thank you "travel2live" for explaining my exact feelings for visiting Europe. My problem is no one to experience travel with, would not be enjoyable for me alone.

I travel for many reasons. Fun, cultures, all things posted above. But I also travel for some truth, and to see the reality of the world. "Believe none of what you hear and half of what you SEE" I have been VERY surprised.

After 34 years of travelling I have begun to wonder that. Coming back from Thailand last month I found myself counting the minutes till I got off the flying cattle truck. I don't mind visiting foreign places but the travelling itself is such hard work.

Business, fun and to see new things.

I agree with Kaneda. The actual getting places is a lot of work now, and not fun like it used to be. Where is this Star Trek matter transfer machine anyway????

lsm9831~ Have you tried solo travel?

You say it would not be enjoyable for you, but how do you know until you try it?

- to get away from cooking and cleaning

<i>. . . experience new things and stretch your boundaries . . .</i>

I agree with that, but I think a love of travel and new experiences may be inborn. When I was 18, I made my first big trip, flying to Hawaii to join my husband who had been transferred there from Korea. My younger sister said to our mother, &quot;I sure am glad that's her and not me.&quot;

She does like to travel now, but she is much less adventurous than I am. My at-home life is pretty cut and dried--pleasant and fun, but I do need breaks now and then.

swandav2000 - I love your answer. I go to experience other cultures, but also to reset my clock, slow down and enjoy. Not just to see different things but to see things differently.

I can think of lots of reasons but the main one is....because it makes me happy.

Tracy

I've got the bug that so many others talk about...the one that makes me get restless and cranky if I'm not planning a trip. Longer or shorter, the trip's the thing. Packing the bag. Leaving the condo behind. No bill paying, no vacuuming, etc. for a little while. The chores I'm too tired to do at home would be shocked to see me climbing towers, combing museums, and just wandering, wandering, wandering for hours when far away.

And often enough, especially in Europe but elsewhere, too, traveling is a little like falling in love. People ask me what is my favorite place and I'm hard pressed to pick one. I have many loves. Some a bit more passionate than others but each with their own special glow.

LeeParis