My travel plans the last three years radically changed due to the Covid-19 pandemic affecting the world. As a result, all my air travel halted, especially as I too often heard about travelers enjoying the discounted prices on trips, yet returning home with the virus! An unhealthy end to a trip, despite the cost-saving, was simply not attractive to me!

The second year of the pandemic I bought a van to travel throughout the USA, for what became years 2 and 3 of the pandemic. I loved every mile on the road. The USA has so many wonderful places to explore. Now at the start of year four, 2024, the virus remains. Vaccines have been available, just as the annual flu shot has been for decades. So I added the Covid vaccine to my regimen when offered. Decided in 2022, unbeknownst to me of what the world would be like 2 years later, I would plan a return to air travel in 2024. Plus, time to move on with my goal in seeing the world. I hoped I would know enough about the Covid virus to stay as healthy as I could whatever the year. (I did get Covid in 2023. No fun for a few weeks.)

Hop on a plane to Hawaii? Hawaii was one of the few USA states I have not visited; travel delayed due to Covid. As avian malaria, predators and climate change affect the endemic plant and animal species, I wish to visit this state in an upcoming year! I had not realized, till recently, the large number of endemic bird species on the various Hawaiian Islands! There are bird guides specific to Hawaiian birds because there are so many. I need to visit and see the birds before they are extinct. Plus, some national parks to visit!

Or fly to Iceland? Iceland is a country I keep thinking I should stop delaying a visit there. Typically I would hear the recommendation to stop-over this country for a night or two. However, I am beginning to think differently. Iceland is having more earthquakes and volcanic action forcing some tourist attractions closed. Iceland is an island formed from all that geologic history, yet I would wish to visit without being in the middle of a quake or lava flow. I know for some people that would add to the adventure, but I’m not so sure.

Decision made:

My first travel-by-plane trip will be to Sicily, place with an active volcano: Mount Etna. It did erupt in 2023: February, May, August and November. I’ll be in Sicily February 2024. For a few weeks I will be with a tour group in Sicily, followed by time-on-my-own in Naples and Rome. I have always enjoyed past trips traveling around Italy. Bicycling between hilltop towns or traveling by train while enjoying delicious food and wine was always fun. Now to discover Sicily, a place I had never before visited. 

Upcoming blog posts will include: information/research of each area in Sicily I visit, how I prep for international travel, how to pack a carry-on bag, information and photos of places I visit. There will be photos and reports of yummy food I eat and my overall impression of Sicily and beyond. I will write these blog posts when I can. Please know my first priority is learning about an area and enjoying my travel. I appreciate your patience; so expect that blog posts will be written with a bit of a delay!

Later in the year I have a dream-trip-of-a-lifetime planned and you’ll hear about it another time. Till then, safe travels to everyone, however you choose to travel in 2024! Be well!

This post is part 1, part 2 is tomorrow. Usually I only post 2 times a week; however, for this travel I will post day after day.