Taking the road less traveled

Traveling to places like Colombia and Morocco wouldn’t have even crossed my radar five years ago. They seemed dangerous and a bit sketchy, if I am being perfectly honest.

Before my divorce, I traveled quite a bit. But I got lost in my relationship.

I went to the typical spots in Mexico, multiple times. I visited many states in the US and had a blast exploring the new cities. It was so easy. No passports. No foreign languages to contend with. Familiar hotels at the destinations left nothing to chance. And I’ve known plenty of people that have vacationed in Mexico – all came back safe and sound, having had really fun experiences. 

These destinations all felt pretty risk-free and safe to me.

But there was also a part of me that I’d lost in the process of my 10-year relationship. That part was inherently fearless, liked taking risks, and often took the road less traveled. 

I started learning Spanish as a little girl and loved it so much that I stuck with it into adulthood. I went to Venezuela when I was 12 and was inspired by how different it was from other places. Even as a child, I recognized cultural authenticity when I saw it.

After all of those family vacations to Mexico growing up, I was inspired to try something different and study abroad in Spain when I was in college. And after college, I went back to Spain by myself to teach English and explore the country on my own. 

I was no stranger to foreign travel, but as an adult I found myself staying in my comfort zone, taking the same predictable, easy vacations year after year. I’d lost my way.

I’ve always had this wandering soul deep inside of me, and it was begging to be let out again.

When I left my marriage and got divorced in 2017, I promised myself that I’d take advantage of every opportunity to experience new places and step out of my comfort zone. I looked at it as a chance to not only open my eyes to other worlds out there, but also a view into what worlds were inside me.

Post-divorce me would be different. She would be more adventurous. She’d take more risks. She’d do things even if they were scary. She’d live her life with no regrets. 

So in 2021, I went to Colombia, Mexico City, and Turkey–all places that have reputations for being “unsafe” for women. And you know what? It wasn’t scary at all. It was freaking liberating.

I could hardly believe these places existed, fairly undiscovered.  I wished I had done this years ago instead of taking the same Mexican resort vacation year after year.

These trips literally changed my life. Something about going to those places that were off the beaten path made me feel so incredibly alive. They gave me clarity and healed me in ways I’d never imagined were possible. 

There’s something inexplicable about the feeling you get when you’re traveling. It washes away all of your worries and problems and makes you so incredibly present. You realize so many people get by in this world with so much less, and yet they’re more appreciative for what they do have. When you’re meeting new people, learning their language, and experiencing a place like a local does, it’s transformative.

This is when you become a traveler, not a tourist.

My goal in starting my travel business is to break these stereotypes of less-traveled countries by showcasing their beauty, their unique cultures, and their amazing, kindhearted people. 

If you want to travel somewhere different but are afraid to do it on your own, come with me. It’s never too late to start. I’m not special–you can do this too!

My upcoming trips are perfect opportunities to get out there and start experiencing something different from anything you’ve done before.

Can’t wait to see you there! ☺