Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
terdam, just visiting coffee shops and touring the Red Light District. Hannah was already
planning day trips to areas where people might not speak English, and even within Ams-
terdam, Hannah seemed to have her heart set on finding the “true Dutch experience.” She
kept talking about a concept called “
gezellig
,” a special kind of Dutch coziness that she
had read about and desperately wanted to feel. To her this trip seemed to be much more
than a vacation and, by being reluctant to buy the tickets, Mark had given her the impres-
sion that he was reluctant to be with her. He thought about her and the way she'd been as
happy as a child since they'd started planning this trip together. And then he thought about
the way she had left the room, and suddenly he felt incredibly sad. He looked at the screen,
at the “purchase itinerary” button that was still hanging in front of him, and thought, “I
can always ask for more time at work, or I can make more money if I need to, but what I
have with Hannah is really irreplaceable.” So he thought about his love for Hannah, he
double-checked the itinerary and entered the credit card information, and he clicked “pur-
chase.” They were going to the Netherlands, and Mark felt tremendous relief
.
For some, the challenge of buying the plane tickets is the most difficult part of the trip,
more difficult even than finding the money or time. By buying your tickets, you're mak-
ing a statement to both yourself and the world that you're committed to your trip. Once
your tickets are purchased, you'll have no choice but to create the time and money needed
for your travels. You'll also find additional motivation to learn your foreign language once
your departure date is marked on your calendar. It'll be easier to imagine yourself in your
chosen country, and you'll find yourself naturally wanting to learn more about your destin-
ation. Above all, you'll know that you're taking active steps to enrich your life.
