I believe that people are either born with a travel gene or they are not.  Those of us meant to explore this world can only be happy if we know another trip is right around the corner.  Yet, my friends and family are constantly (and suspiciously) quizzing me about how I always seem to be on another vacation.  This is my answer:

• I don’t have small children.  So cute, but they definitely present some travel challenges, particularly those tricky school schedules.

• I don’t have any pets.

• I don’t have any plants that need watering.  Or, if we do, I have never noticed them.

• I try to work during the summers and holiday season while the rest of the world is on vacation.  I travel instead when prices are low, your children are in school, and tourist sites are less crowded.

• I am not afraid to fly thousands of miles on a long weekend and be back to work on Monday.

• Travel is my biggest hobby.  And, if you are like me, nothing will keep your feet planted at home.  We will find the money, we will find the time, and we will find the energy required to travel.

I have an undergraduate degree in International Relations and a graduate degree in Foreign Service.  What does this mean?  It means I spent a LOT of time and money in the United States studying about other cultures.  Perhaps one could argue that I should have spent all that time and money actually visiting other countries instead.  I don’t like to think about that, though.  Instead, let’s just say that I take my research about other countries very seriously.

I am fortunate to have a full-time job, which means I am writing purely for fun and in my spare time.  In other words, if I say nice things about anyone or anything, it’s just because I like them.  Also, this means that I am going to post only when there is something to write.

I think that’s it.  You know all the important stuff.