My journey of walking the Camino truly began when I turned 50, inspired to embark on a secular pilgrimage full of physical challenges and personal growth. But my milestone birthday happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I redirected my walking quest and prepared for a DIY experience closer to home instead.

Once the world opened up again, I still wrestled with the idea of a famous pilgrimage. I explored alternatives to the Camino and enjoyed several less "popular" thru-hiking experiences.

Food has a way of making a place unforgettable. Even long after your suitcase is unpacked, the taste of a dish or the scent of spice can evoke a special memory or bring back a sudden rush of emotion, even if the details are hazy. 

Ever wonder why the idea of some trips sparks a sense of excitement and energy while others feel underwhelming, even skippable? The secret lies in the travel motives or deeper reasons that drive how and why you explore the world.

You know that feeling when you're scrolling through social media, seeing other people's amazing travel photos, and suddenly questioning whether you're living life "right"? The unspoken message seems clear: to truly live, you must travel more. Yet for many of us, there's an equally strong but quieter yearning: the deep comfort and contentment of home.

One Day in Paris A Solo Adventure in the City of Lights. "Paris is always a good idea," they say, and for years, that sentiment danced around the edges of my travel daydreams.