Comments on: Travel is Selfish. Here’s Why.

By: Mitch Glass

Mitch Glass — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 00:36:52 +0000

In reply to Nora.

Hey Nora,
Thanks for the solid advice! I think it will definitely be important to spend time separately doing our own things every once in a while (and be okay with that). It seems strange to think about doing things alone, but I think it’s rare to find a couple who can spend 24-7 with each other without going crazy. Every couple is different. We’ll just have to experiment and find out what works best for us. 🙂

By: Nora

Nora — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 15:59:20 +0000

In reply to Mitch Glass.

Hey Mitch,
I’m sure you and your wife will do fine; at least you know each other (at least I hope you do – ha ha)!
The big trick is to communicate, compromise (like you say), and also to be willing to do things apart from one another. When you travel together you’re with one another 24-7, and often in some stressful situations. It can be tough on the relationship. So it’s really important to carve out some time and space for yourselves in the process.

By: Mitch Glass

Mitch Glass — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 15:24:51 +0000

Hey Nora,

You weren’t kidding in your email! Sounds like you’ve been put in some uncomfortable virtual relationship situations haha.

That aside, your post made me realize how different people’s travel styles actually are. It’s rare to find someone who likes all the things that you like. If you decide to travel with someone, you are going to have to learn to make compromises. It won’t be all about you anymore.

That’s kind of a scary thought for me. All the traveling I’ve done has been solo. Now I’m married and am planning our first big trip together. It’s exciting, but there is also a part of me that worries if I’ll be able to adjust. If I’ll miss my solo style. If I’ll be able to enjoy it the same.

Only time will tell! Thanks for sharing!

Mitch

By: Nora

Nora — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:25:44 +0000

In reply to Gary.

Gary,
I’d forgotten about this post – thanks for the refresh! And I still stand by it; you want to travel with me? Buy me coffee first, and let’s see where that goes. 😉

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:17:20 +0000

Another good laugh today. I’m on vacation as I read your blog today. I sometimes have trouble traveling with a woman I’ve been married to for 28 years. I shudder to think about traveling with a total stranger!

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 13:20:58 +0000

In reply to Mark Shattuck.

Hi Mark,
(Merry Christmas!) You’re right…I have family and friends who are back in Canada, but who are near and dear to my heart. Distance changes relationships, but not always for the worse.

By: Mark Shattuck

Mark Shattuck — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 21:24:28 +0000

Nora, you were so kind in your response!

I think that many of your readers just feel like they know you through your writings and realize how cool you are (I know, of course, right?!) and think that they’d like to travel with you.

Your responses are always so thoughtful and kind to your readers. Although I have to disagree with Joseph that you can’t be a father/boyfriend/whatever if you’re not physically there. I think many people in the world would disagree with his view. We all make choices in our lives that are selfish. We’re alone in the world. Having to be physically near someone to love them and hold them dear in your heart? That’s just silly.

Have a great day!

~Mark

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:38:11 +0000

In reply to Joseph A..

Thanks for your input, Joseph! I can’t disagree with anything you say, it’s true.
And yet, to be selfish, in the pursuit of happiness and true self-understanding….despite the compromises and consequences, for me – is still worth it.

By: Joseph A.

Joseph A. — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 02:22:57 +0000

Hi there,
In my opinion, travel is totally selfish, is about you, you and you, of course you care about others but first you, you leave the people you love for “you and your dream”, I think is that way.
And the people you leave behind, of course they´re happy if you´re happy with that, and they have to accept and to let you go, but when they need a HUG from you, you´re not there, they only get a wishful message once a month or a quick visit, the real friend you have at that moment is the one you´re going to have a coffee after reading the wishful message.
And all the travelers say; well, they’re in my heart! Of course is truth but is also a lousy excuse to feel ok with their self about that matter.
In my opinion, you can´t be a father, boyfriend or a friend if you´re not physically there, even if you write hundreds of messages or skype meetings nothing match actually “be” with them, kiss them, hug them and look in their eyes, and if don’t believe it, ask you mother, intimate friend wife or son, and they just will lie for your happiness.
Not a bad thing in this case being selfish, one have to look for their happiness, but I like to call the things by their name, although maybe I’m wrong :p

By: Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 19:40:56 +0000

In reply to Amanda Kendle. Amanda, LOL! Well, you tolerated me very nicely during our 24 hours in Perth together. But like you say, we knew each other for a while!