When we think of investment, our minds usually go straight to finances—stocks, real estate, retirement funds. And yes, those things matter. However, one of the best investments you will ever make is in your mental health.
Here in the United States, we wear busy like a badge of honor, constantly running on fumes, chasing productivity, and convincing ourselves we’ll take a break someday. But in many parts of the world, vacations aren’t a luxury—they’re a way of life. In Brazil, it’s normal to take 30 days off at a time. In Australia, people have up to six weeks of vacation available. Meanwhile, in the U.S., most people hesitate to even take two weeks, worried they’ll fall behind or become replaceable.
Here’s the truth: stepping away, actually disconnecting, and immersing yourself in something different isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. It’s how you recalibrate, reset, and reconnect with yourself and the people you love. And last fall, that’s exactly what I did.
In 2024, I turned 50. My father turned 80. My brother’s mother-in-law turned 70. Instead of throwing separate parties, we had a better idea—why not celebrate 200 years of life together in Italy? So, we met in Florence, rented two cars, and hit the road for an adventure I will never forget.
Tuscany: Where Time Slows Down
Our first stop: Tuscany, where we stayed in a dreamy Airbnb surrounded by olive trees and a small vineyard. Our host, Antonella, was warm, welcoming, and generous, gifting us olive oil and wine from her estate.
From there, we explored the fairytale towns that make Tuscany unforgettable:
- San Gimignano – Towering medieval beauty and the best gelato in Italy (yes, I stand by this).
- Lucca – A walled city made for strolling, sipping espresso, and soaking in history.
- Pisa – Because, of course, we had to see the Leaning Tower and the stunning cathedral.
- Montalcino – A hidden treasure where, thanks to a dear friend in the wine industry, we had a private wine tasting at Tenuta Il Poggione. We sipped Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino, toasting to life, family, and slowing down.
Every single day was an experience for the senses—fresh pasta in tiny osterias, rich espresso in charming cafés, wine so good it made time stop, and sunsets that painted the sky gold. The weather was perfect—mid-80s and clear skies, it was like a dream.
Liguria: The Italian Riviera in Full Color
After a week of rolling hills and rustic charm, we drove to Liguria, stopping in Pisa along the way. Our Airbnb in Cavi di Lavagna overlooked the ocean, an entirely different kind of breathtaking. Here, we explored the Italian Riviera, where the sea meets secular villages, and the pace of life reminds you to breathe.
We wandered through:
- Cinque Terre – Five coastal villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) that feel like something out of a movie.
- Portofino – The postcard of the Riviera, filled with elegance, color, and that perfect mix of luxury and charm.
- Santa Margherita – A seaside escape, where aperitivo hour is an art form.
- Camogli & Rapallo – Underrated gems where we indulged in the best focaccia of our lives.
- Genoa – A city of history, culture, and the kind of Italian energy that fills your soul.
Every day was an invitation to enjoy life, to be present, to let go.
Why This Matters—For Your Mind, Your Body, and Your Life
This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was medicine. It was about being together, celebrating life, and giving ourselves permission to pause. And that is something we don’t do enough of.
Research shows that vacations lower stress, boost creativity, and improve mental clarity. But more than that, they deepen relationships. You don’t get these kinds of memories over a rushed dinner or a weekend meetup. You get them when you unplug from the routine, step into something new, and truly experience life together.
Yet, here in the U.S., there’s an unspoken pressure to keep pushing, to earn rest, to justify taking a break. But let me tell you something: Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement. Taking time off isn’t selfish—it’s how you sustain yourself.
So here’s my challenge to you: Take the vacation. Make the time. Plan the trip. Prioritize rest, adventure, and connection. Whether it’s two weeks in Italy or a weekend getaway, it’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
Because when you look back on your life, you won’t remember the emails, the meetings, or the to-do lists. You’ll remember the laughter over wine in a tiny Italian piazza, the ocean air in your hair, the feeling of being truly present with the people you love.
Travel: A Path to Inner Peace
Stepping away from the familiar is a powerful reset. New places awaken the soul, quiet the mind, and invite transformation. Every journey brings you closer to yourself.