I Took a “Solo Trip” at 50. It Was Terrifying and Transformative.
The Journey to Meet Myself
My mom had never taken a real vacation by herself. For her 50th birthday, she booked a one-week solo trip to Lisbon. She was terrified. She worried about being lonely, about safety, about eating dinner alone. The first few days were challenging. But then, a shift happened. She gained confidence navigating the city on her own. She discovered she was a pretty good dinner companion for herself. The trip wasn’t just about seeing Lisbon; it was a journey to prove her own capability and to get reacquainted with the person she is when no one else is around.
The “Micro-Adventure”: How to Explore Your Own City Like a Tourist
I Found a Hidden World in My Own Backyard
I was feeling stuck in a rut and craving the novelty of travel, but I had no time or money for a big trip. I started planning weekly “micro-adventures” in my own city. I treated myself like a tourist. One Saturday, I explored a neighborhood I’d never been to. Another day, I visited a small, quirky local museum. I took a different route on my daily commute. This practice of looking at my familiar surroundings with fresh, curious eyes injected a powerful dose of novelty and discovery into my life, without the need for a plane ticket.
How “Travel” Rewires Your Brain and Fights Cognitive Decline
A Workout for Your Neuroplasticity
I learned that travel is one of the best things you can do for your brain health. When you travel to a new place, your brain is forced to process a massive amount of novel information—new sights, sounds, smells, languages, and social cues. This challenge forces your brain to build new neural pathways and strengthens its “neuroplasticity,” its ability to adapt and change. Travel is not just a fun escape; it’s a powerful, real-world cognitive enhancement exercise that helps to keep your brain young and resilient.
The “Minimalist” Packing Guide: How I Traveled for 2 Weeks in a Carry-On
I Packed Half the Stuff and Had Twice the Fun
I used to be a chronic over-packer, hauling a massive suitcase around. For a two-week trip to Italy, I challenged myself to pack everything in a single carry-on bag. It was a masterclass in minimalism. I chose a simple color palette where everything matched. I packed versatile pieces that could be dressed up or down. And I was ruthless about only bringing what I truly needed. The freedom of traveling light was incredible. I could navigate trains and cities with ease. I learned that less stuff equals less stress and more freedom.
I Tried a “Digital Nomad” Stint for a Month. It Wasn’t All Instagram Poses.
My “Office” Was a Beach, But the Wi-Fi Was Terrible
My company allowed me to work remotely for a month, so I tried the “digital nomad” life in Mexico. The Instagram fantasy is you, on a beach, with your laptop. The reality was a constant, stressful hunt for reliable Wi-Fi. It was trying to find a quiet place for a Zoom call. It was dealing with time zone differences. While the experience of living in a new culture was amazing, the “work” part of being a digital nomad was much more challenging than I ever expected. It’s a lifestyle that requires immense flexibility and problem-solving skills.
The Best “Travel Comfort” Hacks for Long Flights and Car Rides
My “In-Transit” Survival Kit
Long travel days used to wreck my body. I’ve developed a “travel comfort” survival kit that has been a game-changer. It includes: a high-quality, inflatable neck pillow for sleep. A pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out the engine drone. Compression socks to help with circulation and prevent swelling in my legs. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. And a simple lacrosse ball that I can use to roll out the knots in my back against the seat. These small things make a huge difference in how I feel when I arrive.
I Went on a “Retreat” (Yoga, Writing, Meditation). It Was a Life Reset.
A Vacation With a Purpose
I was feeling burnt out and needed more than just a regular vacation. I signed up for a week-long writing retreat. It wasn’t about sitting on a beach; it was a structured week with a clear purpose. We had daily writing workshops, periods of silence, and group discussions. Being in a supportive environment, completely focused on one single passion, and removed from the distractions of my daily life was a powerful “reset” for my mind and my creativity. It was a vacation for my soul, not just an escape from my life.
How to Travel on a “Budget” Without Staying in Dingy Hostels
I’m Too Old for a Bunk Bed, But I’m Not Made of Money
I love to travel, but at 45, I’m done with the noise and lack of privacy of a youth hostel. I’ve learned how to travel on a budget without sacrificing comfort. My secrets are: 1) Traveling in the “shoulder season” (like September or May) when prices are lower. 2) Staying in clean, simple, family-run guesthouses or private rooms on Airbnb instead of big hotels. And 3) Eating my main meal at lunchtime, when many restaurants offer cheaper “prix-fixe” menus, and having a simpler dinner.
