A lot of people (you know who you are) were judge-y about traveling during the pandemic. Hell, at times, I was judging myself. After one of my trips, I thought I had Covid, so I was a little panicked and I remember one of my friends saying, “Well, what did you expect?” I just—

Everything ended up being fine, yet I still couldn’t ignore that constant itch for any opportunity to buy a flight. So I took a few flights and a road trip during the pandemic. Where did I go? NY, Austin, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.

[Another disclaimer, I believe in divine timing, so if you happen to notice that I have multiple favorites. They truly are all my favorite, they were just my favorite at that time.]

NY

This was my FAVORITE city (arguably) to travel to during the panny. It was my first time being in New York and I fell in love. Everything they say about it is true; there is truly no place like it. I loved being in the city, walking everywhere, and feeling the energy of people who have places to be. I stayed in a hotel in Manhattan for a few days and an Airbnb in Brooklyn for a few days (on the corner of Myrtle Ave and Flatbush Ave, I couldn't find the link to it). I’m usually the person who plans out “must-see” places when I’m visiting a new city, but this time I went with no plan. I browsed food places when I was hungry and took a walk whenever I felt like seeing something new. One of the days, I went to brunch at Bubby’s, then walked to Pier 25 at Hudson River Park. I loved the vibe at Bubby’s, it was giving trendy, but homey. There was good music playing and it felt warm and welcoming as soon as you stepped inside. The trick is to figure out how to bypass the line. Also, I went for a run in the city and if that sounds even remotely interesting to you, DO IT. It was what I didn’t know I needed and it feels just like how it looks on tv.

Heading into this trip, I was feeling free and this trip was a reflection of that freedom and openness. There’s so much I didn’t see while I was in NY, so I’m 100% sure I’ll be back. 10/10 recommend, I loved it and if the city vibe is your thing, I think you will too. My biggest takeaway from this trip was: try something different, it may be odd at first, but you don’t discover new things about yourself by doing what you’ve always done.

Austin

This was a road trip, very serene and vibe-y, but for a party of one. I’ve been to Austin before with friends, so I wanted to explore the outdoor scenery this time around. My trip was three days long, so not too much, but maybe a little much for those who don’t like to be by themselves. I stayed in an Airbnb that was very trendy too. For the outdoorsy places, I visited Covert Park and McKinney Falls.

Covert Park - The highest point in the city (or so they say) overlooking Lake Austin. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset, if that’s your thing. If it’s not your thing, I suggest you try it. I make it a point to watch either (or both) in new places and I gain a little more peace each time.

McKinney Falls - A beautiful state park with lots of trails and waterfalls. I went around 9-10am when I thought there would be less people. I walked a few trails and sat by one of the falls just to have some quiet moments with nature. What I didn’t prepare for was getting in the water! I didn't even think about it being an option, but when I got there, I saw people in the water and I immediately wished I brought extra clothes. Next time, I definitely will.

I’m not sure why it took me all these years in Texas to appreciate Austin, but it’s definitely a place for frequent day trips. It can be as fast or as slow as you want it to be. I found myself breathing easy and not planning too much, just going with what felt right for me. I appreciate alone time because I know the value of sitting with yourself and taking moments to pause. I would recommend Austin for day trips (if you’re local to Texas) to get away and change your scenery. I visited my trusty Jamaican food truck, Tony’s Jamaican Food in Downtown Austin. I also visited Bird Bird Biscuit per many reviews and recommendations. Both left me feeling very satisfied.

Austin brought me a lot of clarity. This was the trip that set it off for me, I left feeling relieved and ready to quit my job.

Orlando and Fort Lauderdale

I took repeated trips back to these places because I just love being home. I love the food, I love the beach, and I love the people. You don’t get good Caribbean food and family love from just anywhere.

During the pandemic, I had time to sit still (like most people) and I realized how homesick I was. I missed little things about being able to see my family whenever I wanted, instead of having to hop on a plane. It was a luxury I didn't realize I wanted back. Each time I went home, I made a phone call a day or two before my flight and the rest was wherever the wind blew me. If I’ve learned nothing in the past 12+ months, show the people you love how much you love them.

Travel Tip #2: Focus on you and your journey.

Regardless of how you might feel about other people’s actions, like traveling in a pandemic, you don’t know what journey they’re on. If you’ve been following, each of these trips were very connected in helping me find my way. There was a trend of openness, freedom, and focus on myself. I didn’t see it at the time, but I was getting the knowledge and the courage I needed to prepare me for where I’m headed next.

Travel Tip #3: Having no plan, is a plan.

Next time you pick a new city/place to visit, don’t plan a thing (or go with loose ideas, not a plan). Just show up and go with the flow. Find places to eat and things to do the night before or the morning of, if you’re feeling a little risky.

Focus on you,

Mai