I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up: a travel writer. It’s been a maybe-when-I-retire-I’ll-have-time-to-make-it-happen dream. Even though I am not quite retired and time seems to always be in short supply, I came to the conclusion this past year if not now, then when?

 

Launching this travel blog is the culmination of my professional communications experience combined with my three favorite things to do: read, write and travel. 

 

My “day job” is teaching online college-level journalism, writing and media studies classes, as well as taking care of my grand baby two days week. Honestly, I’m tired of teaching, (which becomes more challenging each year), but I keep at it to pay for my travels and to (fingers crossed) inspire future writers. Prior to teaching, I spent 20 years as a PR professional working for non-profit organizations, corporations and higher education institutions. (Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in journalism.)

 

I have always loved to read and write. Reading allows me to  meet interesting people, learn new skills, experience different cultures and travel to foreign lands, all within the pages of books from the comfort of my home. Writing enables me to share my experiences, tell stories and communicate ideas. 

 

I’ve had wanderlust for as long as I can remember. My first memories of real-life travel are of the family road trips we took every summer. We drove all over America. I loved to study the maps to get a birds-eye view of the region and track our progress with road signs. (To this day, I am an excellent navigator!) I also loved looking out the window and enjoying the scenery flying by. As a child, I remember using my imaginary “camera” to capture pictures in my mind’s eye along the way. I couldn’t wait to grow up and travel the world.

 

Well, I’m grown up, and the globetrotting began when I turned 50. If I am not on a trip, I am planning one. If I am not “on the go,” I’m restless. 

 

My husband (my travel partner and best friend) and I have traveled extensively around the United States for both business and pleasure. Once our girls were finished with college and out on their own, we finally had the freedom and funds to begin traveling internationally. 

 

In the past eight years, we’ve been to 12 different countries, mostly in Europe. We’ve also taken several long road trips, most recently driving through nine states exploring America’s “Wild West” and Big Sky country. We are also now making annual trips to Scotland to visit our daughter and son-in-law and stay in our holiday home.

 

So, those are my credentials if you’re asking: “who is Gail and why is she on the go?” Whether you visit my blog once or become a regular reader, I hope you find the information helpful.