What next? Your guess is as good as mine!
The most frequent question I get asked is “What’s next?” followed by “How are you making enough money to continue traveling?”. I’ll tackle the latter at a different time. Both of these questions cause me anxiety, but it is a given that I will be asked them by 90% of the people I meet.
The simple answer is that I never really know ‘what’s next’; I don’t have a plan. My only plan is to remain flexible, and continue to do things that excite me intellectually, and challenge me.
I don’t have a plan on how to make a living as a travel blogger, on how I will survive the next year, on what I’m going to do in five years; I’m adrift on this globe simply trying to do things that bring me happiness and survive at the same time. I’m pretty sure that’s not a great way to get through life, but it’s been working for 5 years.
Lately I’ve been in bit of a funk. I can only attribute it to the fact that I’ve been in the US since September 2011 and I’m really itching to get out and use my passport again. I’ve had commitments which have kept me here and it’s allowed me to spend a great deal of time with family and friends, but I’m ready…ready to get out again.
Lately Europe has been ‘calling’ me. But at the same time in some weird way Europe bores me. It seems easy, posh, not very challenging. But I also have to accept that not everything has to be a challenge in my life; at least that’s what I tell myself.
I’ll be hopping on a plane with a passport in hand again on February 23rd heading to the little known island of Malta. Malta is one of these interesting places that is commonplace for Europeans, but rather obscure to Americans. Malta is actually part of the EU and it should provide a great mix of culture between Europe and Northern Africa.
Where is Malta?
After two weeks in Malta, I will head to Italy on March 10th to begin a big Europe tour that will include Italy (Rome, Sorrento, Venice), Austria (Vienna) , Germany (Berlin) , France (Paris), and Spain. It will also include my 18 year old niece for a week in Italy. I have no real solid plans yet, but I’m in the planning stages, so feel free to provide advice!
I plan to arrive in Spain in the end of April and begin a big challenge that has been on my Travel ‘Bucket’ List for a while now; I am going to walk the Camino de Santiago trail. In full it is a 800 km walk from the border of France to the coast of Spain. I don’t yet know my route or if I will do the full route or not, but I will do it – and my feet will be screaming at me no doubt.
The typical Camino de Santiago Route
As for the rest of my year, I’m working on some ideas (some really exciting ones), but not ready to provide those details yet! However I will always be looking for opportunities to accomplish things on my Travel ‘Bucket’ List. And I’m always willing to take advice from readers!
By Michael Hodson January 23, 2012 - 6:47 am
First and most importantly, can’t wait to see you in Europe in just a few weeks. Excited about it.
Second… ugggg. I HATE the whole travel blogger perception that somehow Europe sucks because it “isn’t challenging” or “too easy” or whatever (not saying you have this opinion, since you are coming over for a good bit, but you mention it). I get really, really sick of people, usually sitting on a beach in Thailand or in a hostel in South America, not exactly challenging locations in and of themselves, complaining about Europe.
You know what Europe is? The best and most interesting continent in the world. And its really not even close. History, architecture, languages, diverse people, sports, culture, and on and on. The place is fracking amazing. I’ve been to over 60 countries on 6 continents and done a far bit more of “challenging travel” than most of the people that offhandedly dismiss Europe as a destination and I can only say to them — thanks for not showing up this year. Your pretension would just piss me off anyway.
By Sherry January 23, 2012 - 8:39 am
Michael, I think you have to look at my comment based on who I am and the type of traveler I am. I am not the type of person who goes and sits on the beach and goes where everyone else goes. I prefer to travel to less developed countries, places where others seldom go (and trust me I have no desire to go sit on a beach and go to a full moon party in Thailand). I like to lead the way into new areas and get people to visit there, not follow. I want to interact with cultures which are very different than my own and typically I like to volunteer. I just find that out of all of the places I have been in the world, Europe has many similarities to our own American culture, so it generally doesn’t get me as excited. Yet I understand that there are many things beyond cultural differences worth visiting in Europe and that’s why I’m going to spend close to 3 months there. I’m really excited about being in Austria and Germany and learning more about the war in those areas. I’m excited about showing my niece Italy and the amazing art, food, and Amalfi coast. I’m really excited about hiking the Camino de Santiago and digging into that religious history. I’m excited about discovering Malta and also visiting the Libyan refugee camps there. My travels will certainly have their language challenges for me no doubt – as well as financial challenges, but I do look forward to it! I think the difference is that Europe doesn’t give me that nervous excitement that borders on fear (of the unknown) that I get when I travel to less developed and seen countries.
