Why People Who "Don't Have Time" to Travel Need It Most

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.

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Travel Inspiration, Travel Philosophy Lauren Richards Travel Inspiration, Travel Philosophy Lauren Richards

Bitter or Better? Choosing Reinvention After Divorce in Your 60s

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.

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How We're Bringing Period Care to 260 Girls in Kenya

Last year on a scouting trip to Kenya, a teacher asked me for one thing: pads. Girls at her school were missing 3-7 days every month because they didn't have period products. Some were dropping out entirely. Their futures were shrinking because of something as basic as a period.

That conversation changed everything. In March 2026, both of my Kenya groups will distribute period care kits to 260 girls at a local school. Each $10 kit includes four reusable pads that last up to 10 years, underwear, soap, and a carrying pouch.

This isn't about showing up with disposable pads and leaving. It's about providing a decade of reliable period care, keeping girls in school, and investing in their futures. Here's how we're doing it—and how you can help.

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How to Save for Travel Without Feeling Miserable

If you've ever eaten ramen for the third night in a row while scrolling travel Instagram because you're "saving for a trip," this one's for you. Money coach Rachel Covert (who retired at 36 with $500k saved) just dropped a truth bomb: saving for travel doesn't have to suck. The problem? You've been conditioned to believe saving means extreme deprivation. No restaurants. No fun. No life. And then you crack and book a trip on a credit card. Here's what actually works: automation, clear priorities, and zero lentils required.

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Why Your Body Knows Where You Need to Travel (Even If Your Brain Disagrees)

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.

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The Real Reason You're Not Booking That Trip (And It's Not Money)

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.

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The Unglamorous Side of Group Travel: Emergency Bathroom Stops, Cultural Challenges & Why It's Still Worth It with Mel Ripp

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.

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Travel Philosophy Lauren Richards Travel Philosophy Lauren Richards

Why Your Comfort Zone Shrinks After Divorce (And How to Fix It)

Remember COVID lockdowns? That feeling when going to the grocery store suddenly felt terrifying? That's what can happen to your comfort zone after divorce - except nobody's mandating it. You're doing it to yourself. Divorce coach Julie Danielson sees this pattern constantly: women who gradually stop going places, decline invitations, and watch their worlds get smaller and smaller. "If you do not continually work on stretching your comfort zone, it will shrink," she warns. "And you will isolate. And that is when women get depressed." Here's why it happens - and the surprisingly simple steps you can take to reverse it, starting today.

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Travel Philosophy, Travel Tips And Advice Lauren Richards Travel Philosophy, Travel Tips And Advice Lauren Richards

5 Eye-Opening Facts About Cuba From Someone Who's Never Left

While Cuba is famous for classic cars, cigars, and free healthcare, the reality of daily life tells a very different story. Based on my conversation with Andres, a Cuban tour guide who has spent his entire 38 years on the island, here are the eye-opening truths about Cuban life that most tourists never see - from highly educated doctors who earn less than waiters to locals who've never tasted the "Cuban" cocktails served to visitors.

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Breaking the Military Wife Mold: Your Guide to Solo Travel

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.

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Travel Quotes I Live By

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.

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Travel Tattoos: Some Advice From Laura

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.

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You CAN Travel Without Your Spouse

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.

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Everyone Is Going to India and Here’s Why

When I first landed in Delhi, the sensory overload was overwhelming – from vibrant colors to aromatic spices filling the air. Like many first-time visitors to India, I felt anxious about what lay ahead. But from chaotic rickshaw rides through Delhi's streets to celebrating Holi with locals in Nandgaon, each experience revealed India's true magic. Beyond iconic sites like the Taj Mahal, it was the off-the-beaten-path moments that left the deepest impression: cooking authentic dishes with newfound friends, learning traditional crafts from local artisans, and surrendering to the joyful chaos of Holi celebrations. While India can be overwhelming, its beauty, spirituality, and transformative power make it an unforgettable destination. Join our March 2025 group trip for a carefully curated journey that balances must-see highlights with authentic local experiences, all while maintaining the perfect blend of cultural immersion and comfortable travel.

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Kenya Stole My Heart: A Journey Beyond the Typical Safari

Ever wondered what Kenya feels like beyond the typical safari circuit? Join me as I share how a FAM trip turned into a soul-stirring journey of unexpected connections - from cycling through dramatic landscapes and dancing with Maasai warriors to supporting women-led enterprises and finding family among strangers. This is Kenya as you've never seen it, where authentic experiences and responsible tourism create magic that Instagram can't capture.

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