The “Anticipation” of a Trip and Its Surprising Mental Health Benefits
My Happiness Started the Day I Booked the Flight
I learned that the happiness we get from a trip isn’t just from the trip itself. A huge part of the joy is in the anticipation. A study showed that the period of planning and looking forward to a vacation often brings more happiness than the vacation itself. I’ve started to really lean into this. I’ll spend weeks researching my destination, planning my itinerary, and just daydreaming about it. This period of joyful anticipation is a powerful mental health boost that extends the value of any trip.
I Used a “Travel Agent” in the Age of the Internet. Here’s Why It Was Worth It.
The Expert Who Saved Me Time and Stress
For a complex, multi-city trip to Asia, I was feeling completely overwhelmed by the planning. I decided to use a travel agent. My friends thought I was crazy. But it was the best decision. She had deep, on-the-ground knowledge that I could never get from a blog. She handled all the complicated logistics of flights and transfers. And when one of my flights was cancelled, she was the one who spent three hours on the phone with the airline, not me. The small fee she charged was well worth the time and stress she saved me.
The Best “Travel Insurance” and Why You Should Never Skip It
The $100 Policy That Saved Me $10,000
I used to think travel insurance was an unnecessary expense. Then my friend got appendicitis on a trip to Italy. He had to have emergency surgery. His simple, $100 travel insurance policy covered the entire $10,000 medical bill. It was a powerful lesson. For a relatively small cost, travel insurance protects you from a catastrophic financial loss due to a medical emergency, a trip cancellation, or lost luggage. It is the single most important, non-negotiable purchase you should make before any international trip.
I Went on a “Heritage” Trip to My Ancestors’ Homeland.
A Journey to Find a Piece of Myself
I’m a third-generation Polish-American. I decided to take a “heritage trip” to Poland to connect with my roots. It was a different kind of travel. I didn’t just see the tourist sights. I visited the small village my great-grandparents emigrated from. I walked through the local church and found their baptismal records. I stood in the same fields they had worked. The experience of connecting with the land of my ancestors was profoundly moving. It wasn’t just a trip; it was a journey to understand a deeper part of my own identity.
The “Food Tour”: The Best Way to Experience a New Culture
I Tasted My Way Through the City
The best way I’ve found to quickly and deeply experience a new culture is to take a food tour on my first day in a new city. For about $75, a knowledgeable local guide will take you on a three-hour walking tour of the best, most authentic, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, markets, and street food stalls. You get to taste the real food of the city, you get a great orientation to the neighborhoods, and you get to ask your guide for all their local tips. It’s a delicious and efficient introduction to any new place.
How to Stay “Healthy” and “Fit” While on Vacation
I Refuse to Come Home Feeling Bloated and Tired
I used to let my healthy habits completely fall apart on vacation. I would come home feeling bloated and exhausted. I’ve developed a simple strategy to stay healthy while still enjoying myself. First, I make sure to walk as much as possible instead of taking taxis. Second, I try to eat a healthy, protein-rich breakfast to set myself up for the day. And third, I follow the “one-a-day” rule: I allow myself one indulgent treat per day, whether it’s a pastry, a cocktail, or a decadent dessert.
I Overcame My “Travel Anxiety.” Here’s How.
My Brain Hates the Unknown, So I Gave It a Plan
I love the idea of travel, but the actual process would give me terrible anxiety. The “what ifs” would spiral out of control. My therapist helped me understand that my brain hates uncertainty. The solution was to create a sense of certainty through meticulous planning. I now create a detailed binder for every trip. It contains all my flight and hotel confirmations, a copy of my passport, and a rough itinerary for the first few days. By over-preparing for the logistics, I can calm my anxious brain and actually relax and enjoy the trip.
The Best “Travel Apps” for Flights, Hotels, and Navigation
The Tech That Makes Travel So Much Easier
Modern technology has made travel so much easier. I have a few go-to apps that I use for every trip. I use “Google Flights” to find the cheapest and best flight options. I use “Booking.com” or “Agoda” to find great hotel deals, especially in Europe and Asia. For navigation, “Google Maps” is essential; I always download an offline map of the city before I arrive. And for communication, “Google Translate” has a fantastic “conversation” mode that has been a lifesaver.