By Richard Evans January 23, 2012 - 7:14 am
Make sure you do an advance booking for the Hypogeum. http://www.visitmalta.com/hal-saflieni-hypogeum-map
By Sherry January 23, 2012 - 8:28 am
Thanks for the advice Richard!
By Emilia January 23, 2012 - 8:36 am
Hello, Sherry!
Some very good news for next destinations: I would love to walk the Camino de Santiago someday…But Malta is closer, in July, after some time in Sicily. I’ll be looking forward to your posts, they’ll sure bring me a new perspective on the island than only reading my guides. And I’m rooting for you to find new ways to keep on with your travels.
A great 2012 for you!
By Gillian @OneGiantStep January 23, 2012 - 9:00 am
A childhood friend of mine was from Malta, so I have heard of it. I understand it is quite small and self isolated in that they are very conscious of their culture and wish to preserve it. I have seen pictures and cannot wait to see the images you send back to us! Enjoy!
By Sarah Lavender Smith January 23, 2012 - 9:01 am
Sherry, if you decide that long walks are your “thing” and want to do more, you might consider New Zealand at year’s end (summer down under) and take advantage of trekking NZ’s incredible network of “tracks” (what Kiwis call trails). Can’t wait to see you soon in SF!
By Laura January 23, 2012 - 9:26 am
Walking the Camino? Fantastic! On my list of things to do as well 🙂
By Trish Moratto January 23, 2012 - 10:56 am
I’m doing the camino on the tail end of our around the world honeymoon which will putts there in late Spring 2013. I’m so excited that I can follow your path just before we go. Have you watched the film “The Way?” It’s fabulous and about the camino.
By Lynn January 23, 2012 - 11:22 am
Great post Sherry! It’s always a risk to be honest in a blog post because it opens you up to criticism about your decisions and statements. Europe is tough, mostly because it’s so expensive (compared with much of the rest of the world), and that in itself is something to be nervous about. I love your plan; it sounds like you’re making arrangements to experience Europe the way you like to travel! I’m SURE you have heard of Rick Steves…his guidebooks and travel philosophy are geared towards making connections with locals, and though you travel differently than the typical “guidebook route,” you might get some good tips for off the map eateries and things to see. His website is great for meeting travel partners too. Have a wonderful time; I look forward to every post you write!
By Barbara Weibel January 23, 2012 - 11:38 am
Hi Sherry. Exciting plans for the spring and maybe, just maybe, if I’m really lucky, we’ll get to meet up in Spain.
By Audrey January 23, 2012 - 2:47 pm
Like you, I hate those two questions 🙂 But, I do understand why they are the first two questions people usually ask, both from close family/friends and from people we’ve just met.
A couple of weeks ago we met a woman who hiked the camino last year and had a great experience. Her only comment was that her feet did really hurt her. It kept her at a slower pace than she originally hoped, but that was also good for her emotionally.
Malta has been high on our list for a while now – look forward to hearing about your adventures there!
By Dalene January 23, 2012 - 3:05 pm
Your plans are so exciting for the rest of us – as we (speaking for the population as a WHOLE) can’t wait to see them through your lens. We were just in Amalfi and that has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth!
We also wanted to do the Camino last year but a torn achilles tendon took care of that plan in a flash. Hopefully soon!
