The Power of Travel

Growing up I did not have many opportunities to travel. I was fortunate enough to go to Florida and Acapulco. It was not until my later years, once I was married, that I was actually able to see the value in travelling around the world.

My first adventure was Hawaii, Maui to be exact. I tagged along on my husband, then boyfriend, business trip. Having the opportunity to travel the island, learn it’s history, as well experience an authentic luau, made me want to see more.

Fast forward to honeymoon planning, my options were limited because we were getting married on New Year’s Eve. I had always wanted to visit Italy from when I was a young girl because of my heritage, as well as growing up hearing all about it and it’s beauty - but again that was off the table, so we ended up going to LA & Tahiti.

The moment I found out that we were pregnant with our first child, which happened a lot sooner than we expected; but very blessed nonetheless, I knew I had to get that Italy trip in before the baby was born. So there I was three months pregnant, on a Contiki tour, visiting 13 cities in 12 days. My husband didn’t think I would be able to handle it but surprisingly I was able to keep up with the group. I was fortunate with my first, to have very limited morning sickness, the food cravings was another story.

Through these few experiences, I realized how much seeing the world can change you, ground you, make you have an appreciation for the life that you have, as the culture and the history all around us.

With the pandemic and all of the restrictions it really took a toll on me emotionally, not having the freedom to choose what or where we could go and not being able to travel, crossing off the places in the world that were on my bucket list really did a number on me.

The silver lining, was actually having the opportunity to explore the beautiful country that we live in. With the restrictions of travel, My family and I ended up flying into Vancouver last summer. Once there, we rented a car & drove to Calgary, in the span of two weeks. Here I am trying to see the world, when there’s so much beauty in my own backyard.

Where am I going with this you may I ask? Everyone has their thing, everyone has that hobby or experience that they need in their life to make them feel happy. I’ve just grown to realize how significant travel is for myself & my family. Just being able to get away from the day to day tasks and even disconnect, allows me to fill my cup and reconnect with myself, along with my family.

What makes you happiest? What do you need in your life to recharge or fill your cup?

With love & light, Stefanie