Travel Companion

A new year, so many opportunities to be a travel escort. One of the most exciting things for me at the turn of NYE is thinking ahead about the trips I have scheduled, and the ones yet to be. Last year during my escapades as a travel companion I discovered Singapore and Hong Kong, I revisited Thailand and Amsterdam, and I dipped my toes into some of Europe's most beautiful nature. This year is already shaping up to be incredibly exciting. I’ve set my sites on much more of Europe - Brussels especially. So many incredible places are essentially in my backyard, yet I’ve never properly explored them. I’ve added Barcelona, Ostuni, Berlin and Cannes to the bucket list, with Switzerland being a given destination (Zurich feels somewhat of a second home to me). International travel always ends up taking me further afield, however.

Something so wonderful about travel dates is the perfect balance of leisure and excitement. I’ve spent trips having packed the days full of site seeing, galleries, museums and historic sites in big cities. I’ve also spent trips by the pool, decompressing in spas and getting all the fresh air one could ever need on sandy beaches in the tropics. I’ve spent trips combining the perfect balance of the two itineraries - topping up the tan while also taking in the culture. As someone who’s always quite naturally taken new experiences in her stride (better yet…. craved them), the taste of adventure is one I can never get enough of. One time, whilst skiing with a client, he remarked on how relaxed I seemed at all times. I laughed with him, explaining that while I may be screaming internally on those mogul runs, I seem to just have got lucky with my disposition. While I’ve truly become a homebody in my twenties (if you know me, you’ll know of my obsession with home renovation and decor is on the verge of obsessive), I revel in the contrast my travel affords me. Somehow, I’ve managed to find the sweet spot between comfort and consternation. Stable, yet intrepid. It’s just how I like life to be. A constant duality.

I’ve been a little rooted in London recently, due to some rather big and wonderful changes in my life (if you follow me on Twitter you’ll have seen my relentless updates regarding my home). It’s been an amazing opportunity to take stock and refresh. I spent the holiday season, as well as my birthday shortly before it, resting. I saw friends, I caught up on my admin, I spent a lot of time with my dog. But for me, a month is more than enough. My feet are again itching to walk onto a plane. The days spent resting have gradually transformed in to days spent plotting, and slowly but surely, my calendar has begun to resemble the usual cornucopia of vibrant travel plans. As I type this blog, I think of some specific experiences from the year just gone, and can barely contain my smile just considering where those trips may lead to this year.

Travel has always been in my bones. The second I was financially able to as an adult, I skipped the weekend trips to Paris and the road trips to Cornwall, and sat myself on a plane to Nepal. Next on the agenda was Bali. Next? Canada. Something about cultures so different from my own was more alluring than I could put in to words. And something incredible about being a travel escort is that it has introduced me to suitors who feel exactly the same. Nomads, in so many ways. We live for the landing, the moment we step off the plane and feel either humidity or iciness fill our lungs. Those moments of complete presence. Picking up the odd word and phrase here or there in a new language. It’s enthralling. It’s everything I ever wanted, and never thought would be my life.

Whether it’s fly-me-to-you, train-me-to-you or even drive-me-to-you, it’s always a delight. I’ve sat on flights with dates and I’ve held on to them from the back of motorcycles (bike-me-to-you was definitely a new one - and yes, I do come with my own helmet). Whether they’ve been the most glamorous of arrangements, or totally feral adventures, they’ve all stayed with me. I can even say that in my domestic travel adventures, I’ve had entirely unforgettable experiences.

So, here’s to another year of magical trips! I’ve got Japan, Iceland, Mexico and Croatia in my sites. The only question is, are you the one to make new memories with me?

Jessa x