We've all said it: "I'd love to travel, but I just don't have time right now." But here's what I've learned after taking hundreds of people on transformational trips: the people who think they can't afford to step away are usually the ones who need it most. Your brain needs space to work its magic—and that space doesn't happen at your desk at 10 PM grinding through emails.

Let's talk about the food situation on my Greece trips for a second. Because holy shit, this year our sailing crew doubled as chefs and spoiled us with some Greek staples. On my May Greece trip, Happy made us fresh tzatziki that was so good I considered licking the bowl (I didn't, but it was a close call). On our September trip, Philip decided to bless us with homemade ceviche—which he prepared shirtless, by the way, because apparently that's just how things go when you're sailing the Greek islands with a crew of absolute characters.

At 62, newly divorced Kerry Breckle had a choice: stay bitter or get better. She chose better—and ended up in a hot air balloon over Mexican pyramids, getting her first tattoo in Cuba, and discovering that age is just a number. Her message? 'No one is going to knock on your door with a new life plan. So do it.' Read how Kerry went from afraid to fly to living her best adventure.

If someone who literally gets set on fire for a living can book a trip to Morocco right after a divorce, what's actually stopping you? I sat down with two Hollywood stunt doubles to talk about fear, risk, and why the people who do the most "dangerous" things are often the calmest travelers. Here's what they taught me about overcoming travel fear.

I'll never forget the moment I decided to quit my job and start my travel business. I was floating in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey, when my entire body just... knew. Within a week, I'd submitted my resignation from a 14-year career. My brain was screaming at me the entire time. But my body? My body was calm. Quiet. Certain. That's the thing about intuition that nobody tells you: it doesn't scream. It whispers. And it lives in your gut, not your head.

Join Darcy Luoma on her humanitarian journey through Cuba with Laura Ericson Group Trips. Traveling under a special visa, Darcy's group brought essential donations for communities affected by the US embargo while experiencing authentic Cuban culture. From classic cars in Havana to horseback riding in Viñales, this travel diary showcases how meaningful travel can create positive impact while fostering genuine cultural connections.

Let me set the scene: I'm coming home from Greece, jet-lagged, with an eight-hour layover at O'Hare. I set an alarm, put my head down at my gate, and pass out.

I wake up in a fog. Everyone around me is gone. Never a good sign.

My gate has changed to an entirely different concourse. So there I am, sprinting through O'Hare with a backpack full of Greek pottery weighing 40 pounds, literally dying, having a full-on asthma attack.

That was the hardest run I've done in a very long time.

Which is why when I sat down to talk with Joe Baur - a travel writer who runs ultra marathons through countries for a living - I had to laugh. Because while I'm over here proud of my 10-minute pottery sprint, this guy is out here running 60+ miles a day through Nepal, getting pneumonia on day two of an eight-day stage race, and still finishing.

I will never be a runner. But here's the thing: After talking with Joe, I realized his approach to travel resonates with me on a level that has nothing to do with running...

You have three tabs open comparing flights. You've read 47 blog posts about what to pack. You've calculated the budget six different ways. But you still haven't clicked "Book Now."

It's probably not about the money. And it's definitely not about finding the "perfect time."

I sat down with life coach Bonnie Surie to talk about why smart, capable people create elaborate barriers between themselves and the things they actually want. What we discovered: the limiting beliefs that stop you from booking a trip are the same ones keeping you stuck everywhere else in life.

Let's dig into what's really stopping you—and how to finally take action.

Let's talk about the stuff nobody posts on Instagram. Like the moment you're desperately tapping your tour guide's shoulder on a Moroccan highway: "I really need to go. Like, now."

This is Mel Ripp's story—from Door County encyclopedia reader to someone who handles roadside emergencies with remarkable grace. If you've ever worried that travel isn't for you because you have food sensitivities, get lost in airports, or aren't "adventurous enough"—this one's for you.

The unglamorous moments? They're the ones that transform you.

There's literally a handbook for military wives—and it's time to throw it out the window. As a travel professional, I meet military spouses constantly who feel trapped by expectations. My recent conversation with travel writer Kim Kephart, who's lived across Europe and Asia as a military spouse, opened my eyes to just how restrictive military wife culture can be—and how some women are breaking free through solo travel and independent living.

In the inaugural episode of Type 2 Travel, host Laura Erickson shares how she transformed from a resort-vacationing married woman to the founder of a unique group travel business built around "Type 2 Fun"—those experiences that might be miserable in the moment but become your favorite memories later.

