where i’ve been and where i’m going

I’m not really a “Oh, it’s December 31, let’s reflect back on the past year” kind of girl. I’ve given up on resolutions and I’ve stopped coming up with a word to live by for the new year. At this point, I’m just trying to be present in the moment and get through my to-do list.

But there’s something about coming to the end of a decade that deserves a little contemplation. It may be worth taking a few minutes to look back in order to figure out what’s ahead.

2010 ended with a still-surreal trip to Australia with Oprah that convinced me that anything is possible and that there is truly something to be said for putting your wishes out into the Universe – and then actually doing the work to make them come true.

I’ve spent the years since then doing things I never dreamed of – many of them in places that required multiple flights. Somehow, I became a travel writer and found myself being offered opportunities to visit locations I didn’t think I’d ever see in person. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone often and have always been rewarded with rich experiences that gave me the confidence to keep stepping out a little further.

In 2019, I traveled so much, I reached Diamond Medallion status on Delta by August. That means that even though I say I’m going to travel less in 2020, I probably won’t because I want to hold on to that – permanently! I am not ashamed to say I like to travel in comfort.

So, where have I been this past year? Well, I’m scrolling through the photos on my phone right now to remember.

The year started in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where Michael, my kids, their partners and I released paper lanterns into the sky at midnight after an amazing week together that included volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park and a few days of luxury at the Belmond in Koh Samoi. Michael and I then spent the first night of the year at the gorgeous Four Seasons in Chiang Mai, which we rave about constantly and can’t wait to visit again.

Here’s what the rest of the year looked like:

January: Las Vegas; New York

February: Orlando; Scottsdale, Peoria and Phoenix, Arizona (and Michelle Obama!)

March: Memphis

April: Israel; Las Vegas

May: Puerto Vallarta; Miraval (ahhh); London for a day and a half (because I’m insane)

June: Baltimore; Viking (my home away from home) River Cruise to Eastern Europe

July: Women’s Journey to Kenya (I loved this trip so much, I think I’m going to do it again in 2020)

August: Staycation for our anniversary at The Inn at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas

September: Baltimore (for Alex and Julie’s wedding!); London with my beloved Viking to visit Highclere Castle and attend the world premiere of Downton Abbey: The Movie; San Francisco; Portland, Oregon (Sara!)

October: Las Vegas; Sheboygan, Wisconsin

November: Newark for TMS

December: Grand Wailea in Maui

I traveled solo, with Michael, with each of the kids, with friends, with strangers – and I wouldn’t trade any of these trips. Just looking at all my photos brings back so many special memories and fills me with so much gratitude. I’ve gotten to see beautiful sights, eat incredible meals, stay in luxurious hotels and learn about different cultures and traditions.

But, most importantly, I’ve gotten to meet people all over the world – from publicists to fellow writers to locals – who I’m so lucky to now call friends. This is why I will continue to travel.

So, where am I going in 2020?

Well, physically, the only trips I have planned right now are these:

. I’m going to New York at the end of January for IMM, which I look forward to every year.

. Michael and I are renewing our wedding vows on a Princess Cruise to Mexico, where we will help set a Guinness World Record!

. I’m heading to Dayton, Ohio for the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop. This will be my third time, and I just adore everything about it.

. I’m attending Women’s Travel Fest in New York for the first time. It looks amazing, and if you’re interested in travel, you may want to join me.

. I’m going to Switzerland for Travel Classics, and am so excited. Michael’s coming with me for the Glacier Express Excellence Class pre-tour, which is my way to travel.

I definitely want to go back to Africa with the Women’s Journey to Kenya, get back on the ocean with Viking and visit Newfoundland, which I’m obsessed with, thanks to Come From Away and our own sweet Jessie.

Where am I going mentally/spiritually/emotionally?

I’m trying to practice self-care. Someone posted a great article reminding readers that “self-care” means actually taking care of your health, not happily stuffing your face with donuts. (And, by “your,” I mean “my.”) Over this decade, I have gained, lost and regained 30 pounds and it’s time to get off that roller coaster and shed that weight for good.

I would go back to Jenny Craig but can’t because she supports the asshole in the White House. Speaking of whom, I need to find a way to channel my constant outrage productively. I will keep writing letters, marching and donating money but I feel I’ve gotten very hard over the past few years. I want to be softer in the coming year and let down the wall I’ve built to separate myself from the one he wants to build along with all the other evil he’s unleashed. Realistically, I don’t think that will happen until November. (#VoteBlueNoMatterWho)

To help do that, I’m starting my year with visits from two friends I love from my Africa trip and a weekend with my sister. I think female energy is more necessary than ever, and I can’t wait to spend hours talking and laughing with these smart, funny and compassionate women. (No offense to the men in my life – my husband, son, father, father-in-law – who are true role models for what a man should be.)

I’m also embarking on Pop Sugar’s 2020 Reading Challenge and have started a private Facebook group with a small group of amazing women. We will spend the year reading together, introducing each other to new books, discussing what we learn and just enjoying each other’s company. If you want to join, we’d love to have you.

Because Michael wants to spend time studying art this year, we’ll be visiting more museums and surrounding ourselves with beauty. That definitely sounds like my kind of self-care.

I’m excited about the 2020’s – we have another wedding coming up this year! – and, because, like I said, I believe in putting it out there, I’m hoping to end the first year of the new decade the same way I ended the first year of the last one: on a trip with Oprah.