I Tried “House-Sitting” for Free Accommodation Around the World.
I Traded My Pet-Care Skills for a Free Place to Stay
I wanted to travel for a longer period but couldn’t afford months of hotels. I signed up for a popular house-sitting website, which costs about $100 a year. The premise is simple: you take care of someone’s home and their pets while they are on vacation, and in exchange, you get to stay in their house for free. I’ve had amazing experiences house-sitting in beautiful homes in different countries. It’s a fantastic way to have a more local, authentic, and incredibly affordable travel experience.
The “Shoulder Season”: The Secret to Cheaper, Less-Crowded Travel
The Best Time to Go Is When Everyone Else Is Coming Home
I’ve learned that the best time to travel is not in the peak summer season. It’s in the “shoulder season”—the months right before and right after the peak, like May, June, September, and October. The weather is still beautiful, but the massive summer crowds have gone home. And because the demand is lower, the prices for flights and hotels can be significantly cheaper. Traveling in the shoulder season is the ultimate secret to a more pleasant, more authentic, and more affordable vacation.
How to Make “Friends” While Traveling Solo
I Had to Be Brave and Say “Hello”
Traveling solo can be lonely. I’ve learned a few tricks for making connections on the road. First, I stay in smaller, social guesthouses or boutique hotels instead of big, anonymous ones. Second, I’ll often eat my meals at the bar of a restaurant instead of at a table, which makes it easier to chat with the bartender or other solo diners. And third, I’ve learned to be the one to initiate. A simple, “Hi, I’m from Canada. Where are you from?” is often all it takes to start a great conversation.
The “Language” Barrier: Tips and Tools for Communicating Abroad
A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
I don’t let a language barrier stop me from traveling. I’ve found a few tools that make it manageable. First, I always make an effort to learn at least five basic phrases in the local language: “hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” This simple act of respect goes a long way. For more complex interactions, the Google Translate app on my phone is a miracle of modern technology. Its “conversation” mode allows me to have a real-time, translated conversation with anyone.
I Planned a “Multi-Generational” Family Trip That Everyone Enjoyed.
The Key Was Separate Activities and a Central Home Base
Planning a trip with my parents (in their seventies), my wife, and my young kids was a logistical challenge. The key to our success was having a central “home base”—we rented a large house—and allowing for separate activities. In the mornings, my dad and I might go for a hike while my mom and my wife took the kids to the playground. We would all come back together for a late lunch and a relaxed evening. Giving everyone the autonomy to do their own thing prevented a lot of conflict.
The “Road Trip” Redefined: How to Make It Comfortable and Fun
My Midlife Road Trip Has More Comfort and Fewer Crumbs
My road trips in my twenties involved sleeping in my car and eating gas station food. My road trips in my forties are a different, more comfortable affair. I still love the freedom of the open road, but now I plan my route around interesting hotels or charming B&Bs. I use apps to find great, non-chain restaurants along the way. And I have a well-stocked cooler with healthy snacks and drinks. It’s a more grown-up, more comfortable, and frankly, more enjoyable way to explore.
The Best “Loyalty Programs” and “Travel Credit Cards” for Free Travel
I Flew My Family to Europe on “Points”
I’m a “travel hacking” enthusiast. I’ve learned to strategically use travel credit cards and loyalty programs to earn points that I can redeem for free flights and hotels. The key is to pick one airline alliance and one hotel chain and to be loyal to them. I also use a travel rewards credit card that offers a huge sign-up bonus and gives me extra points on my travel and dining purchases. Last year, I was able to fly my entire family to Europe, business class, almost entirely on points I had accumulated.
I Went on a “Voluntourism” Trip. The Ethical Dilemmas and Rewards.
Was I Helping, or Was I Just a “Poverty Tourist”?
I signed up for a “voluntourism” trip to build a school in a developing country. The experience was complex. On the one hand, it felt good to be “helping.” On the other hand, I had to confront some serious ethical dilemmas. Were we taking jobs away from local laborers? Were we just “poverty tourists” taking selfies with cute kids to make ourselves feel good? I learned that it’s crucial to choose an organization that has deep, long-term ties to the community and that prioritizes local leadership and sustainable development.