Fresh off getting "absolutely demolished by mosquitoes" in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands, Laura reveals how her post-divorce desire to visit "sketchy" places led to an accidental discovery: other people desperately wanted these authentic, challenging travel experiences too, they just needed someone else to plan them.

This episode dives into the philosophy behind transformational travel, why Laura scouts every destination first, and her belief that "if you can afford to travel, you can afford to give back."

"Let me start with a confession: The night before flying to India, I was frantically contemplating whether I should pack an emergency loaf of bread and jar of peanut butter. Seriously. I was worried I'd get there and starve for 12 days.

But here's the thing about Laura's trips—I trust her enough to follow her literally anywhere. And holy shit, am I glad I did.

Picture this: I'm a self-proclaimed clean freak who hates being dirty. Now imagine me letting complete strangers pour unknown liquids on my head and smear colored powder all over my face while I'm walking BAREFOOT through street puddles of questionable origin. If you know me, you're already laughing.

But that first Holi celebration was nothing like I ever thought I'd experience. I've got the photos to prove it—apparently, I became something of a micro-celebrity, gaining nearly 2,000 followers from the pictures Laura took of me covered head-to-toe in pink powder."

Morocco is a traveler's dream where ancient medinas meet stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences await at every turn. From the vibrant corniche of Casablanca to the iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen, the historic medina of Fes, magical nights under Saharan stars, refreshing infinity pools overlooking palm oases, and luxurious riads in bustling Marrakech - each of our carefully selected accommodations offers a unique glimpse into Morocco's enchanting character while providing the perfect balance of authentic charm and modern comfort.

Tired of cheesy travel quotes that don't capture the real essence of wanderlust? After traveling across six continents, I've collected 12 travel quotes that actually hit different—the ones that make you nod your head and think "damn, I need to book a trip."

These aren't your typical vision board quotes. They're honest reflections of what it feels like to choose street food in Morocco over dinner parties, desert tents over five-star resorts, and adventure over comfort. Travel isn't always Instagram-worthy—sometimes you're crying in airports or getting food poisoning. But it's also about unexpected dinner invitations, laughing with strangers who become friends, and coming home with stories that make your old life feel too small.

If you've been bitten by the travel bug and never quite recovered, these quotes will speak to your soul. Ready to stop making excuses and start planning your next adventure? The world isn't going anywhere, but your reasons for not exploring it are getting old.

From spontaneous decisions in Medellín Ubers to flower-adorned designs in Mexico City, Laura Ericson shares the meaningful stories behind her four travel tattoos. Learn her practical tips for getting inked abroad safely and why marking your body with the places that have marked your soul creates lasting memories more powerful than any souvenir.

Ever feel guilty for wanting to explore the world on your own terms—even when you're happily married? You're not alone. We interviewed Jenna, a passionate traveler in a thriving marriage, who believes independent adventures aren't just acceptable—they're essential. "I always knew that whoever became my spouse had to support my love of travel and doing things on my own," she explains. Discover how solo travel helps you rediscover yourself, build confidence, and ironically, appreciate your partner even more. Because the healthiest relationships have room for individual growth.

Transport yourself to Havana with these authentic Cuban cocktail recipes shared by local mixologist Lorena. Learn the secrets behind perfect Mojitos (hint: don't over-muddle that mint!), the calabash-served El Negrón, and refreshing Daiquiri Frappés made with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. These aren't watered-down resort versions—they're the real deal that Cubans make at home.

Travel has a way of surprising us, challenging our assumptions, and opening up new possibilities. In this candid discussion, two travelers - Vince and Rich - share how group travel transformed their perspectives, from making mojitos in Cuba to exploring Colombian coffee culture. Their experiences reveal how the right balance of structure and freedom can create meaningful connections and authentic cultural immersion.

India did not disappoint! Who wants a resort trip when you can get out, experience and truly immerse yourself in the culture? From the breathtaking scale of Holi celebrations to custom-made saris, rickshaw adventures, and heartwarming school visits, our group experienced the true beauty of India beyond stereotypes. The vibrant colors, infectious energy, amazing food, and humbling perspectives left us with memories and friendships to last a lifetime.

There's nothing quite like your first Holi celebration. As ancient traditions burst to life in a dazzling spectacle of colors, you'll find yourself swept up in a joyous frenzy that transforms strangers into friends and paints the world in rainbow hues. But like any great adventure, proper preparation makes all the difference between a magical celebration and a potentially uncomfortable day. From protecting your skin to packing the right gear, here's your complete guide to celebrating Holi like a pro.