I’ve always loved discovering new places—not to escape, but to experience something different, to understand how others live, and to gain perspective beyond my own world. My love for travel didn’t happen all at once; it grew over time, shaped by the places I’ve been, the people I’ve met, and the moments that stayed with me. That sense of exploration began long before I realized how much it meant to me. Let me take you on the journey that shaped my wanderlust—here’s where it all began. The Seeds of Wanderlust Some of my earliest memories are from visiting Disney World in Orlando the year it opened. I was just three years old, and I vividly remember feeding ducks outside our hotel room with cheese crackers filled with peanut butter. Disney truly felt magical. We returned a few times, and I still recall the excitement of each trip. The flight attendants always gave me a pin and a deck of cards, which made me feel special. My mom even dressed us in matching outfits to celebrate—I can still picture that photo of us. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but my parents always managed to make room for memorable road trips. I remember visiting the Amish in Pennsylvania and exploring a Native American reservation in upstate New York. Those experiences, along with our early Disney adventures, left a lasting impression on me and sparked my lifelong love for travel and discovery. What Girl Passes on a Sweet 16? What girl passes on a Sweet 16 party? I did—and without hesitation. When my mom gave me the choice between a party or a trip, it was an easy decision. She handed me her credit card, and I walked around the corner to Liberty Travel, where I booked a trip for me and my aunt to Paradise Island, Nassau. It was my first time planning something so big on my own, and I loved every second of it. The Bahamas were everything I imagined—breathtaking beaches, turquoise water, and that unmistakable feeling of escape. We danced, laughed, drank (a little), and yes, even smoked. It was fun, freeing, and full of firsts. That trip sealed it for me: I was hooked on travel, on independence, and on the thrill of discovering somewhere new. I Planned, I Packed, I Went... In high school, travel became more than just an escape—it became something I took into my own hands. I was the one making the plans: organizing ski trips, booking rooms down the Jersey Shore, and eventually coordinating our graduation tip to Acapulco. I took pride in figuring things out—researching, mapping the details, and turning ideas into real experiences. Planning gave me a sense of control and purpose, and I embraced it fully. It gave me a sense of purpose and possibility. After graduation, I planned a six-week backpacking trip through London, Paris, and Italy. It wasn’t glamorous—we stayed in hostels, got lost more than once, and had to stretch every dollar—but it was real. It taught me how to adapt, to listen, and to slow down and take in what was around me. More than the places themselves, it was the journey—one I had created—that left a lasting mark. Passing It On As my family grew, so did my desire to share the world with my kids. I wanted them to feel the same wonder and curiosity I had growing up. Every year, we made a trip to Disney—a tradition that brought us together, even when life felt busy or complicated. We managed three cruises over the years, and at each port, we stepped off the boat and explored on our own. I’ll never forget the heat in Puerto Rico that August, or the way they looked at everything like it was brand new. We also piled into the car for road trips to Atlantic City, the Catskills, Myrtle Beach, Hershey, and so many beach days on the Jersey Shore and Fire Island. These weren’t fancy trips, but they were ours. We made memories in the small things—melting ice cream, packed trunks, sand in the car. Travel became our way of being together, of learning, and of seeing the world a little differently each time. Noting the Details Over the years, I visited places like the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Jamaica, Bermuda, and Curacao—each trip different, but all teaching me something new. When COVID shut down international travel, I shifted gears and explored closer to home, driving through California, Nevada, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. It wasn’t always easy, but it reminded me that travel isn’t just about far-off places—it’s about staying open to new experiences, wherever you are. I made a point to appreciate the culture of each city—trying local foods, wandering streets like a native, and soaking in the everyday rhythms around me. I focused on the small details—the flavors, conversations, and the way people moved through their daily lives—that made each place feel authentic. It wasn’t about tourist spots, but about experiencing genuine moments that often go unnoticed. That’s what made travel meaningful to me. Soul Mates and Suitcases Reflecting on my journey so far, it’s clear my love for travel continues to evolve. With my children grown and living their own lives, a new chapter of travel began when I met my soulmate in 2018. Together, we’ve explored incredible places like Svalbard in Norway, Northern Europe’s stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities across Greece, Germany, Italy, Paris, Brussels, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest—to name a few. We mark every new country we visit by sticking a pin in our world map—a visual reminder of our shared goal to see the whole world. Traveling with him has deepened my appreciation for how journeys aren’t just about the places we visit, but the people we share them with and the memories we create along the way. Turning Passion into Purpose My love for travel is a beautiful culmination of countless experiences that have shaped who I am today. From family road trips to solo adventures and meaningful storytelling, every journey has deepened my understanding of the world—and my place in it. It’s this passion that inspired me to start Travel With Grace , a travel advisor service dedicated to helping others turn their travel dreams into reality. I believe in the power of exploration, and my motto reflects that spirit perfectly: Wander with lust, travel with grace.  It’s about chasing new adventures with excitement, but also traveling thoughtfully and authentically. If you share this passion, I encourage you to embrace your own love for travel, seek new horizons, and immerse yourself in the stories waiting to be discovered. Every trip you take is an opportunity to create memories that last a lifetime. So, tell me—where will your journey take you next?