What is the "Gradual Traveler"?
The "gradual traveler" is a term inspired by my real life.
Unlike what you may see on social media (global travel is depicted as the ultimate travel goal), travel is travel. Whether you're flying across the world or to the next state - you're a traveler.
However, there are travelers like me, who travel occasionally, and who also travel gradually. I enjoy traveling a few times of year to change scenery and learn, see, smell and experience something new.
I consider my plan for lifelong travel experiences to be gradual.
What does gradual travel mean?
It means deciding on a series of travel plans built upon the prior travel experience.
For example, if you are a novice traveler, your first desired domestic destination might be a 3-hour flight to Atlanta, GA.
Let's increase.
The next destination may also be domestic, perhaps a 5-hour flight to Los Angeles, CA.
Let's increase.
Once comfortable accomplishing the longer flight distance, the next aspiration might be a Caribbean destination -- with an even more extended flight time.
Let's increase.
After mastering traveling and preparing for longer flight times and more extended stays, it's time to explore other alternative destinations -- some favorites are Paris, London, and Spain. These are unique destinations that require a tremendous amount of planning and preparation and, quite frankly, a more considerable financial commitment.
Let's increase.
Again, gradually building upon that, the following travel aspiration might be planning an overseas trip to a coveted destination like Greece, Bali, Thailand, and of course, any destination on the continent of Africa.
The idea is that you build up your tolerance and your ability to plan, prepare, manage, fund, and execute travel with more complex travel plans and requirements.
Your gradual travel plan can be over a few years, or extend over your lifetime. There’s no timetable for travel. It may take one family a year to plan for a coveted trip. Another family may have the flexibility and finances to travel more frequently.
Please don't plan a trip because someone else visited a destination and you liked their social media pics. Inspiration is great but conduct your research. Be clear about the destination's culture. Be clear on their law enforcement practices and safety. Be clear about how they view foreigners, especially people of color, and be clear on their handling of COVID to include entry/exit requirements. If you are a member of a particular community - like LGBTQIA - be sure to determine how accepting the culture is of people of your community. Does that acceptance extend beyond the resort? Research.
In contrast, some people are wired to be more adventurous than others, and they love stepping onto an airplane the way that others enjoy reading a new book or shopping for a new pair of shoes. Travel can be intoxicating and refreshing for an avid traveler who gets their energy from traveling.
Not everyone feels that way about traveling. And what I love about this is that it takes all types to make the world go around.
If you're the kind of traveler that spends a lot of time in Cancun, Puerto Rico, and Aruba -- that is fantastic. Perhaps that's your sacred place, and you don't feel a yearning for more adventurous travel.
Others have a strong desire to see all ends of the earth and sacrifice anything to accomplish that. You've read the stories about people who quit their jobs for several reasons but ultimately found themselves traveling the world. Those are carefree, adventurous spirits. That's perfectly okay too.
Find a travel path that's right for YOU - not right for Social Media.
Kinyatta E. Gray is a published author, travel advisor, and the CEO of FlightsInStilettos, LLC.
@flightsinstilettos
