This directive comes from Hunter S. Thompson’s classic “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” While I would never publicly advise loading the car trunk with polypharmaceuticals and hitting the open road, gonzo-style, like the good doctor and his Samoan sidekick, I do embrace their spirt and approach my journeys with similar gusto and enthusiasm.
I like to think of travel as recess for adults, an opportunity to play and escape from the everyday routine. It’s like hopping on Mr. Rogers‘ trolley and transporting to the Neighborhood of Make Believe. You get to be someone else (The Tourist) in a new place (Bali! Punta Cana! Detroit!) and create your own adventure. When you travel with a sense of wonder and an openness to a new environment, special things can and will happen.
The first step is buying the ticket. The second is putting aside the fear and anxiety that travel naturally induces. I begin each trip with the assumption that something will go wrong. Terribly, horribly wrong? Probably not, but accepting the inevitability and learning to roll with it enables you to transform bad situations into memorable stories. For example, on a recent trip, my traveling companion contracted a severe case of Ali Baba’s revenge in Morocco. It peaked several days later in Madrid. Seeking some relief, the front desk clerk directed me to the local pharmacia where I acquired treatment. I administered it to her and she promptly dismissed me and took to bed. I had no desire to dine alone at a traditional restaurant, so I wandered around and stumbled upon the Mercado de San Miguel, a lively food flea market. I spent some time sampling delicious tapas and rioja and brought her back a cream puff that she enjoyed in the morning. We learned a valuable lesson (“Don’t eat the grapes in Tangier!”) and laugh about that night when we remember our trip.
The blog will feature several categories of posts, updated weekly. I’ll give you snapshots of some of my favorite spots, quick peeks behind some of the small doors I’ve opened on the road. Since I live in the Hudson Valley, I’ll provide day trip itineraries that combine a destination with a dining suggestion in the area. In addition to sharing tips that have worked well for me, I’ll show you how I’ve incorporated souvenirs from the road into my home. It’s a terrific way to rekindle your vacation memories every day. And finally, I’d like to engage you in a discussion about regional family vacation spots – the ones we remember from childhood and the places where we bring our families today.
So, open your suitcase and throw in what fits. Then hit the road, rails or skies. There are no rules. Well, maybe just one – enjoy the ride!
After reading this, I just wanted to dust off my suitcase and hit the open road.
…Yes, but, who are you?
At this time, I prefer to remain behind the veil and masquerade as The Open Suitcase. It lends me a certain mystique, don’t you think?
I do like the mystique!
Just stopped by to thank you for liking a recent post of mine. I’m so glad I did! Your blog is amazing!! I aspire to have something as well put together as you have here. Layout, design, usability, and especially content are fantastic. I’m looking forward to reading more! Thanks again!!
Thanks for stopping by thefirstgates to like a post. I was born in the Hudson River Valley, moved away at age nine, but then spent several of my teenage years there. I have fond memories of family vacations up the Hudson, so I found your blog quite interesting.
I like your blog name- theopensuitcase- very creative.
Thank you!
We just wanted to let you know, we nominated you for the Liebster Blogger Award! We really enjoy reading your blog. http://adventuresweseek.com/2012/10/15/blogger-awards/
Love your take on travel. Recess for adults indeed:-) Thanks for stopping by my foodforfun St. Louis adventure. I don’t get out often enough, so it was great fun for me. I’ll be stopping by again so I can “desktop travel” through you!
Thanks for the visit, Liz.
Congratulations! I have nominated your blog for “Beautiful Blogger award”. If you want to accept the award, please check my blog for rules etc. : http://exxtracts.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/two-blogger-awards/
Thanks for visiting my admittedly quirky travel blog http://www.TravelByTerry.com. I am glad you enjoyed “A Walkabout at the Westin Kierland”. I really like the clean, organized look of your blog. That makes it inviting to explore.
Thanks for stopping by and for the kind comments about the site’s layout. I like your blog because it’s quirky…you’ve got a great sense of humor. And I would be interested in becoming you – not in a “Freaky Friday” type of way, but professionally.
Hello, I just featured you in my recent blogroll post. 🙂 Happy travels. xo
Cathy – I’ve just awarded you FOUR blogger awards. The full story here at http://thepalladiantraveler.com/2013/01/02/dont-shoot-the-messenger/
This is a truly amazing blog, and I love reading each post.
I wanted to nominate you for the Liebster Award as you always inspire me.!
http://creativecloudfix.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/the-liebster-award/
🙂
Thank you so very much for the kind words and the nomination.
Travel, Mr. Rogers and Narnia all mentioned on one site? I’m hooked – love all!
Welcome and thank you!
Ah, your spirit fills the heart, Suit. Great stuff.
Why thank you so very much, David. Greatly appreciated.
I loved when you talked about creating your own adventure. My favorite books when I was a child were the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. I can’t imagine a world without travel, without the possibility to explore. I have friends who won’t even consider it; I’m constantly pleading with them to just “buy the ticket.” Life is too short!
Thanks so much for visiting and liking my own travel blog. It will be great to explore yours.
Thanks, Peggy. And welcome!
Fantastic site to look at, and great reads. Thanks for dropping my my site..
Don’t feel you need to act on this, but I couldn’t resist including yours in my top 7 favourite blogs at the moment. I have nominated you for my Field of Flowers Award. See http://jessieansons.com/2014/03/18/field-of-flowers-award . Congratulations!
Thanks so much for the follow! Don’t have to tell you how much I’m enjoying your site every time I pop by!