ESCAPE BY TRAVEL :: Everyone has a different definition of escape. For S.Travel blogger Johnathan Sawicki, escape is not just a destination, but a state of mind.
For most, a good benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage, perhaps a pension plan. But for me and many of my fellow gayviators you can take any of those away as long as we can keep our beloved travel benefits. Most of those who work in aviation have a natural desire to travel, a wanderlust fulfilled more by the journey than the destination. I fall precisely into this category.
Take a close look at my apartment and you’ll see the proof: my document holder, fully equipped, is ready to be snatched and taken to a new destination. A toiletry kit hangs on the back of my door, double-stocked with all my necessary beauty products. And finally, a pair of swim shorts stay in the bottom of my suitcase, because you just never know where you may end up spending the night. Combine all of these with my ability to pack a bag in less time than a Madonna song and you’ve got someone who is always ready for departure.
This travel readiness has come as a result of my sixth sense for travel opportunities. Friends and family know that if they’re holding a boarding pass in front of me, they won’t have to twist my arm to get me to join in on the adventure.
One of my favourite opportunities is being able to travel alongside friends who are flight crew members on layovers. Some airlines allow this if their flights have unsold seats at the time of departure. This offers a great last-minute getaway, especially with a more generous layover time in an interesting city.
“Where are you arriving from?”
“New York City.”
“How long have been away from Canada?”
“Sixteen hours”
“…and what exactly was the nature of your trip then?”
“Feeding a travel addiction.”
That is a fairly typical exchange I have when I’m welcomed back by Canadian customs. While most would think the 3 hours of time spent in the air, 2 hours spent in the airport and about 3 hours in transit would be a chore; I see it as an opportunity. My reward? An unforgettable 6 hours spent in beautiful city like New York with two of my best friends (image above).
As for sleep, that can wait until I’m home. I might not be rested, but I’m revitalized.
This kind of attitude isn’t just applicable to jet setting; it’s about being able to spot an opportunity and just escape. It isn’t about where life takes you, it’s about where you take life. I am a firm believer that we all need to escape every once in a while. This escape is what makes me thankful for what I have to come back to.
Johnathan Sawicki is an aviation professional and travel blogger in Toronto. Take a window by seat following him on Twitter and stay tuned for the launch of his blog, Mile High Memoirs.
