In one year as a business owner, I have learned a lot of important lessons. More lessons than I learned in 7 years of college, grad school and 14 years working in higher education and leadership combined.

Most of you know I much prefer off the beaten path experiences to the typical tourist spots. I don’t pick places based on popularity or trends. I choose sights, sounds, and locations that draw me in and light me up.

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.