Pursuing a passion can be challenging when you’re frequently on the road. Schedules often get disrupted, and events may be missed. However, the good news is that loving travel doesn’t mean you always have to choose between your wanderings and your hobbies. You might even discover a new passion along the way!
In addition to being a writer, I’m also an aerialist and aerial instructor. I fell in love with aerial acrobatics several years ago thanks to a Groupon and my aversion to conventional fitness classes. Consequently, I spend as much time as I can in the air. The activity exercises rarely used muscles, such as hand grip and forearm strength. Therefore, how do I stay on top of my training while away from home?
I began seeking out aerial classes at my travel destinations, leading to some of my most memorable experiences with the aerial community. Not only have I learned new skills in the air, but I’ve also benefited from diverse teaching techniques and polished my analytical skills in different languages. I took aerial hammock classes in Paris, tested my endurance in the tropical heat of Mexico, and learned aerial rope skills in one of London’s railway arches. Each destination felt richer thanks to my time spent in the local circus community.
Travel for the Live Music Enthusiast
A few coworkers and I share backgrounds in music, where we play instruments from hobby level to professional. When we’re on the road for work, we consistently look for music or arts-related events to ease the stress of our workweek. Enjoying our passion significantly lowers our stress levels and provides indescribable joy. We have attended events like Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, a metal concert in Pittsburgh, and even “Phantom of the Opera” in Baltimore.
Discover Snuba
My husband and I typically vacation near the ocean, where we stumbled upon an activity called Snuba—a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba diving. It doesn’t require certification and allows for the use of an oxygen tank while submerged. Since I’m not a strong swimmer and find traditional scuba training overwhelming, it’s been a perfect compromise! We’ve enjoyed snuba adventures in locations like Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Maui, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Stargazing Adventures
One of my favorite hobbies is stargazing. Growing up under the New Mexico sky, my dad kindled my passion for astronomy by taking us to look through his telescope when we were children. After moving to a big city, I realized I missed seeing the stars due to significant light pollution. I started incorporating stargazing into my travel plans. Some of the darkest, clearest skies I’ve witnessed were in remote regions of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Nature’s Treasure Hunt
My travel hobbies also include searching for rocks and mushrooms. Traveling out west in the USA piqued my interest in the geology and ecology of the areas I visit. For example, the Tucson mountains have sparkling mica strands in the rocks, while Bryce Canyon in Utah is known for its incredible hoodoos shaped by temperature extremes. Recently, I enjoyed a scavenger hunt for different mushroom varieties while exploring the woods near Lake Saint Clair along the US/Canada border, helping me to learn more about the natural history of the regions I visit.
Enhance Your Culinary Skills
I have a profound passion for cooking and continually strive to improve my kitchen skills. Therefore, during my travels, I seek out local cooking classes, where I learn so much more than simply following a recipe. From Peruvian ceviche to pasta in Italy, and paprikash in Hungary, each dish deepens my understanding of a culture and provides opportunities to meet fellow travelers.
Dance With Locals
Aside from my job, two of my greatest passions are dancing and traveling. Why not combine both? I enjoy numerous dance styles, including salsa, bachata, merengue, tango, and swing. I have danced in various countries such as Colombia, Mexico, and Spain. Dancing while traveling has allowed me to meet new people, uncover diverse dance styles, and share unforgettable experiences.
Engage With Local Literature
I love immersing myself in local literature while traveling. I often attend readings and seek out local book clubs through platforms like Meetup. I’ve enjoyed literary experiences in the Virgin Islands, France, Iceland, and Ireland. Reading local literature provides a profound way to immerse oneself in another culture, facilitating discussions that broaden our perspectives on life.
