Well, the first month of 2021 is behind us, after a crazy 2020. If you are reading this, then feel some relief that we have survived 2020! Hopefully, January has been better for you than all of last year. People expect a lot to happen this year but will it live up to expectations? Will this be the year of hope?

Everyone throughout the world is looking for life to go back to "normal." They are hoping for things like social interactions, sporting events, major music festivals, life without a mask, and of course, travel. Some of these are easier than others during this pandemic and may become more "normal" soon, but others could take some time. The real question is, do we dare to hope for all of our dreams to return this year?

My life during this year of hope

I am hoping for a lot to happen. My third (and final) Work and Holiday Visa in Australia ends later this year, and I still have no idea what I am going to do when it ends. I hope that travel is more open by the time my visa ends to have options to go to other countries. New Zealand was the next destination on my list, but that can only happen with some border openings in travel.

If New Zealand fails, I am left with one of two options. I can try to find another visa to stay longer in Australia. OR I can find a flight back to the United States. At the moment, I do not feel ready to fly back to the states. I feel like I have not achieved what I am supposed to accomplish during this extended travel period. The thought of returning to the states feels like giving up on this year of hope.

I know that I am privileged to be in a foreign country. Especially when so many people have had to cancel their travels over the last year. But I still am not ready to abandon my travels. The good news for me, and many others who want to travel, is international travel might return this year. Numerous travel experts predict a return around the middle of the year, as seen in this Forbes article. While there is no guarantee, there is reason to have hope.

Everyone in this world is hoping for something. Some people are too worried about the future to hope for more than a tasty meal during the week. Others are embracing the year of hope and hoping for all of their dreams to manifest this year. Which side are you going to take this year? The side of fear for the future or the side of hope for the future?

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