In the world of travel blogging, there is often a frantic pressure to always find the “new.” People want the “top 10 undiscovered islands” or the “next big city.” While we still love the thrill of an unknown horizon, after 27 years of traveling together, we’ve discovered a secret that the “bucket list” crowd often misses: the profound joy of the return trip.
Think of it like a relationship. That first visit to a place like London, Paris, or even a specific cruise port in the Caribbean is like a first date. You’re nervous, you’re trying to see everything, and you’re mostly sticking to the highlights. You’re looking at the “best of” lists and making sure you hit the landmarks. But the second, third, or tenth visit? That’s when you really fall in love.
When we return to a favorite city, the pressure is off. We don’t feel the need to stand in line at the Louvre or fight the crowds at the Trevi Fountain. Instead, we can simply be there. We know which subway exit to take, which neighborhood has the quietest parks, and—most importantly—where to find the wine bar that doesn’t overcharge tourists.
The photo was taken during a repeat visit to France. I don’t recall the location, but it was a cafe near a park that had a fountain (like so many in Paris). As we wandered around we decided we wanted a refreshment, so we stopped and just enjoyed the moment in the square. We weren’t “sightseeing”; we were living. We spent an hour or so in that spot just watching the world go by.
There is a unique comfort in the familiar. It allows you to notice the small changes—the new mural on the corner, the way the light hits a specific building at 4:00 PM, or how a favorite restaurant has updated its menu. For us, returning to a place isn’t about a lack of imagination; it’s about deepening a connection. It’s the difference between a handshake and a long-overdue hug.
As we plan our next year of travel, we’re making sure to balance the “brand new” with the “old friends.” Because sometimes, the best discovery is realizing that a place you loved five years ago has only gotten better with time—just like us.
Is there a destination you find yourself returning to over and over again? What keeps pulling you back?
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