to. I have a milestone birthday next year, and I’m excited to plan restorative travel to celebrate another journey around the sun.
I could be disappointed that I’m not on a beach, but nothing had been booked when our plans shifted. After the sprint that 2025 has been, I’m realizing this staycation is what my body needed. Rest now means I can prepare for a full and meaningful year ahead so I can hit the ground running both literally and figuratively. Until then, I’ll be curled with a book, cozy blankets, and dreams of my next adventure.