Getting Out There

I’ve decided to try something different. This new thing I’m trying is outside my comfort zone. In fact, it involves getting outside, period.
As the weekly readers of this column may know, I travel frequently for my job.  And, it’s not the glitz and glamour you may think. It’s more like boredom and the waiting game. The actual getting from Point A to Point B stinks. In fact, I’m in Midway Airport in Chicago waiting four hours for my flight home as I write this very column. Not fun as all your friends text you to “meet me at the Poho (the Pour House).”
So, I’ve decided in 2013 to embrace my travel life and make the most of it. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve been pretty guilty in the past of not even leaving my hotel to explore the city I’m in.
My trips usually go like this: Charleston International Airport to city X airport to a taxi to a hotel to room to the part of the hotel where I’m teaching a customer service class to a taxi back to city X airport and eventually back home. I can tell you my favorite airports, the best hotels, and the cities with the friendliest cabbies. But my adventuresome spirit gets lost somewhere between the in-room movies and an order of room service grilled cheese. (Travel tip: hotels make the best grilled cheese sandwiches!)
In my defense, I’m usually pretty tired after a full day of training and new cities aren’t as much fun to explore by yourself. Don’t get me wrong – I’ll eat by myself in a restaurant in a heartbeat or hop on the metro and go with no qualms. It’s just a little harder to rally against the lure of one’s heavenly hotel bed and in-room wine delivery versus the unknown that’s out there.
But, heavenly bed, be damned! I vow from here forth to take advantage of this opportunity to see America, one city at a time. My resolution started in Knoxville last month. After hopping on an earlier flight, I had no excuses when I checked-in to my hotel at 3 p.m. I didn’t work until the next morning. Was I going to put on my PJs while the sun was still out?
So, I walked out the door and into a delightful city. I found myself in Market Square, a cute and quirky square filled with boutique stores and quaint restaurants. The locals pointed me to Tupelo Honey, the sister restaurant of it’s popular Asheville counterpart. The lure of the giant, homemade biscuit smothered in peach butter was enough alone to require a visit. A hipster indie band played in the square and a local watering hole called my name where I tried a limoncello spritzer with basil.  As I walked home, I passed through a park, where I sat on a bench and appreciated the beauty of the blooming dogwoods and the sounds of the fountain.
In that moment, I realized I would have missed out on this lovely evening if I had stayed holed up in my hotel room. Instead, I want to channel my inner wandering gnome – exploring cities and making the most of my opportunities. It’s going to take a little extra effort on my part, but I think the rewards will be well worth it. Next stops, Chicago, Myrtle Beach, and Charlotte Harbor! Send me your exploring suggestions!
 
Katie Wells is a customer service trainer, owner of KEW Solutions, and an accidental world traveler. She would like to hear of your travel stories and about places you’ve been. You can email her at katie@kewsolutionsinc.com.