Travel Therapy
Song of the Night: “Dear, Snow” by Larry June
I recently had a text conversation with my aunt that inspired this next blog post. It went like this:
Aunt: “Safe travels Nana. Where u going? Lol”
Me: “I’m flying to the Bay Area rn”
Aunt: “Didn’t even know you were leaving out of town until this morning. You travel way more than me or anyone I know. Lol”
Me: “Haha! Awww, it’s my favorite thing to do!”
Aunt: “Ikr travel is my form of therapy”
This brief exchange had me in reflection mode for the rest of the afternoon. The flight was really only an hour and a half long from Seattle to Oakland, but I was in deep thought during that last hour. I reflected on my trips throughout 2024 and how I ended up in the places that I did. To be fair, my travels were a blend of seeking distraction from heartache, celebrating milestones with friends and family, and satisfying my curiosity and need for spontaneity.
And in the midst of it all, I forgot about the heartache. I could confidently say that I found myself feeling so renewed and reenergized. In 10 months, I rebuilt my self-esteem and came back with a stronger sense of my purpose. I had a million stories and a collection of cute coffee shops to share with my friends back home. I also had my fair share of nights outside that I can’t tell y’all about (oop!), reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in over 5 years, and experiencing gorgeous views in real life that were once pictures saved on a Pinterest board.
I guess this begs the question: was travel also my form of therapy?
(The answer is “definitely, yes.”)
It’s something about hopping on a plane that feels so magical to me. You know how some people go on a long drive to clear their head? Or maybe a walk around the park at sunset? That’s what this is for me…..a chance to reset and clear my mind. It also brings a sort of intangible inspiration to me that’s vital to my creativity and liberation, free from the restraints of the mundane details and stresses from work or daily life.
I need some time alone
So I booked that flight
Been working so hard, why not
We made this far, why stop?
Travel has become part of my routine and the fabric of who I am. It’s like clockwork: get dropped off at the airport by my mom (one of my favorite parts about flying out of Seattle!), head to the nearest security pre-check line, and grab an iced oat milk vanilla latte at Cafe Flora. I’ll find a cozy spot in the lounge, or I’ll make my way to the gate early and zone all the way out while listening to a curated playlist. You can’t tell me anything when I’m in this mode.
And there's something truly special about flying between cities that hold such a significant place in my heart—Seattle, the Bay Area, LA, NYC. It feels as if I’m bouncing between different homes and eras of my life, each landing bringing a wave of nostalgia. The moment I touch down, an overwhelming sense of comfort washes over me. It’s honestly one of the best feelings. The air carries its own scent, reminiscent of the local culture while the distinct sounds surrounding each airport create an entirely different vibe. I can almost feel the pulse of the city in the footsteps of the people around me, each one leading to their next adventure. It’s a beautiful reminder of how interconnected our lives can be, and how travel has a way of weaving together the threads of our experiences.
I be all around the states, I just never post it
If you see me then you see me, we can take a photo
NYC for the press, now we out in Soho
There’s a quote that goes something like, “Build a life you love so you don’t have to escape it.” To be honest, this is the life I adore. Traveling every other week is a lifestyle I’ve intentionally crafted for myself. For me, it isn’t about escaping at all. These moments really do ground me. They transport me back to who I was in these places years ago, allowing me to reflect on my journey and the growth I’ve experienced since then. Each visit serves as a reminder of my past self and the lessons learned along the way. It’s an act of appreciation of how far I've come while also celebrating the roots that shaped me.
I can’t help but think that fifteen-year-old me—or as my auntie likes to call her, “Nana”—would be incredibly proud of the woman I’ve become. I can almost hear her saying, “Girl, you get to do THAT?” I wish I could go back in time and show her all the places she’ll get to explore in this lifetime.
So what about you—what’s your vice? What does therapy look like for you? Do you find joy in traveling too? Feel free to share a comment below. 🩷
Always,
Alina