Why Travel Matters: My Journey from Maps to Memories

The Call of Adventure

I didn’t start traveling to escape my life or “find myself.” Nope! I’ve always been a travel nerd. Long before I ever boarded a plane or stepped onto a ship, the world lived on the map above my bed. It was in atlases, history books, and stories about places I couldn’t stop thinking about. This is the story of why travel has always mattered to me and how turning places I’d only read about into real experiences shaped the way I travel—and plan travel—today.

A Childhood Dream

I had a world map right above my bed as a kid. I mean, right above my bed! I’d stand there for hours, tracing places with my finger. I was reading about these places in books and encyclopedias, just staring at the map and imagining what it would be like to actually be there. I was that kid at the library trying to check out atlases and reference books, only to be told I couldn’t because “those don’t circulate.” (Seriously, how unfair was that?)

So, I’d sit there instead, flipping pages, memorizing things, and connecting dots. I followed Greek soldiers and Alexander the Great across maps. I watched empires expand and collapse on paper long before I ever set foot outside the U.S. History wasn’t abstract to me; it was geographic. It lived on maps.

Movies and the Magic of Place

That nerdiness spilled into movies, too. The Sound of Music was my absolute favorite as a kid. I didn’t just love the songs—I adored the setting. The mountains, the city, the idea of place! Years later, I finally got to go there and see it with my own eyes. I stood in spots I’d only known from a screen and my imagination.

At some point, all that reading and dreaming turned into urgency. Life got busy, loud, and full. I was working hard, taking care of everyone else, and doing all the responsible adult things. I realized that if I didn’t start going now, I might spend my whole life reading about places instead of actually standing in them.

Taking the Leap

So, I went. Not perfectly. Not slowly. Sometimes not comfortably. Sometimes that meant chaos. Sometimes it meant a whirlwind. Sometimes it meant one very full day in Rome, walking forever, surrounded by crowds, seeing ancient things I’d followed across maps years earlier. And you know what? I was completely okay with the fact that it wasn’t serene or cinematic.

Here’s the thing: Sometimes it’s okay if travel is a little chaotic. Sometimes it’s okay if you only have one day. Sometimes showing up matters more than doing it “the right way.” (If you read my Cruise Port posts in my Facebook Group, you already know this about me.)

Travel as Nourishment

Travel wasn’t fixing anything for me; it was feeding something. It fed that part of my brain that lights up when a place stops being a dot on a map and starts being real. When something you’ve read about your whole life suddenly has weight, sound, and scale.

Over time, I realized that’s what I love helping other people do too. Not chase perfection. Not wait for the “ideal” amount of time or circumstances. But to thoughtfully, intentionally, actually go—even if it’s busy, even if it’s fast, even if it’s not how Instagram would script it. Because seeing places you’ve been reading about your whole life changes you in a quiet, lasting way.

And honestly? I don’t think you ever regret going—you only regret not going sooner.

The Importance of Planning

Stress-Free Travel

Planning your trip doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be part of the fun! Think of it as the appetizer before the main course of your adventure. You can start by making a list of places you want to visit. This list can be as long or as short as you like. The key is to prioritize what matters most to you.

Finding the Right Resources

There are tons of resources out there to help you plan. From travel blogs to social media groups, you can find tips and tricks that fit your style. And don’t forget to check out my Facebook group for more travel inspo, cruise tips, and random Arizona opinions.

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Embracing Flexibility

One of the most important aspects of travel is flexibility. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay! Sometimes the best moments come from unexpected detours. So, keep an open mind and be ready to embrace whatever comes your way.

Conclusion: Your Journey Awaits

Travel is more than just visiting new places; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing the world in all its glory. So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure is out there, just waiting for you to take the leap.

Remember, you don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. Just go! You’ll never regret it.