Germany was where my love of travel truly took shape.

I planned the entire two-week journey myself—from the cities we would visit to the train routes between them—and carefully chose experiences I knew my husband and I would both enjoy.

It was my first time planning an international trip so independently, and I loved every minute of figuring it out. My husband still says it was the best trip he ever took.

But the biggest thing I brought home wasn't a souvenir.

I came home knowing I wanted to travel for the rest of my life—and help other people discover the confidence, connection, and joy that come from experiencing a new place.

That trip didn't just introduce me to Germany.

It changed the way I saw travel.

Scotland & Ireland were next on my bucket list. I wanted to explore my ancestral roots, experience the history and landscapes I'd dreamed about, and, of course, find plenty of castles and Irish craic along the way.

This time, I invited friends to join us—and it turned into one of those trips we still talk about whenever we get together.

Traveling with other adults means balancing different interests, energy levels, and expectations. And when you're traveling abroad, even the best-planned itinerary can have a few surprises along the way.

One afternoon, we were driving a tiny back road when a sheep suddenly came barreling toward us. My friend stopped the car just in time for it to dash around us—and moments later, we spotted a man furiously pedaling after it. We knew exactly what he was doing and completely lost it laughing.

It wasn't on the itinerary, but years later, it's one of the stories we still tell.

I've learned that travel is about more than getting from one place to the next. It's about creating space for the people you're traveling with to enjoy the journey together—and being willing to adjust when the unexpected happens.

By the time I took this tour, I was already a travel advisor. But I wanted to experience an escorted tour from the traveler's perspective, so when Israel & Jordan was next on my list, I joined my friends once again.

We didn't know anyone else in the group, but that didn't matter. From the moment we arrived, the details were thoughtfully handled. Our Tour Director and local guides brought the history, people, religions, and cultures to life, giving us a much deeper understanding of the places we were experiencing.

What surprised me most was the peace of mind. I didn't have to worry about navigating unfamiliar places, coordinating transportation, or figuring out what to do when something unexpected came up. Our Tour Director was there to handle the details and help when travelers needed assistance—and I saw firsthand how well those situations were handled.

Experiencing escorted travel as a traveler gave me a whole new appreciation for its value. Sometimes the greatest luxury is simply knowing someone has the details—and you—well taken care of.

I recently returned to Ireland on a guided tour with CIE, one of my travel partners, and the experience was thrilling and relaxing at all the right times.

Our coach driver was also our local guide, and Patrick was an expert in all things Irish. He seemed to know exactly when our group needed a rest and when we were ready for more Irish craic. He got to know each of us along the way, making the coach experience feel surprisingly personal.

What I loved most was how much I learned. When you travel independently, you can certainly explore at your own pace—but you can also miss the stories, history, and local knowledge that bring a place to life.

Patrick's personal stories added humor to what we were seeing and gave us a deeper connection to the places we visited.

My only regret? I chose a five-day tour. I would happily do it all over again—just for longer!

My first river cruise experience was Emerald Cruises' Holland & Belgium in Bloom, and I quickly discovered how different river cruising feels from an ocean cruise.

There was an ease to it that I loved. Instead of navigating long distances between the ship and the destination, we were often just steps away from the heart of each place—ready to explore, taste, wander, and experience the local culture.

I loved taking an electric bike ride through Rotterdam, exploring Willemstad on my own, discovering Antwerp with a guide, and, of course, seeing Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom. Every port offered something different, and I found myself looking forward to each one.

But one of my most memorable moments wasn't part of an excursion at all.

At one of the historic sites we visited, I met a local woman who was sharing the story of the place with visitors. We began talking, and she told me about a local tradition honoring the American soldiers who had died helping to save the area during World War II. She shared a personal connection to that history, and I asked if she would tell the story again so I could share it with others. She graciously agreed.

That moment reminded me that some of the most meaningful travel experiences aren't found on an itinerary. They're found in the people we meet and the stories they're willing to share.

And that's something I love about river cruising: it makes it easy to get close to the destinations—and sometimes, to the people who call them home.

Every journey teaches me something new. My recent trip through England and Iceland reminded me why I love being a traveler as much as I love helping others experience the world.

From walking the streets of London to experiencing Iceland's otherworldly landscapes, I was reminded that travel is about curiosity—seeing something you've never seen before, trying something new, and allowing yourself to be fully present in the experience.

The more I travel, the more I understand what makes a journey meaningful—and the better I become at helping my clients create journeys that feel right for them.