As for me, travel almost seems essential, inherent in my mercurial spirit. Even small trips to nearby destinations can make 11 hour plane rides seem absurd. I usually have a few places I like to go to again and again. But many of my most powerful trips, like recent ones across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, came to me out of the blue: a special invite, an exciting professional opportunity, or a much needed, complete change in world view. The key, as you allude to, is balance and one needs to decide for themselves what the value of these excursions are rather than travel for travels sake. Its an enigmatic statement I know, but travel can truly lead us down new paths and if that path is reconnecting to family and friends at a crucial moment in our personal history then albeit go. If accepting an invitation to explore new cultures is on the horizon, take the risk and open yourself to being deeply lobotomized by a world that is completely unfamiliar. But always evaluate the timing and consider the impact it will have on the rest of your life. This is at least how I try to balance my desire to travel with the practicalities of life, here in Baltimore.