🗺️ The High Cost of Beautifully Disguised Avoidance

In this reflective piece, Roberta Hill explores the seductive trap of obsessive travel planning that occurs when one is no longer travelling as frequently. She describes how the meticulous research of routes, hotels, and reward points can transform from a productive hobby into a form of avoidance, serving as a substitute for real-world experiences. This expensive daydreaming leads to the creation of elaborate itineraries for trips that will likely never happen, sometimes resulting in financial loss from forgotten cancellations. Hill argues that the modern culture of optimizing travel logistics often prioritizes the satisfaction of "winning" a deal over the actual journey itself. Ultimately, she emphasizes the need to distinguish between genuine preparation and busywork, reminding readers that a well-crafted spreadsheet is no replacement for the act of living.