How to Document Your Travels Beyond Just Taking Photos
I Started a “Sensory” Journal
I was tired of just taking the same generic photos on my trips. I started a different kind of travel journal. Instead of just writing about what I did, I focus on the sensory details. What did the market smell like? What were the specific sounds I heard on that busy street? What did the local bread taste like? This practice of documenting the full, sensory experience of a place helps me to create a much richer and more evocative memory than a simple photograph ever could.
The “Post-Vacation Blues” and How to Beat Them
The Crash After the High
I used to get terrible “post-vacation blues.” The return to my normal routine after an amazing trip felt like a depressing crash. I’ve learned a few tricks to beat them. First, I always schedule an extra “buffer” day at home before I have to go back to work. Second, I immediately plan a small, local “micro-adventure” for the following weekend. This gives me something new to look forward to. And third, I make a point to integrate one new habit or recipe from my trip into my daily life.
I Took a “Sabbatical” from Work to Travel. It Changed My Career Path.
The Journey Outward Led to a Journey Inward
At 42, I was burnt out and questioning my career. I took a three-month sabbatical and went on a solo backpacking trip. The time away from my desk, the new perspectives I gained, and the challenges I faced on the road gave me a profound sense of clarity. I realized my corporate job was not aligned with my values. When I returned, I resigned and started my own small consulting business. That journey outward was what allowed me to finally take the necessary journey inward.
The Best “Walking” Shoes for a Day of Exploring
My Feet Are My Most Important Piece of Travel Gear
I’ve learned the hard way that a bad pair of shoes can ruin a good vacation. Your feet are your most important piece of travel equipment. For a long day of walking and exploring a city, I’ve found that the best option is not a heavy hiking boot, but a supportive, well-cushioned “lifestyle” sneaker from a reputable running shoe brand. They are lightweight, they are breathable, and they are designed to be comfortable for hours of walking on hard pavement. I never travel without them.
How to Navigate “Cultural Differences” with Respect and Openness
My “Normal” Is Not the World’s Normal
Travel is a constant lesson in humility. It teaches you that your “normal” way of doing things is just one way among thousands. I’ve learned to approach new cultures with a sense of curiosity, not judgment. I make an effort to learn about the local customs and etiquette before I arrive. I try to dress modestly in more conservative countries. And I approach every interaction with the assumption that I am a guest in someone else’s home. An open mind and a respectful attitude are the most important things you can pack.
I Chose My Destination Based on a “Book” I Loved.
A Literary Pilgrimage
Instead of choosing a destination from a travel magazine, I decided to plan a trip based on a book I loved. I had just read a beautiful novel set in the south of France. I planned my entire trip around visiting the small towns, the markets, and the landscapes described in the book. It was a “literary pilgrimage.” It gave my trip a deeper sense of meaning and context. I wasn’t just a tourist; I was walking through the pages of a story I already loved.
The “Staycation” Makeover: How to Make It Feel Like a Real Getaway
I Became a Tourist in My Own Hometown
I couldn’t afford a real vacation, so I planned a one-week “staycation.” To make it feel special, I set some rules. No chores. No work emails. I had to leave my house every day and do something a “tourist” would do. I visited a local art museum I’d never been to. I took a guided walking tour of my own city. I ate at a restaurant in a neighborhood I rarely visit. By consciously breaking my routine and looking at my own city with fresh eyes, my staycation felt like a genuine and restorative getaway.
The Best “Safety Tips” for Solo Female Travelers
I Traveled “Smart,” Not “Scared”
My sister is an avid solo traveler. She’s not scared, but she is smart. She has a few key safety rules. She always arrives in a new city during the daytime. She sends her itinerary and a copy of her passport to a family member. She invests in an anti-theft bag. And she learns the local equivalent of the “911” emergency number. She also trusts her gut. If a situation or a person feels “off,” she removes herself from it immediately, without worrying about being polite.
I Tried an “All-Inclusive” Resort. My Honest Pros and Cons.
A Brainless, Blissful Bubble
For a truly “no-effort” vacation, my wife and I tried an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. The pro was the absolute lack of decision-making. The food, the drinks, the activities—it was all included and all right there. It was incredibly relaxing. The con was that we felt completely disconnected from the local culture. We were in a beautiful, but completely artificial, tourist bubble. It’s a great option if your only goal is to turn off your brain and sit by a pool, but not if you want an authentic cultural experience.
