Giving Thanks for Travel in 11 Languages

Editor’s Note: This article is a significantly updated version of a post originally published in November 2012 and updated in November 2017. 

Grateful for the priceless gift of travel

Sunset in Lisbon

When the temperatures cool after the hot summer and there’s a feeling of autumn in the air, I start to look forward to Thanksgiving. This year, Mr. TWS and I will be enjoying the company of my aunt and cousin at Thanksgiving dinner in our Scottsdale, Arizona home. I always bake my famous (in some circles) pumpkin pie, indulge in turkey with all the trimmings, watch some football, work on a seasonal jigsaw puzzle, and think about how grateful I am for friends, family and travel. I’d like to highlight some of the places I’ve visited that have me reflecting on the priceless gift of travel.

Giving thanks in 11 languages

Köszönöm, Magyarország

Thank you, Hungary, for the gorgeous architecture, deep history, thermal springs spas, and international intrigue of Budapest that keep me returning.

Chain Bridge over the Danube linking the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest

Obrigada, Portugal

Thank you, Portugal, for cities of colorful ceramic-tiled buildings, the vineyards of the beautiful Douro River, and delicious Pastel de Nata!

Red-tiled roofs cover the colorful buildings of Porto

Danke, Deutschland and Austria

Thank you, Germany, for amazing walks through history and my wonderful Christmas market experiences in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Lubeck, Nuremberg, Passau, Regensberg, and Prien am Chiemsee.

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin

Thank you, Austria, for the romance of Vienna, the splendor of Salzburg, and the high spirits of a Heurigen evening.

Getting cozy with Mr. TWS at Heurige Wolff in Vienna

Děkuji, Česká Republika

Thank you, Czech Republic, for Kafka, castles, the Vltava River, and goulash. I was able to check off a big one from my must-see list when I first visited Prague several years ago and was grateful for a return visit a few years later.

Prague, the “Golden City of 100 Spires”

Grazie, Italia

Thank you, Italy, for always making me feel at home. From the magical cities like Venice to the hilltops of Tuscany to the white cities of Puglia, I’ve discovered something new to love every time I visit.

Venice, Italy

Merci, France

Thank you, France, for everything about Paris!

Paris at night

Also, thanks for fine wines of Alsace, the charming villages of Brittany, and the rich Christmas traditions I experienced in Provence.

Locals going about their day on Rue du Jerzual in Dinan, France

Gràcies, Catalunya

Thank you, Catalonia, for Salvador Dali, sumptuous flavors, Barcelona’s “rauxa i seny“ character, and Mediterranean beaches.

Roses Beach on the Mediterranean, Catalonia

Gracias, Spain and Mexico

Thank you, Spain, for a glimpse of authentic Spanish culture, world-class museums, art and architecture in beautiful Madrid.

Museo del Prado, Madrid

Thank you, Mexico, for cultural traditions, beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, adventure, history, and tequila (even when it’s not Tequila).

Traditional Mexican Dancers at El Meson de los Laureanos in El Quelite

Buíochas a ghabháil leat, Éire

Thank you, Ireland, for warm people, villages where my ancestors lived, lush landscapes, the craic (conversation), Guinness and the Blarney Stone.

Kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland

Dank je, Nederland

Thank you, Netherlands, for Amsterdam’s bikes and boats, honoring the story of Anne Frank at Anne Frank House, iconic windmills, and your countryside fields of flowers.

Amsterdam bikes and Boats

And finally, in my native language…. thank you, USA, Canada, and the U.K.

Thank you, USA, for 50 states to explore by plane, train and automobile through deserts, mountains, plains, and cities. I am thankful that you are my home.

Hiking along the Carson River on the River Fork Ranch Trail, Nevada

Thank you, Canada, for being our friendly neighbor to the north with vibrant cities like Toronto, Halifax, and Vancouver. (And a heartfelt “merci” for the amazing food, wine, art, and natural beauty of Québec.)

Coal Harbour, Vancouver Waterfront

Thank you, United Kingdom, for the Thames, historic landmarks, cheerful pubs, cottage pie (I crave it), and holiday spirit.

The Tower of London on the Thames

Looking to the future, I’m grateful for the travel opportunities ahead. Thank you, my readers from all over the world for following along!

How do you say “thank you”?