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.

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.