Articles

 

Name: Pixie Campbell

 

Age: 38

Profession: Artist

Website: www.pixiecampbell.typepad.com

Current location:Bakersfield, CA

1.) It’s often said that the travel bug “bites.” How old were you when you were “bitten by the travel bug”? Describe a bit about what prompted you to take the initial trip, where you were at in your life at the time, and why/how that travel experience caused you to crave more travel.
I don’t know exactly when I was bitten by a travel bug, but I think my sense of adventure began to call in high school, when I realized there was more to the world than my smallish town. I won a trip to Hawaii and that was big. Traveling to London at 23 was my first international trip, and I suppose it was then that I began to yearn to see farther and wider. I went to England to be in my friend’s wedding party; she’d moved sight unseen to England with her love and I figured I could be that courageous, too. 
2.) What countries have you traveled to?
I’ve been to Mexico, Canada, Scotland, England. A short list, with plans to grow!
3.) Of all the places you’ve been, where have you felt most connected to a place, and why?
The odd thing is that I feel connected everywhere I go. I can picture myself living in each place I visit, I love to try that on while I’m there. I think the place my soul feels most at home is in Taos, NM. I love the historical/spiritual aspects that one can’t help but imprint while hiking in the high desert to giant moradas.  I feel awash with peace while I’m there. The food speaks to my soul and I could eat the entire town in one meal. It’s all about the food, really! I think that’s where they hide the enchantment spell.
4.) Do you have any routines that you follow for packing, flying, using a hotel room, or for your first day in a new place? Are you a planner, or are you more of a spontaneous traveler?
I’m a list maker, but that’s no guarantee for organization. With children to pack for, I pretty much put the suitcase out on the table about one to two weeks before we leave and take my time making sure we’ll have most of what we need and not a lot of what we won’t!  I have to see my entire inventory of clothes before I can pack myself.  And I couldn’t get around anywhere without GPS. I’m thinking about a trail GPS for off road needs. We’ve also give ourselves an extra day for flying to and from without making any plans on those days besides eating. When we are able do this, our trips go so much more smoothly. Gives the babes a chance to get their sleep right and we can decompress from flights and all that comes with traveling with children. Packing light is always a good idea, with PLENTY of snacks. 

5.) What do you do to experience a place on a deeper level and see what it’s really about, beyond the tourist traps?
Eating the local food is my favorite thing to do. Seeing live music is lovely, too. I like to see a place as if I live there, which means going to their farmer’s markets, small art galleries, holes-in-the-walls. And native flora, of course. I love to visit the trees, walk the sandy or mossy trails, and smell the air of other places. This must be why I love Maine so much.
 

6.) Some people experience travel as something that they do once a year for a vacation, while others feel that travel is something they are passionate about, and they incorporate it into their lifestyle in different ways. In what ways do you arrange your life so that you can incorporate travel into your lifestyle? 
I fly by the seat of my pants. If something comes up that I want to do, I try to find a way to pull it off. I have a difficult time saying no to myself once I’m convinced the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks.
 

7.) Many people cite lack of money or lack of time as the major restrictions upon their ability to travel. What helpful advice or encouragement would you offer to someone who wants to travel but who feels money/time to be barriers?
If it’s something you are called to do, find a way! Fund raise, sell something. I ask my parents to give me airline miles or gift cards for holidays if they must give a gift. It’s nice to have a stack of those sitting in waiting! 

8.) Have you ever traveled with children? If so, what can you share that might be helpful?
I seldom travel without my children, and the best insight I really have is to gather your patience. I’ve learned to pack secret treats to be revealed in damp moments and carry plenty of favorite snacks. A few well-worn travel songs can perk up car rides, and Christmas music cheers us no matter the time of year. Being prepared for setbacks and surrendering expectations in favor of just taking care of my kids’ needs is key for me.

9.) Do you usually travel alone, or with others? If you travel with others, how do you deal with conflicts that arise? If you travel alone, how do you curb travel-related loneliness?
I love traveling alone, but haven’t been gone for longer than a weekend without my son in the past four years. I have a 6 month old now, too, so it’ll be a while before I can hop a train solo. I don’t recall feeling lonely when I’ve traveled alone, I feel peaceful and independent. 
My husband and I just have to hash out our differences, which often have something to do with me trying to control an aspect of our trip or spreading our schedule too thin. We’re pretty good about taking responsibility for our foibles, and when we can do it in the moment, all is well. 
10.) Do you notice that travel allows you to tap into a different side of yourself, a side that normally is hidden or has less permission to show up in day-to-day life? If so, why do you believe that the experience of travel makes it easier for that side to come out?
What comes up for me when I’m away is the part of me that yearns to change. Traveling, at its best, reminds me of what I’d like bring more of into my life. The other side of that is that it reminds me of what isn’t working in my life at home-which isn’t all bad, of course. I love that being “away from home” brings the gift of objectivity about one’s daily life. I’m imagining that artists and lovers of life travel to learn things about themselves, to see themselves and the world through a fresh lens. 
Each time I pack for a trip it brings up the yearning to simplify my closet, my belongings, I feel inspired to streamline my whole existence. I love that.

11.) Have you ever taken a trip that, on the whole, was a negative experience? What would you say you learned from that trip?
I can’t say that I have. I learn something valuable and that can never be a negative experience. What I can say though, is that if a trip gets off to a poor start, I often question, in that moment, whether it was a good idea or not. When things aren’t going very well, my anxiety alarms may go off and I have to wind it down a bit in order to leave my home and open up to the adventure ahead. I do this often enough to know that it is a part of my process, just a quick conversation with my devil’s advocate and then I can move forward and embrace the fun.

12.) On the whole, what would you say you have learned from the overall experience of travel and the role that travel plays in your life?
It’s a vital aspect of my lifestyle and I want my children to be able to see the world outside of their backyard, often. These days, it’s how I stay connected to friends, as well. I can’t imagine never pressing up against my comfort zones and just staying home. This is how I retreat and stay renewed in my spirit. I’m also creating memories with my family.

13.) Define in your own words what “courageous travel” means to you.
Truly courageous travel, in my opinion, is traveling to third world countries! Just hearing about the preparations make me feel a little uneasy. Which likely means that I am meant to do it! Going to faraway places to be of service is very courageous. Muddling through unknown languages is courageous, too.

14.) Where are you planning to go, next? When?
I’m not certain! Since the year is drawing to a close, I get the fun task of sorting that question out for next year. Often travel plans begin with wanting to visit a friend or take a workshop, then we build from there.
The most delicious question of all: What destinations are on your fantasy list?
I would love to visit Scandinavia and the southern parts of Europe. When my children are older and I can travel alone, South America will be on the books. I’ve also never been to Yellowstone National Park, and I’d love to run into a wolf in the woods there.

Pixie Campbell is an artist and mother of two who is exploring all avenues of balance to keep herself and her family filled up.  Follow her journey at www.pixiecampbell.typepad.com.  

 

 

This entry was posted on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 4:02 pm