It’s the first day of 2014, which means one thing: I’m obligated to write about my upcoming year-in-travel.  But there’s one problem with that–I don’t exactly know where I’m going.

One thing is for certain–2014 will find me on the road more than I’ve ever been.  Likely more than I ever thought possible.  And whether I travel for work, for leisure, or for the work-leisure that is The Suitcase Scholar, most trips are going to be rather last-minute.  Because apparently, sometime in 2013, I began flying by the seat of my pants.  Fortunately my pants seat flies pretty well.

First Trip of the Year (Tomorrow)

I’m going to…Hershey, Pennsylvania?  Hmm.  I’m not sure this can even be counted as a trip, eighty miles from home as it is.  But I’m still excited about it because it is a special kind of work trip–I’d almost call it a conference.  And I love conferences (yes, I have issues).  Also, there will be chocolate.

Most Anticipated Trip

The second month of 2014 brings a bucket list item to my travel calendar–I’ll be spending a week attending a culinary boot camp at the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus and this time I’ll be renting out an RV from RV Rental Scout. I have never driven in an RV till today, but I’m really excited about the trip and I honestly think I’ll look at some travel trailers for sale once I get back home, it’s a really fun way of traveling.  If you would like a mental picture to illustrate how I feel about this, please picture me in a chef’s coat jumping up and down and shouting ‘wooo hooo’ NASCAR-fan style.

Least Anticipated Trip

I’m working thirty miles north of Sioux City, Iowa.  In the middle of January.  And while I’m sure Iowa is lovely, I have an all-consuming fear of driving in the snow.  If you are the kind of person who prays, please do so for me.  Thanks. (I’m very afraid.)

Return Trips

While it is hard for me to look too far into the future, I do know that I will be returning to several beloved locations in the first few weeks of the new year.  My first flight of the year takes me back to south Texas, and my ninth or tenth flight of the year (you know, in early February) ends at my favorite airport, John Wayne in Orange County, California.  I’m hoping for another muscle car.

Biggest Travel Challenge

This year, I’m returning to Europe.  But wait–that’s not all!  I’m going to Italy.  For two weeks.  With my in-laws.

Here’s the thing–I love my in-laws.  It is not the in-law part that makes this challenging for me.  It’s the traveling-with-other-people part.  I do not travel well with others.  I know this about myself.  I’m extremely in touch with my only-child nature, and I wave my solo-travel-flag high.  Yet this coming September, I’m spending a week touring Rome and Florence followed by a week in a villa in Tuscany…with five other people.  As a Suitcase Scholar reader, you should be rubbing your hands together in evil anticipation.  There will be stories.  Oh yes, there will (though some names may need to be changed to protect the innocent).

Other than that, I have no idea where you will be able to find me in 2014.  But if you are looking for me, a good place to start would be your local airport bar.  Really.