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After eight years in Austin<\/a>, I\u2019m leaving and heading back to NYC<\/a> full-time. <\/p>\n I first visited Austin in 2013, got hooked, and started coming back so much that I decided to move here in 2015. I was only semi-here my first couple of years. I split my time in NYC for a bit, traveled a lot, and lived in Paris for a bit<\/a>. <\/p>\n But, in 2019, this became my only home.<\/p>\n However, over the last year, it\u2019s become clear that the city and I have grown apart. The weird little town that drew me here as a respite from the hustle and bustle of NYC is no longer a weird little town but a big city lacking big city infrastructure. The traffic is terrible, my food truck parks are gone, it\u2019s more expensive, and quirky Rainey Street is now all high rises and hotels. The city\u2019s character has just changed a lot as Austin has become \u201cthe place to be.\u201d <\/p>\n Now, I\u2019m not trying to be one of those \u201cget off my lawn\u201d people. I am sure people lamented folks like me coming and changing their city. Just as folks before them and folks before them. <\/p>\n Change is a constant in life and trying to stop change is like trying to hold back the tide. Austin can change all it wants. Not all of the changes have been bad. There\u2019s a lot more to do in the city, there\u2019s more jazz and comedy, better food, and the airport has more direct flights now. <\/p>\n But if Austin wants to be a city \u2014 and its local leaders seem to want it that way even as they bemoan the rising cost of housing \u2014 then be a city. Give us better infrastructure, more housing, bike paths, and public transportation. Austin has become a city but without any of the benefits that come with cities. <\/p>\n Last year, roaming from NYC to Paris<\/a> to Berlin<\/a> to London<\/a>, I began to notice that the things I love about big cities aren\u2019t present in Austin. I missed walking everywhere, museums, jazz clubs, public transportation, copious art museums, and diversity of people, ideas, and food. I missed the hustle and bustle that comes with places like NYC, Boston, London, and other metropolises. <\/p>\n I spent a lot of last year in Austin and, starting in October because of my allergy shots, I didn\u2019t leave for 6 months. During all that time, I dated, joined social clubs, and built a life there. <\/p>\n But my heart just kept whispering, \u201cThis isn\u2019t the place.\u201d <\/p>\n Austin no longer feels like home. NYC has always had a piece of my heart. I want to go back and see how it goes. Will I spend 8 years there? I don\u2019t know. By then, I\u2019ll be fifty! <\/p>\n But, right now, I\u2019m ready to say goodbye to Austin. After eight years, this chaper has come to an end.<\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> Don\u2019t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Want to travel for free?<\/strong> Ready to Book Your Trip?<\/strong>
Posted<\/strong>: 4\/17\/23 | April 17th, 2023<\/p>\nBook Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner<\/a>. It\u2019s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It\u2019s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I\u2019ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation. They are what keep me traveling so much for so little. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites<\/a> to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n
Check out my resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can\u2019t go wrong using them on your trip.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n