Voyassitude

It’s travel time. You pack your suitcase, grab the passport, and head to the airport. The moment you reach your destination, you’re a new you, fresh and alive and ready to take in the place that surrounds you. It might be a new city, a country you’ve never seen before, but maybe, maybe some things are the same as in previous trips.

A bike tour, because you vowed to do one in each new country; a special dinner at a five-star restaurant, because food is a priority in your trips; perhaps the jacket you’re wearing is the same one you had in previous journeys, because it is that special piece of clothing that goes with you on new adventures.

Throughout the years, I have developed some sort of rituals or traditions related to my travels. Some of them are quite normal, some of them a bit weird, and some others beyond silly, but they are part of what makes a trip (and its preparation) fun for me. So, here are some of those special practices I cannot avoid.

• Bike Tour: I love riding a bike, so many years ago, I decided I would ride one in each country I visited. Whether as part of a big bike tour or renting a bike on my own to explore, pedaling in new cities is always a must for me.
• Pub crawl: This one started in London. I had no idea what a pub crawl was until I took part in a crazy tour in the English capital, hopping from pub to pub, getting free drinks (of questionable quality, yes, but whatever) and socializing with people from different countries as alcohol and dancing pulverized any sense of inhibition. From then on, pub crawls became a must to experience the nightlife in other countries and meet great people.
• Bag under the desk: This is one of the weird ones. One time, I came back from a trip, and I was so anxious to embark on yet another journey that I thought, “You know what? I’m keeping the carry-on in my room, instead of in the garage, because then I’ll have the reminder that I have to travel soon again.” It was almost like a good luck charm to see if any trips would pop up, materialize for me. Et Voilá. It worked. Soon after, I was packing again, so after that I just kept the carry-on under my desk. It’s a constant reminder that I must find ways (and destinations) to escape to.
• A late Instagram story: This superstition began after I saw on the news the picture of a guy who died in a plane accident. The picture shown was taken from his Instagram, his latest post, in which he was smiling with the plane in the background before boarding. After that, I decided I wouldn’t post anything related to my destination until I actually got there. So, sometimes I record a video at the airport I’m leaving behind, but I will not post it until I am safe and sound at the destination.
• The birthday run: I wake up on my birthday to do some exercise. It started as a climb of Arthur’s Seat in 2022, but transformed into a jog the next year in Alsace. Then, I ran by the Seine, and the following year at a park in Buenos Aires. It’s a great way to welcome the start of a new year. It makes me feel not-so-old.
• No time to rest: Every time I arrive at a new hotel or hostel, I take a shower and then go outside to explore the new city I’m staying in. It doesn’t matter the time, the jetlag, or the hours I’ve traveled. Back in 2023, after three flights and more than 25 hours of traveling, I arrived in Sydney at 9 p.m. My body was a complete mess, but I refused to hit the bed. After a much-deserved shower, I went outside and had a spectacular walk that lasted till midnight.
• The newspaper: I try to get a newspaper from each country I visit. It’s an odd collection, but a cool one to keep growing. The covers and dates on them are a reminder that I was there, immersed in those places.
• The playlist: A trip without good music is not a proper trip. Every new destination is an opportunity for me to seek new artists and sounds from the country I intend on visiting. That’s why I create a playlist for each adventure.  

With new adventures come new traditions and superstitions, so I’m very eager to discover them on the road.