"Of all the books in the world,
the best stories
are found between the pages of a passport"
◈ It doesn’t matter if you spend months creating a color-coded calendar, detailed schedule, and a map with pinned locations – yes, I’m a bit “meticulous”. There is still usually a chance that something will throw off plans.
◈ I’ve learned not to let the unexpected “bumps in the road” upset me; instead, I think of them as ‘mini adventures’. The best adventures happened when you go with the flow, have faith, and let experiences happen as the universe intended them to happen.
"Not until we are lost
do we begin
to understand ourselves"
◈ No two trips are alike. If I’m you’re facing an unexpected situation, it’s unfair to compare that present trip to a previous one that may have gone flawlessly. Each trip has its highlights and perhaps difficulties, but each is an experience to learn and grow.
◈ I’ve learned that no matter how many times I declare “I’m packing light this time,” my bag always ends up the same, heavy!
◈ I’ve learned from backpacking that I can survive with the clothes I’m wearing and only the things that can fit in a bag on my back. As meaningful as possessions are, they do not define you.
◈ Travel romances are the best, they move quickly and emotions run high for both people involved but honestly, they are so much fun!!
"Traveling is like
flirting with life
It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station"
◈ In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we tend to take things for granted. Traveling to areas that may not have the same luxuries I’m accustomed to has taught me gratitude. I am grateful for my beautiful home, which is my sanctuary at the end of a long day. I appreciate the furnishings that make it cozy and the things that make my daily life easier.
◈ Before traveling, I always thought it was the architecture, food, history, and museums that would impact me most. Yes, those are all beautiful and incredible experiences, but I’ve learned that the memories that come to mind most often are of the people you meet along the way and the experiences shared with them.
◈ Making friends with locals is single-handedly one of my favorite things to do when traveling.
"A journey
is best measured in friends
rather than miles"
◈ Site-seeing as a tourist and site-seeing with a local are two entirely different experiences. There’s nothing like seeing a city through the eyes of a local (who you’ve randomly met while out exploring) and who is passionate about showing you the very best that their city has to offer.
◈ I’ve learned to let go of expectations and to embrace and fully immerse myself in different cultures.
◈ Lastly, I’ve learned that I’m never done learning. Whether I’m traveling solo and exploring a new country or I’m home, there is room for growth each and every day!