An Addiction that Birthed The Black Travel Culture Community
Ah, the sweet, sweet addiction to travel. It’s like a constant itch that can only be scratched by hopping on a plane and jetting off to some far-flung destination. Let’s not forget trains, buses and automobiles which can offer the same rush depending on the destination. And let’s be real, the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. So here goes nothing: Hi, my name Kim and I am a travel addict and to clarify, I am unapologetically addicted to travel because travel has taught me more about myself than any thing else. This is the reason I created the Black Travel Culture community.
The pretty name for travel addict is Wanderlust
Call it what you want, I gladly accept the title of Wanderlust and Travel addict and its all my mother’s fault. It all started innocently enough. My mother surprised me with a trip to Hawaii for my High School graduation. I have to admit, I was disappointed, and I mean highly disappointed. I wanted a car instead, pretty much begged for a car but what’s the saying “Momma Knows Best!” and in this case, no truer words have ever been spoken. Before I knew it, I was hooked. She knew the impact that exposure to pink sands, blue/green oceans and the customs of Hawaiian people would have on me.
The thrill of discovering new places, meeting new people, and trying new foods was too much to resist. Being exposed to other cultures, both the similarities and the differences is simply indescribable. I was like a kid in a candy store, except instead of candy, it was plane tickets and hotel reservations that had me salivating.
Coming home after any trip, both domestic and international, was similar to coming down from a high and as with most addicts, I would immediately look for the next one.
Trendy graphic design totes, shirts are must have travel accessories for any travel addict.
Don’t even get me started on the high I get from travel planning. The hours spent scouring travel blogs, social media and websites for the best deals and hidden gems. The rush of adrenaline when I finally hit “book now” on that dream vacation. It’s like Christmas morning, but instead of presents under the tree, it’s an itinerary in my inbox. And when I catch a great deal with little planning or effort, my neuroreceptors go insane.
The Downside of My Travel Addiction
Of course, like any addiction, there are downsides and I will share just a few:
- The constant search for the next adventure can be exhausting.
- The never-ending stream of Instagram photos from other travelers can induce serious FOMO (fear of missing out).
- And let’s not forget the toll it takes on my bank account. Who needs a savings account when you have a passport, am I right?
Despite the drawbacks, I just can’t quit, nor do I want to. The lure of the open road, the thrill of the unknown, the promise of a new adventure around every corner. It’s like a drug, and I am hopelessly hooked and I am not looking for a recovery program. When it’s all said and done, there are worse additions to have, can I get an Amen!
Addictions that Lead to Excellence
Travel has taught me so much about myself and has often been the medicine that I needed to get me out of a rut. Even trips that haven’t gone as expected or planned had provided insights and challenged me in ways that I needed to make me a more understanding person. I also don’t take for granted that the Black Travel Culture Community is relatively new out and proud community which makes my commitment to amplify all of the benefits that I have experienced as their are many more pros than cons.
So if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some flights to book, some hotels to research, and some wanderlust to satisfy. Because for a travel addict like me, there’s no such thing as too much adventure. Warning, if you haven’t started your travel adventures you may be in for a beautiful addiction that you didn’t know existed. What is your vice?
