I open the floor to debate what is the best show, movie, book, game, entertainment option when it comes to how you occupy yourself at 30,000 feet. I have plenty of different arguments I’ve made for this specific topic. But today, I’m here to argue why Below Deck, specifically Below Deck Mediterranean with Captain Sandy, is the perfect travel show

I’ve spent the last decade of my life with travel near or at the top of my priority list. Much of my life choices have revolved around new experiences and different cities. I’ve looked to expand my food pallet and understand different cultures. I’ve moved to different cities and states. I launched a travel brand. I say all of this to paint the picture of how important travel is to me. However, there is a problem I face when traveling.

I’m a big shower guy. Good news for anyone who ever hangs around me. Personal hygiene is important! But it’s more than just the hygiene aspect. It’s a part of my routine. It’s like a cup of coffee to jolt me awake in preparation of the day’s adventure. It’s also a huge reason why I dislike camping. The filth accompanied with the lack of shower options create my worst nightmare.

People love massages. They’re romantic. They’re relaxing. They’re healing. They’re soothing. Everybody only has nothing but great things to say about massages. When I complain about a stiff shoulder, someone from behind a bush will jump-scare screaming I need to get a massage. No matter what mood you’re in or how your body feels at any given moment, the answer to fix or maintain that feeling is a massage.

Coming back from a trip is always a hassle. There’s the obvious - going back to work! No more 5 days of enjoying the afternoon however you so please with a cocktail by the pool. Then there’s the less spoken about post-trip Return to Reality responsibilities that drown you the second you walk through the door. And somewhere in there is the need to unpack a weeks’ worth of carefree wadded up mess.

We as a society fixate on the laundry list of things that need to be done pre-travel. There are millions of blogs, videos, posts that dive deep into the strategies to master the clothes to pack, the must-dos for itineraries, when to buy airline tickets, on and on and on! (Lowkey only one source really nailed it *cough cough*) But NOBODY talks about the strategies and techniques to master life post-travel.

Staring at the near pitch-black ceiling that is only visible thanks to the single ray of light from the lamp post two blocks down that slipped through the crack of the window shades, I wonder how much longer I can lay here. I tap around my nightstand like a game of whack-o-mole in search of my phone. 4:17am.

Sorry I can’t come to the phone right now! How personal are these things supposed to be? Do I just say “hey, reach out to so and so if you need anything.” Do I add something about having my phone on me for emergencies even though we know I will not be responding to any work emergencies?

I like to consider myself a strategist. In developing a plan to squeeze in a movie before our trip, I had been scoping out movie theaters - seats and timing. I always get sticker shock when I go to confirm purchase. We usually snag the AMC 2 tickets & $20 gift card from Costco but I wasn’t sure if we’d have the time.

Elementary school is where you’re first introduced to the idea of Valentine’s Day with candy, cards, and decorated boxes. Really all anyone cared about was the candy. I’ll give you that. When it comes to the importance of candy and Valentine’s Day we never strayed. But one key area changes as we get older, and we went down the wrong path.

The vibes shift, the mood lifts, and suddenly even the most dreaded tasks don’t seem so bad because you can feel just how close you are to stepping into two glorious days of doing whatever the hell you want. Whether it’s a wild night with the crew, a lazy morning slouching on the couch, or just the joy of knowing your alarm can’t attack you. It’s all in the anticipation. And it all starts Thursday.

On the surface, there are a ton of clouds that shield the office with very few rays of sunshine slipping through to you when you’re glued down in the cube. But this is our life for the next few decades, so the game to master is spotting excitement throughout the day with the objects provided by your office admin.

I would not consider myself a fan of tomato soup but when you’re having a grilled cheese it’s a must. Honestly, not even really a fan of grilled cheese but when Chantel is the one doing the grocery shopping, it’s really not my place to say. Great, my first daily departure and you’re probably wondering what I do like.