Topping for Patti!

I've been back from Croatia for about two weeks and I feel really good. It was so beautiful there and so easy to travel around that it was completely relaxing. There was a wholeness to the experience that I'm still carrying around. I do find that I'm going to this site more often though - probably I need that vision of more travel in my future.

How long does the "high" last from your last trip?.... FOREVER!

Just topping it for those of you who have just returned!

Agree with everyone above, and espessially with Maggi. Not everyone shares our excitement on the subject of travelling. <BR>And the only word that comes to mind in reference to all posters here is ADDICTS. We all are. There are nicotin addicts, alcohol, drug, shopping addicts. <BR>But symthoms are the same. That's why the need to look something forward and blues when the trip ends. <BR>I am a lucky one this time. For 2 month I am savouring the upcoming trip to Switzerland around Labor Day, and today I booked the London package for Thanksgiving weekend (unbelievable deal). And you know what - there are not too many people I could share my joy with. And I would never pronounce words like London or Zurich, or Paris at work. Here I am among the le with the same mindset.

Almost one month since our return. <BR>I can be anywhere, But in my mind I am back in italy. <BR> <BR>The only thing keeping me sane (ish) is the thought of my trip next year <BR>sans children <BR>[and husband, of course ! :-) ] <BR>

Jim~ I agree! If there isn't a ticket in my passport, I'm miserable! It can be for next year, it is just looking forward to the next adventure. <BR> <BR>Wendy

...going on 9 months!

What a great thread! It's good to know how many people feel the way I do... <BR> <BR>My first blow is always the grim-looking armed guards in customs at the Seattle airport. The relentless cleanliness is also depressing -- don't ask me why.. <BR> <BR>And, what is it about Stateside supermarkets? My first trip to one after an extended time in Europe gives me that "Toto, we're back in Kansas" feeling. <BR> <BR>I live in a pretty city with beautiful surroundings, but how I miss the architecture and history -- wondering when I'll next wake to cathedral bells and walk across cobblestones to my morning coffee.. <BR> <BR>I, too, don't mention London or Paris at work, although with airfares the way they are, I probably spend less on my vacation than my co-workers spent to go to Cleveland... <BR> <BR>Plannig my next trip, immediately and compulsively, is the only cure. That and this board, which I am delighted to have found. But now I'm hooked on Fodors/Europe... <BR>

S. Fowler-I just saw this thread again tonight-thanks for topping it for me back a few weeks ago! Anyway, I really did go through that depression when we got back about a month ago. I still think "I was planning the trip this time last year", and "I had so much to look forward to this time last year"! <BR>I just can't say it enough that going to my favorite place (Ireland) and two other great places (London and Paris-and Paris for the first time for all of us!) with my husband and 8 friends-well, its just does not get any better than than! I was excited every day for 11 months. It got me through walking in the dark almost every morning during the winter to get in good walking shape- <BR>"in 6 months I'll be walking in Paris". <BR> <BR>I am OK again-I really love to travel-I like living out of a suitcase! We get to travel but not as much as many of you. But, I travel more than most and for that I am grateful. I am now planning short weekends away and am just beginning to plan our week at the Olympics in Feb. And, who knows what next Summer will hold. But, it has been 106 degrees lately and that makes me think of Ireland more-missing the cool ocean air around Dingle! <BR>I sure enjoy others trip reports-just wish there were more of them!! <BR>My husband made a cute video for everyone and that is great to have! <BR>And, I am so glad for all the things I bought! <BR>Travel tip: if you see something you even think you may want-buy it-you will not regret it later! You may regret not buying it. I love my little travel collection:a celtic cross (Ireland), Big Ben (London), Torre di Pisa (Nancy@sover picked it up for me!!) Italy, and my Eiffel Towers (Paris) make me happy! <BR>Well, I have rambled on long enough! <BR>Happy travels everyone! <BR>Patti <BR>

Oh What dandy postings! I'm so happy to see this one back at the top! Memories of special moments (people, sights, flavors, sounds, scents even) come back to delight me and lift my spirits years after I've visited a special place (walking the Lavaux vineyard path on Lac Leman or watching the lights twinkle on Lago Maggiore from my tiny balcony at the Hotel Panorama in Gerra-Gambarogno). <BR> <BR>I especially loved reading Joan's(Mckenna?) postings. I still have a little roll of scotchtape that I bought for some forgotten reason in Brienz; I get such a rush whenever I use a bit of it. Silly, yes? Joan, are you there? jw

Just back from France and ItaLy and I can't stop thinking about it. Every night, I dream about the places and people I've seen and have to start planning another trip. I feel no depression, just a desperate need to return! Starting my plans now...

A good old thread, topping for joef - - with a broad spectrum of experiences and ways to deal with the good and the bad.<BR>

Peg, <BR><BR>11 years ago I first ventured out across the Atlantic for Europe. I've been back nearly a dozen times, so I'd say the "high" is still quite fantastic.