15 things you miss most about travel

Travel, how we miss you! We asked you what you were missing most and hundreds of you responded – read and weep (and dream)

1

Putting in the hours

“I miss the excitement of researching, which would include how to travel there, options of places to stay and places to visit and activities that are available – but not necessarily booking too much in advance.” Peggy Martin

2

Stocking the suitcase

“I really miss getting new guidebooks, sorting out a few silk sarongs and swimsuits, and escaping!” Linda Gemesi

3

Building the excitement

“That feeling of anticipation when you arrive at an airport, about to embark on an adventure. Arriving a little early so you can browse the airport shops, have a coffee or glass of bubbles and stock up on magazines and aeroplane snacks. It’s almost better than the trip itself!” Lynelle Swanepoet

4

Reaching the sky

“Being a redundant pilot, I miss flying towards the rising sun on an early morning flight, and the brilliant blue skies above the clouds.” Judith Mitchell

5

First sight

“That transfer from the airport to the hotel and having that first look at the city that will be home for the next few days. No guidebook can beat that feeling when you see the city pass by as you look through the train or car window – the city’s smells, atmosphere, the traffic.” Paul Sandel

6

Taking in the atmosphere

“I miss the smell of the hot, steamy air at night when you arrive in a new place after a longhaul flight; the jasmine and ginger lilies; and waking the next morning to discover the things that you couldn’t see last night.”

Fiona Parr

7 Waking up to adventure

“I miss that first morning when you wake up somewhere new, with new smells and sounds everywhere – whether it is the sound of a call to prayer, a hippo chuckling or spices in the air. Experiencing another culture isn’t an intellectual exercise, it’s a sensory one.”

Isobel Mcvey

8

Losing yourself

“As counter-intuitive as it may seem, I really miss the true feeling of being alone; with only you to rely on and to make important decisions, and being alone with your thoughts.”

Antonia Majcher

9

Taking to the road

“Hiring a JEEP, no destination in mind, just seeing where the road takes us. The freedom! The unexpected! The unexplored gems. I miss pulling over to the side of the road for a view, or to buy something from a street vendor and to feel the fresh air rush past on to the next unknown destination.” Rebecca Bromwich

10

Hitting the highways

“I miss popping the first bottle of wine that first evening, the crickets chirping in the fields, the smell of lavender in French fields. I miss it all, even the insect bites!” Martin King

11 Finding that place

“I miss finding that one special cafe or restaurant; the one a wise friend recommended, the one you found last time and can’t wait to return to, or perhaps best of all, the one you stumbled on by chance and then wanted to dine at every day of your trip.”

Heather Mackin

12

New dawns

“I miss forgetting where I am when I wake up!”

Jill Douglas

13

Meeting people

“The thing I miss most about travelling is the people you meet from all over the world and experiencing their cultures. I miss being able to listen to and share travel stories with others and getting suggestions for the next place I visit. It’s also great to make friends all over the world so that next time you travel, you may even have a place to crash as well as a personal tour guide!” Nicole Garratty

14

Step into the unknown

“Embracing a heightened sense of curiosity. Whether trying some stuttering linguistics, sampling new delicacies, or a wander/paddle/pedal of discovery, because you’ll probably never have that same chance again.” Lloyd Cameron

15

A fresh perspective

“Watching the same sun rise in a new place where the colours, scents and sounds are different to home, but familiar at the same time. There’s no better way to get a sense of perspective on the world.” Justine Johnstone