7 Guiding Principles for Travel Dreamers

Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 05:44 pm

I am writing this post from 39,000 feet up. Once again, I am flying high and loving life, traveling the world. Since I am above the clouds, I felt inspired to reminisce about some of the greatest moments of living my dreams through flight.

I have flown around the U.S. and traveled extensively on four continents (I have yet to visit Australia, Africa, or Antarctica). Planes make me happy.

I love those hours when you are far above the earth, and no one can reach you. Well, of course, now that there is WiFi on airplanes like this commercial jet, technically, you could reach me via email. But there are no phone calls, no texting, and no need for anyone to know you are reachable. For me, being up in the air is like a mini-retreat. It’s me-time.

I often work on long-term goals, read a spiritual book, or journal about my dreams. I like to feel like I am making giant leaps towards accomplishing all I dream of when up in the air.

Favorite Flight Memory of All 

My favorite memory ever on an airplane was jumping out of one. That’s right, I chose to jump out of a perfectly good working airplane—who does that?!?

An adrenaline junkie and adventuress like me, apparently.

I have always wanted to jump out of an airplane, but I used to think I’d wait until I was 80, had had my kids and grandkids, and lived a full and happy life–then skydive. Last year, however, I needed to do something to signify making a quantum leap forward in my life, and skydiving just seemed like the right thing to do. It took a while to schedule it because the weather has to cooperate with your jump time. Rain, fog, or too much wind just won’t do.

Finally, I nailed down a day to go with my dear friend Ray. He agreed to go first with the tandem instructor because I was nervous while still on the ground. I conducted a mini-ceremony for myself, doing a meditation and then writing down all the things in my life I want to give up, as well as all the dreams and qualities I want to claim for myself. I ripped the sheet of things I was giving up and threw it in the garbage.

I tucked the sheet of dreams into my jacket, and my tandem jump instructor said he’d help me unzip the pocket and toss it over the clouds when it was a good time. I’d release my dreams over the clouds and offer them all to the universe.

Ray jumped first, and when he landed with his hair standing straight up from the wind, was completely exhilarated. I figured that if he made it through alive, so could I.

I was surprised that although I was nervous on the ground, I felt calm as the small propeller plane flew above the autumn foliage in Saratoga Springs, NY. We flew around for about 15 minutes, just enjoying the views. Then, the pilot circled back over the main airfield, and my tandem jump instructor opened the plane’s side door 10,000 feet up–a sense of peace and calm enveloped me.

My friend Ray suggested that I close my eyes briefly as we jumped out of the plane and then open them once we were in the air. That’s what I did, and I was amazed to feel nothing but peace in those seconds before I opened my eyes again. At that point, we were free-falling through the clouds. Amazing! It is cold up there, and the winds are rushing at you; otherwise, it almost feels like you are floating.

Soon after an intense 45 seconds of free fall, my instructor pulled the cord, and the parachute popped open. From then on, it felt like we were simply floating through the air. I just kicked back, relaxed, and enjoyed the views. Skydiving was way more fun and paradoxically relaxing for me than I ever imagined it would be. The landing was gentle and soft, with my instructor taking the brunt of it, landing on his bum, and me just touching down afterward.

Easy-peasy. Who knew?

Co-Piloting in Costa Rica

My second favorite plane memory was being the “co-pilot” on a small propeller plane while in Costa Rica on a surfing vacation with my family. I didn’t actually get to operate the instruments, but I did sit in the co-pilot seat (someone needed to be on the small plane, which only accommodated six of us). And the pilot took the time to show me what the different instruments do and to “play pilot” a bit – while, of course, not actually impacting the course of our flight.

I felt like a little kid whose dream of being a pilot came true for a day. Woohoo!

Flying Reminds Me of Miracles

Every time a plane takes off, I feel like I am part of a miracle in action. I am one of a few hundred people seated in a metal tube lifting off the ground and hurtling several hundred miles per hour through the air—tens of thousands of feet up.

I think sometimes we forget how privileged we are, those of us who can travel, and that 110 years ago, people still traversed the earth via vehicles with wheels on the ground. Or sailed around the world. Flying changed everything. Now, friends of mine who are touring musicians and dancers will sometimes tour through six cities on three continents in six days.

Compared to the past, it’s fast and easy to reach anywhere on Earth. We are such an interconnected global society. I am reminded of this and feel so lucky every time I step onto an airplane. The truth is that every trip I make, whether for a writing project, dance event, or family vacation, is part of me living my dream life.

Today, I will write about it via live Wi-Fi–how wonderful. Life is perfect, 39,000 feet up.

Here are my 7 Guiding Principles for Travel Dreamers:

1. Embrace Unpredictability: Traveling often brings unexpected challenges and surprises. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and adventure. Whether it’s a sudden change in weather or a missed connection, each experience adds depth to your journey.

2. Connect with Locals: While flying allows you to traverse vast distances, true cultural immersion happens on the ground. Take the time to connect with locals wherever you go. Whether conversing with your seatmate or exploring off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, these interactions enrich your travel experience.

3. Practice Gratitude: Flying enables us to witness the world uniquely. Take a moment during your flights to practice gratitude for the incredible feat of human ingenuity that allows us to soar through the skies. Reflect on the privilege of exploring diverse landscapes and cultures.

4. Leave No Trace: As travelers, it’s our responsibility to minimize our environmental impact. Be mindful of your carbon footprint while flying, and explore eco-friendly travel options whenever possible. Consider offsetting your carbon emissions or supporting sustainable travel initiatives.

5. Seek Moments of Solitude: Amidst the hustle and bustle of travel, carve out moments of solitude to reflect and recharge. Whether gazing out the window during a flight or finding a quiet spot in a bustling city, these moments of introspection can rejuvenate the soul and inspire creativity.

6. Document Your Journey: Capture the magic of your travels through photography, journaling, or blogging. Documenting your experiences preserves memories and allows you to share your adventures with others and inspire fellow travel dreamers.

7. Stay Open to New Experiences: Traveling opens doors to endless possibilities and experiences. Stay open-minded and embrace the unknown. Whether it’s trying exotic cuisine, participating in local traditions, or embarking on spontaneous adventures, these moments often become the highlights of your journey.

Sending love to all of you big travel dreamers from above the clouds.