The “Digital Detox” Vacation: I Left My Laptop and Phone Behind.
I Was Present for My Own Vacation
On my last vacation, I made a radical decision. I left my laptop at home, and I put my phone in the hotel safe for the entire week. The first 24 hours were twitchy. I felt a phantom urge to check my email. But then, a profound sense of presence set in. I was actually on my vacation. I was noticing the details, I was having real conversations with my family, and my brain was finally quiet. It was the most restorative vacation I have ever taken.
How Travel Challenges Your “Preconceptions” and Keeps You Mentally Flexible
My Stereotypes Didn’t Survive Contact With Reality
I had a lot of preconceptions about a country I was about to visit, based on what I had seen in the news. But when I got there, the reality was so much more complex and nuanced. The people were nothing like the stereotypes. The culture was so much richer than I had imagined. Travel is a powerful antidote to prejudice. It forces you to confront the reality that your preconceived notions are almost always wrong. It keeps your mind flexible, open, and humble.
I Went “Backpacking” in My 40s. It Was Different from My 20s.
My Budget Was Bigger, and My Back Was Sorrier
I went backpacking through South America in my forties, trying to recreate the experience of my youth. It was different. This time, my budget was bigger. I stayed in private rooms in hostels instead of 12-person dorms. But my back was sorrier. I couldn’t carry a heavy pack for hours on end. And my tolerance for long, uncomfortable bus rides was much lower. It was still an amazing adventure, but it was a “flash-packer” experience, a more comfortable and slightly less rugged version of my youthful travels.
The Best “Travel Gadgets” That Are Actually Worth the Space
My “Tiny but Mighty” Travel Kit
I’m a minimalist packer, so any “gadget” has to earn its place in my bag. My three essentials are: 1) A tiny, universal power adapter with multiple USB ports, so I can charge all my devices with one plug. 2) A portable power bank, which is a lifesaver on long travel days. And 3) a small, powerful, and lightweight travel-sized hair dryer, because hotel hair dryers are universally terrible. These three simple gadgets have made my travels so much more convenient.
How to Create a “Travel Fund” and Make Your Dream Trip a Reality
I Paid for My Trip in Advance, With No Debt
My dream was to take a safari in Africa, but it was expensive. I made it a reality by creating a dedicated “travel fund.” I opened a separate, high-yield savings account and nicknamed it “Safari Fund.” I set up an automatic transfer of $200 from my checking account into that fund every single month. For two years, I saved without even thinking about it. When it was time to book the trip, I had the cash ready to go. I was able to enjoy my dream trip completely, without the stress of coming home to a huge credit card bill.
The “Spontaneity” of Travel: Why It’s Good to Leave Room for the Unexpected
The Best Memories Are the Ones You Don’t Plan
I used to be a hyper-planner. Every minute of my vacation was scheduled. But I’ve learned that the most magical travel moments often happen in the unplanned spaces. It’s the little cafe you stumble upon while you’re lost. It’s the unexpected conversation you have with a local shopkeeper. It’s the decision to scrap your plans for the day and just sit in a park. I now make sure to build a significant amount of “unstructured” time into my itineraries, to leave room for spontaneity and serendipity to happen.
I Recreated a “Childhood Vacation” with My Own Family.
A Nostalgic Journey Back in Time
For our family vacation last year, I took my own kids to the same sleepy beach town that my parents took me to every summer as a child. It was a nostalgic journey. We stayed in a similar little cottage. We went to the same old-fashioned ice cream parlor. We played the same mini-golf course. It was a beautiful experience to see my own children enjoying the same simple pleasures that I did, and to share those stories and memories with them. It was a trip that connected three generations.
The Best “Train Journeys” in the World for a Slower Pace of Travel
The Journey Was the Destination
Tired of the stress of airports, I took a long-distance train journey through the Swiss Alps. It was a revelation. The journey was the destination. Instead of being crammed into a metal tube, I was sitting in a comfortable seat, watching the world’s most spectacular scenery glide by my window. The pace was slow, civilized, and relaxing. It was a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be a frantic race from point A to point B. Sometimes, the most beautiful way to travel is to take the scenic route.
I Tried a “Group Tour.” The Pros and Cons of Not Planning Anything.
