Throughout the ages, Stoics got a bad rap getting associated with doom and gloom. In a nutshell, Stoics believe if every day we spend a few minutes dealing with the worst thing imaginable, something morbid, like death, dying or public shaming, for the rest of the day everything else looks great in comparison. See Steve Smith’s great intro below for more detail.

Travel is the ultimate luxury involving education, exploration, eating, drinking and having a great time. Stoics travel barefoot with a knapsack. Last Fall I did my three week Camino and walked 165 miles with no complaints. The antidote to that trip are the four trips we announced last week and were pleasantly surprised by the positive reception we got.

I had committed to go on two of the four trips. A few members asked why not all four, and I responded by saying I am too old to take that many trips to Europe. Member David Tusek who is a world traveler told me “the secret is direct flights. Book early and book direct and the travel part is easy.”

I am more of an Epicurean than a Stoic. I love Cato but rather not travel barefoot and die for the cause. I love luxury and am frugal. I like the stimulation of travel but want someone else to manage the details and leave free slots for me to explore and find locals cafes with great cappuccino and pastry.

Don’t overthink this one. See the travel section below and pick a trip. Life is short and we are all going to die, sooner than later, so treat yourself to a great trip with good friends who are in the same boat as you.