travel is...

Travel is a getaway, a profession and a way of life. For me it has also become a salvation.

I have been a travel writer for more than 20 years. About six weeks after my husband died in December of 2007 an editor sent me out on assignment. She asked me to cover refurbishments recently made to an older Carnival cruise ship. The cruise line said I could bring a guest and I did.

It wasn't easy. My husband had accompanied me on dozens of cruises out of Port of Miami and while my friend was with me, it was all quite comfortable and familiar, and other writers were aboard the ship for the same "story," there was more than a tinge of self-pity in my travel gear.

But I did it. I did it with the help of friends - many of the travel writers I have been with on cruises and land trips over some 25 years of covering the industry - and with the support of my family and friends. And I have continued to travel and write.

I was lucky to have had a long marriage and a husband who always encouraged my work.

And now, 20 months later, I am still writing away. I've begun this blog because writing has become a part of me and while I can't necessarily dance, I gotta write.

Travel has also become an integral part of my life. I encourage any newly single men or women out there to take any opportunity to travel. Whether it's a short drive to visit aunt Mary or a cross-country trek to see your grandchildren, don't give in to self pity. Travel safely,