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One of my goals for this year is to fly more, and fly further. I've got Mauritius, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea at the top of my list.

I know some people find airports to be stressful or a chore, but there's something about just sitting in an airport cafe in the early hours of a sunny morning that gives this vibe I can't really articulate. I just love it. I'm still like a little kid whenever the plane is taking off, and even in cruise I just can't get over the fact that we're travelling in a metal tube so high above the Earth at incredible speeds, and we could be on the other side of the world in less than a day! Getting a window seat is a must!

It makes me feel really proud to live in an era where it's possible for us to fly to one continent to the next within hours...

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[–] PlanetOfOrd@lemmy.world 2 points 2 hours ago

I've only been flying as an adult once, during the pandemic when I could finally afford it (long story). But I loved everything about it, even what most people would consider an "inconvenience." (didn't have a seat-kicker, thankfully). I'm always seeking adventure and love new experiences, so I loved it!

Unfortunately can't afford it again. Don't you love our upside-down economy?

[–] Xed@lemm.ee 1 points 1 day ago

I hate flying; it hurts the planet I live on

[–] Today@lemmy.world 9 points 3 days ago (1 children)

A friend had a goal of 50 states and 50 countries by her 50th birthday. She turned 51 with 50 states and 53 countries.

[–] Corno@lemm.ee 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Awesome! I'm sure she has so many stories to tell. Which states and countries were her favourite?

[–] Today@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

She did an African safari last summer and said that was probably her favorites. She's a history teacher and used to do European trips with high school kids, so that was a cheap way to travel when she was younger. Now she lives pretty frugally so she can take a nice trip each summer.

[–] Corno@lemm.ee 3 points 3 days ago

Being able to see those animals in their natural habitats up close must be so captivating. Africa in general is interesting because it's a whole other continent and things are so different. Even the trees!

[–] SamuraiBeandog@lemmy.world 8 points 3 days ago

As a 6'4 insomniac, I fucking hate flying.

[–] ptz@dubvee.org 6 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

I completely understand the appeal of it, and on paper, I'd be right there with you. But, in practice, I personally hate the whole experience; it's just not for me. I'm more of a road trip guy which kind of limits me to North and South American continents, lol, since I also hate cruises. If I can't open the window, I'm not going 😆

[–] Corno@lemm.ee 2 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Cruises aren't for everyone! Have never been on a cruise ship but I know someone who went to the UK via ship and she got mad seasickness from it because the Atlantic ocean can be a bit angry sometimes. What's the longest roadtrip you've ever done?

[–] Today@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

I did an Alaska cruise with my mom. I was so nervous about it - thought i would feel trapped and bored and shuffled about like cattle. It was actually a great way to travel with her - being older and struggling a bit with memory changes. Was really just a floating hotel, so we could visit different cities each day without unpacking and she was able to learn her way around the ship a little, find the room, remember the restaurant options, etc. We went to the show on the first night and we both found it pretty offensive, so we spent most evenings at a jazz bar/karaoke bar. I think it would be fun with a group - i saw a lot of big groups sitting around chatting and playing games together at night.

[–] ptz@dubvee.org 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Probably from US east coast to Oklahoma (not my choice of destination lol). Missouri seemed like it would never end and was the absolute worst leg of the whole trip. There's a huge sense of progress when you cross state lines, and Missouri is just so wide, so flat, so....nothing that it made the whole trip stagnate.

[–] shinigamiookamiryuu@lemm.ee 5 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I don't love flying and would avoid it if possible (unless my alternative was a ship, call it a phobia), but of all the countries I could go to, I'd most love to go to New Zealand. Feel free to take me with you :)

[–] Corno@lemm.ee 3 points 3 days ago

I totally get you for having it on your list too, I've seen so many photos of New Zealand, and some of them almost don't look real. I mean that in a good way, the vibe is just that sublime! Also the weather tends to be mild even in the summer so that's cool. Only problem is the flight time...just thinking about it is making my butt hurt... 😂

[–] higgsboson@dubvee.org 2 points 3 days ago

Nope. I loathe airports and planes. Love travel, just hate the painful cramped schlep to get there.

[–] Elaine@lemm.ee 3 points 3 days ago

Hi fellow Elaine. I like flying but maybe not love. My top countries I want to visit (in order) China, Turkey, Australia. I’d also really love to take a detour while in Turkey to see the Riace bronzes. I have a crush on the one with curly hair.

[–] Alice@beehaw.org 1 points 2 days ago

I loved flying when I did it a couple years ago, but I doubt I'll ever do it again. Almost a grand to visit the other side of the US... I wish I was rich, I'd take a vacation every year and I'd fly every time.

[–] ZDL@ttrpg.network 3 points 3 days ago

I used to be an avid flyer, but the turn airlines have taken to become cattle cars of the air has removed that shine. I recently flew from Wuhan to Seoul to Calgary to Ottawa (and back) in order to do a road trip from Ottawa to Victoria and back (to Calgary, bypassing the Ottawa->Calgary leg) and in the process just reaffirmed my complete lack of desire to do air travel for anything but the absolutely necessary ever again.

I love travel, but I'll stick to rail for as much as is practical. The road trip was great but exhausting for our driver (my stepfather), and here in China rail is just the best option for long-distance travel. Comfortable and fast. Air is no longer on the list except at specific great need.

I rather just grow wings tbh