Greek Isles versus Elgin Marbles? No contest.
We had a lovely time in the British Isles. We saw some amazing art, went to some great pubs, met some friendly people, and brought home some beautiful examples of the British arts and crafts movement.All in all, it was a nice trip.
Which is the trouble. Because our last five or six trips have been spectacular. And this one merely nice -- and expensive.
What really drives home the point is the screen saver on my computer. I walk away for a few minutes and come back to Bariloche, Capri, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, or Positano. And each time I see one of these drop-dead-gorgeous locales, I ask myself "Why didn't we go back there?"
Our last trip has made us rethink what we're really looking for when we travel. And for want of a better word, I think it's a big hit of serotonin. The Hebrides Islands were wonderfully scenic. But the next time we have two weeks and some spare cash, Greek Isles, here we come. Or maybe Sicily. Or Sardinia.
Even the Thanksgiving day we spent snorkeling off Cabo San Lucas was more rewarding than any of our experiences in London, Dublin, or Edinburgh -- all wonderful cities in their own right. So next time, we're opting for beauty over brains, piazzas over pubs, and pasta over pasties.
The lesson here is that when you plan your next trip, take note of all your favorite travel memories -- those transcendental experiences that make you think "If I died now, I'd be happy." Then, make sure that your next itinerary includes a big dose of that.
And if you need inspiration, go see Mamma Mia. Anyone who'd rather spend the afternoon in the British Museum is welcome to it.
