Travel Looks Different in Every Season of Life—and That’s a Good Thing

Travel has been the constant thread running through every season of my life—but the why, the how, and the what have changed over and over again. Looking back, I can clearly see that each phase of travel gave me exactly what I needed at that moment. And honestly? That’s one of the most beautiful things about it.

Falling in Love With the World at 18

My first significant trip happened when I was 18 years old. I went to Munich, Germany, to visit a friend I had met when she was an exchange student. She didn’t just introduce me to her home country—she expanded my entire worldview. Through her, I learned about a different culture, a different pace of life, and the magic that comes from stepping outside what’s familiar.

That trip turned into a few unforgettable weeks traveling around Europe—Munich, skiing in Switzerland, and Rome to visit another mutual friend. We were young, curious, and wide-open to whatever came next. That was when I fell in love with Europe… but more than that, I fell in love with the feeling of discovery.

The Scrappy, Solo, Say-Yes Phase

Once that travel bug bit, I rearranged my life to keep it alive. I took an opportunity that allowed me to work full-time and attend school at night so I could afford to travel more. Money was tight, but freedom was abundant.

This phase was mostly solo travel—crashing with friends, staying in hostels, booking trips whenever an opportunity popped up. Seattle. Lake Tahoe. San Francisco. Houston. Colorado. Hawaii. Back to Europe a few more times. It was a season of backpacks, budget flights, and saying yes before overthinking it.

I didn’t need luxury. I needed movement, connection, and the confidence that came from navigating the world on my own.

The Group Trips and Party Years

Then came the season of traveling with friends—big groups, loud laughter, and fewer early mornings. Vegas weekends. Cruises. Trips that were less about the destination and more about who you were sharing it with.

These trips were pure fun. They were carefree, social, and full of stories that still make me laugh. Travel didn’t need to be deep or meaningful then—it was about celebration and togetherness.

Motherhood and the Magic of Disney

Eventually, life shifted again. I settled down, had kids, and travel transformed right along with us. Disney became our go-to—and honestly, what’s not to love? Mickey Mouse ears, parades, fireworks, and the pure magic of seeing your child’s face light up.

Disney worked for that season. The dining plan, the ease of choosing resorts by category, the structure, the predictability. Yes, there were strollers and tired legs, but there were also firework shows and core memories being made. It was easy, joyful, and exactly right for that phase of life.

More Comfort, More Curiosity

As the kids got older and we had a little more flexibility (and a little more money), our trips evolved again. We started craving more—cruises, ski trips, and vacations filled with activities and experiences instead of just characters and parades.

Travel became a blend of fun and exploration. Still family-friendly, but with more depth. More adventure. More variety.

Travel as Healing and Transformation

After my divorce, travel took on a completely different role. I wasn’t traveling for fun or convenience—I was traveling for clarity. For healing. To figure out who I was becoming.

I leaned fully into adventure travel. I spent seven days mountain biking through Canyonlands National Park. I went on kayak trips in upstate New York. These weren’t easy trips—but they were powerful. They stripped everything back and gave me space to think, breathe, and reconnect with myself.

Those experiences were truly transformational. Travel became therapy. It reminded me of my strength and helped me imagine what was possible next.

Seeing the World Through My Kids’ Eyes

Now, as my kids get older, travel has shifted once again. They have their own interests, their own curiosities, and their own ideas of what they want to see and experience. And through them, I get to see the world in entirely new ways.

Their passions shape our destinations. Their excitement fuels my own. It’s no longer just about where I want to go—it’s about watching them discover the world and themselves along the way.

Every Season Has Its Own Kind of Magic

When I look back, I don’t wish any of my travel seasons had looked different. Each one served its purpose. Each one met me exactly where I was.

Travel doesn’t have to look the same forever. It shouldn’t. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, pushing a stroller through a theme park, chasing adventure, or rediscovering yourself—you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just in a different season.

And that’s a really good thing. 🌍✨