Every summer my parents packed us up for about 2 weeks and went road tripping. There were 4 kids, 2 parents, and a “big van” as we called it. Back then, the big van had a back seat that turned into a flatbed. It was glorious for the excruciatingly long journeys that we would take, mainly out west.

As much as I didn’t like to travel by car, I now appreciate the fact that I saw a lot of the United States and its terrain because of these trips. I still have an affinity for the western US, most likely because some of my fondest childhood memories were traveling. One year, I remember having to miss a day or two of second grade because we were flying (first flight!) to New York City. In February. We were grossly unprepared and underdressed, but my love for NYC started at that moment. I have been probably a dozen times since. Another destination where we became regulars was Walt Disney World in Orlando. I still love Disney today, but it’s far too commercialized for me.

I could go on and on about all the specifics of each trip, but my main point is this: I am a better person for having gotten out of my small bubble. Too many people sacrifice experience for comfort, and I want to challenge that by broadening the horizon of even just one person. Being from New Orleans, I see far too often families packing up for the same old beach at the same old condo. There is too much to see in this world, and you don’t have to go to Hong Kong to cure the imbalance of not knowing. Come with me on my journeys near and far, and I will show you how easy and rewarding it is to take small steps into a more fulfilled life due to travel.

My all-time favorite shirt that I own states “Travel Cures Ignorance.” When you allow yourself to brave it in a “foreign” city, even if that city is two hours from your hometown, you are becoming a better version of yourself. I know this because I remember how ignorant I was at one point (and still am in many ways, but I’m learning!), but I “woke up” the more I became an adult who traveled. If I had merely stayed in my own city, or gone back to the one or two places I was comfortable, my acceptance of other humans, cultures, and cuisine would be nonexistent.

Fear is a huge deterrent for people’s travel. Where will I stay? How do I find things in this new city? What if I don’t like it? Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Much of your travel experience is about attitude. To be able to travel is a gift. It’s an opportunity that many people don’t have or can’t afford. If you have the means to travel, my encouragement is to travel! Go broad or go home! And I am not saying A-broad, as in overseas, to a new country, etc. Just pick a town near you, book a Bed & Breakfast, and have some fun. You may just come away with a little more perspective. Each and every place you go gives you that chance. Take it like it’s lifewater.

The pandemic has exposed loneliness and outright boredom for anyone and everyone. No one has been exempt, and the folks brave enough to say it blazed the path for everyone else who didn’t want to admit it. We are all in this together, and we can all do a small part in lighting up the room of darkness that has been the year 2020.

Here’s what I get out of it….

I get to go on a bunch of trips that I may not have gone on. For so long I was thinking big. Abroad. Get on a plane to make travel count. Not anymore. This year has been 100% road trips and I have enjoyed all of it. I am also going to get the excitement of journaling my way through trips. The more mindful I am, the better my blog posts will be. A travel journal has been purchased, and with each trip it gets a little fuller.

Here’s what I hope you get out of it….

What I can only pray you get out of this is joy, wonder, excitement, and inspiration in travel and life in general. You have been cooped up and wondering how you can do this one more day. I get it. Read my stories and my journeys. I guarantee you will get something out of it.

To sum it up, I want a bond with my fellow travelers. I want you to inspire me and me to inspire you. There are so many wonders right under our noses, and it’s time to discover them! Thank you for being part of my life through these travels, and I can’t wait to share all of it with you.