Three years ago, a small group of adventurous women joined our very first Mexico City trip, carrying nothing but open minds and willing hearts. Today, original travelers Taylor and Kathleen reflect on how that journey sparked lasting friendships, cultural appreciation, and personal transformation – from floating over Teotihuacan in hot air balloons to dancing on trajineras in Xochimilco. Their stories capture the magic that happens when solo travelers come together to experience a destination authentically and intentionally.

When people ask why a travel entrepreneur chooses to live in Wisconsin, Laura Ericson's answer is simple yet profound: because it grounds her. In this intimate reflection on Summer 2023, she shares the delicate balance of building a travel business while maintaining roots, navigating professional growth alongside personal challenges, and finding peace in the four seasons of the Midwest. Her story reveals that true wanderlust isn't about where you're based—it's about loving where you are while having the freedom to explore the world.