Wanderlust is planted deep within my soul. I can’t even begin to describe the burning desire within me to go to ALL the places. The world is so grand, and the list of amazing places to explore is endless!
While I’m not quite sure where this desire to travel and explore came from, I do know that once I began to see different parts of the world, I was filled with a longing to explore more and more of what it has to offer. There is just something about seeing beautiful new places, taking in the culture, meeting new friends across the country and world, and experiencing different cuisines that fills me with joy.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway with my girlfriends, a beach or lake vacay with the family, a special trip with my daughter, or traveling overseas, I am in! The funny part about my travels is that I rarely plan my own trips. My friends plan them and invite me to come along. I, of course, say yes without question!
I’m thankful to say that I have passed along my passion for travel to my teenage daughter. I enjoy watching her eyes light up when we visit new places, and I revel in seeing her take it all in. Some of her favorite trips have been New York at Christmas, Exuma, the Bahamas, and Hawaii. She wants to go to Paris or on a cruise next.
While I know my daughter’s favorites, I’m not sure I can choose my own. Every destination has something unique to offer and touches my soul differently. I am definitely a lover of the beach. Exuma and Turks and Caicos take the lead for the best beaches I’ve visited so far, but I am always open to suggestions. I really enjoy being by water in general, but there’s something about the sunlight hitting my face, the sound of the waves, and the beautiful views and peace of beaches. Beaches relax and calm me completely.
As far as overseas travel goes, I visited Italy and Greece with a good friend last fall. It was her bucket list trip, and I’m so glad she invited me along. Greece was definitely one of my favorite places. I think everyone needs to go. I went on a girls trip to Ireland and had a blast, a mission trip to Africa over 10 years ago, and celebrated my 30th birthday with my best friend in Spain — we were born on the same day!
After our Spain adventure, we planned to go on a trip overseas every year for our birthdays. However, the next year we planned a trip to Tokyo and a typhoon hit right when our trip was scheduled. Then COVID happened and, well, we just need to get back on track for 2023. I am really hoping for Australia and New Zealand this year. I want to visit all 50 states and seven continents before I turn 40. I have 28 states and three continents to go in order to reach my goal in the next five and a half years.
In another life – or maybe this life – I would love to be a travel vlogger. Travel teaches us about humanity and gives us an appreciation, understanding and respect for different points of views and ways of life. It enriches our minds and educates us far beyond any textbook or travel guide. It takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us. It teaches us not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come, and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones.
I encourage you to get out and explore the world. Be spontaneous and seek experiences! Whether it be on a soul searching journey, a celebratory trip for a milestone birthday, a family vacation or whatever reason you have, don’t wait. If you don’t have a reason, make one! Life is precious and the memories made are what is most important.
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” — Anonymous