By Candace January 23, 2012 - 6:23 pm
Hey Sherry! I definitely get both the feeling of not knowing what the future holds, as well as there not always being that same sense of excitement about Europe. After the Mongol Rally, I imagine it might be hard to find many places that rival that challenge 🙂 I’ll also be heading to Spain in April, and love your idea of hiking the Camino trail. Might have to try that one myself!
By Shtina January 23, 2012 - 8:52 pm
Malta, lazy weeks in Europe and the Camino de Santiago trail sound like a great Spring!
Like other commenters have pointed out, you’re not giving Europe enough credit. My favorite thing about traveling is lingering in one place, settling in, and becoming a local. Since there are so many familiar aspects about life in Europe, it provides the perfect opportunity to observe the subtle things and make friends with a restaurant owner or two. 🙂
Have a great time! I can’t wait to read about your hike in Spain. The Camino de Santiago is on my bucket list too.
By Keith January 24, 2012 - 3:37 pm
Look forward to reading about your time in Europe. I went to Malta back in 2010 and really enjoyed it. I think the disadvantage of travelling in Europe is just the cost. There are all kinds of interesting places to visit but a bit hard on my budget.
By Katie January 25, 2012 - 11:40 am
Wow, hiking the Camino de Santiago sounds amazing! I haven’t really even heard of it – may need to add that to my bucket list!
If you’re looking for any contacts in Malta, I have a reader on my blog who lives there, I am happy to put you in touch!
By Sherry January 25, 2012 - 3:21 pm
Thanks for the Malta contact – yes – would of course love to meet a local there. I owe you a skype call too!
By RenegadePilgrim January 26, 2012 - 5:11 am
Sherry, I am glad you are doing the Camino! I walked it two years ago, also in April. Best time of the year. I used it as my launching pad for my RTW trip.
I have lots of advice for you to make your experienc on the Camino a good one and also some people you should stop and talk to while you are walking.
Feel free to contact me and I can give you my “list” of Camino prep stuff.
Also, check out the trailer to “The Camino Documentary” at http://www.caminodocumentary.org that I am volunteering on…it will give you an idea of what to expect!
Buen Camino!
By Denis January 28, 2012 - 3:01 pm
Hi Sherry – love your post, thank you for sharing.
First, don’t change your attitude about simply doing the things that bring you happiness – I think it is a great way to go through life. Sounds like we have a similar past and am going on year 14 of leaving the office for the road with no plans and have no plans to change!
Two, ignore the two questions people ask you – they don’t ever stop – and the reality is, not having a plan leaves you more open to the opportunities that will arise. Money, although a continuous concern, always works out in the end when you do what you enjoy…just trust in yourself that you have the necessary skills to figure out a way to make ends meet – and you will.
Three, that is a lot of European countries in what may be in a short span of time – although I understand the reflex of wanting to see as much as you can once there – Europe is too rich & varied a place to see it all in one trip – villages in the same region, only 30 miles apart often have a history & culture of their own – consider scratching a few places off your list in order to settled a little more in a given area and dwelve a little deeper in the local culture – ‘under the tuscan sun’ style.
Four, I’ve completed the camino three times now (twice on foot, one on bike) and recently launched self-guided tours along it specifically geared to North Americans – it would be a pleasure to assist you any way I can to help you prepare and/or assist you along this adventure if you are interested.
Five, my apologies for this long blog within your blog 🙂 – hope it wasn’t too intrusive. Wishing you safe travels & more enjoyment for years to come…
By esther February 3, 2012 - 7:09 am
Hi,why don,t you go see Amsterdam while you,re in europe, maybe staying on a houseboat? cycling thru the city, real nice experience !
Love to read your stories
By Sherry February 3, 2012 - 11:23 am
Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe – I went 2 summers ago and LOVED it! Do you live there? I would love to stay on a houseboat – that’s something I never did. I couchsurfed in Amsterdam and met some great people that way. I rented a bike for a week and just explored the city. If I can find a way to make it up that way again – I certainly would. I always said that I could live there for a while I liked it so much. Thanks for following my travels and website!