I Just Had to Show Up
I was feeling burnt out and didn’t have the energy to plan a trip. I booked a small group tour to Morocco. The pro was the absolute ease of it. I didn’t have to think about a single thing—the hotels, the transportation, the activities, it was all handled. The con was a lack of flexibility. I couldn’t linger in a market I loved or skip a museum I wasn’t interested in. It’s a great option if you are looking for a completely stress-free, “turn your brain off” travel experience.
How to Pack a “Healthy Snack” Kit for Your Travels
My “Emergency” Food Supply
I never travel without my “healthy snack” kit. Travel days can be long, and airport and gas station food is usually terrible. My kit is simple. It’s a small bag that contains a few protein bars, a bag of raw almonds, a few packets of instant oatmeal (I can always find hot water), and some electrolyte powder packets. Having this emergency food supply has saved me from so many bad, expensive, and unhealthy food choices when I’m on the road.
The Art of “Journaling” While You Travel to Savor the Memories
My Pen Was My Camera
On my last trip, I made a commitment to spend 15 minutes every evening journaling about my day. I didn’t just write what I did; I tried to capture the feeling of the place, the funny things that happened, the details of a great conversation. Now, a year later, re-reading that journal brings the trip back to life in a way that looking at my photos never could. The photos show what the place looked like; the journal reminds me of what it felt like.
I Learned to “Get Lost” in a New City.
My Best Discoveries Happened When I Put Away the Map
My old travel style was to rush from one famous landmark to the next, with my nose buried in a map. My new style is to intentionally “get lost.” On my first day in a new city, I’ll just pick a direction and walk, with no destination in mind. I’ll wander down side streets and into quiet neighborhoods. This is where I find the real city—the little local bakery, the beautiful hidden courtyard, the non-touristy shops. The best way to discover a place is to put away the map and let your curiosity be your guide.
The Best “Off-the-Beaten-Path” Destinations to Avoid the Crowds
I Went Left When Everyone Else Went Right
I was tired of fighting the crowds at the most famous tourist destinations. I’ve started to seek out “second-city” or “off-the-beaten-path” destinations. Instead of going to Rome, I’ll go to Bologna. Instead of going to Phuket, I’ll go to a smaller, less-developed Thai island. The experience is often more authentic, more affordable, and infinitely more relaxing. The secret to great travel is often to just look at where the crowds are going, and then to intentionally go in the other direction.
How Travel Taught Me “Resilience” and “Problem-Solving”
Every Missed Train Is a Test
Travel is a constant, real-world lesson in resilience and problem-solving. A missed flight, a lost hotel reservation, a language barrier—these are not just inconveniences; they are tests. They force you to think on your feet, to stay calm under pressure, and to find creative solutions to unexpected problems. I have learned more about my own capability and my own resilience from navigating the inevitable chaos of travel than I have from any self-help book.
The “Souvenir” Philosophy: Buying Experiences, Not Clutter
My Souvenirs Are Consumable or Educational
I used to come home from my trips with a bag full of cheap, dusty souvenirs that would end up in a box. My new souvenir philosophy is to buy things that are either consumable or educational. I’ll bring back a bottle of local olive oil, a unique spice, or a bar of handmade soap. Or I’ll buy a cookbook or a history book about the place I visited. These “souvenirs” allow me to continue to experience the culture back home, without cluttering up my house.
I Took a “Cruise.” My Unfiltered Opinion.
A Floating Hotel With a Different View Every Morning
I was always a cruise skeptic. I finally tried one. My unfiltered opinion: it’s a fantastic option for a certain type of travel. The pros: you only have to unpack once, the logistics are incredibly easy, and you get to sample a variety of destinations in a short amount of time. The cons: the time in each port is very limited, and you are often surrounded by a huge number of other tourists. It’s a great way to get a “taste” of a region, but not a great way to have a deep, immersive cultural experience.
My “Travel as a Tonic” Philosophy: How Exploring Heals and Rejuvenates
A Change of Place Is a Change of Perspective
I’ve come to see travel not as a luxury, but as a necessary “tonic” for my soul. The act of removing myself from my daily routine and immersing myself in a new environment is a powerful form of healing and rejuvenation. It shakes me out of my ruts. It forces me to be present. It reminds me that the world is a big, beautiful, and interesting place. A good trip is not an escape from my life; it’s a vital ingredient that makes my life richer, broader, and more joyful.