How one traveler discovered the world—and herself—through Laura Ericson Group Trips

When Carrie booked her first international trip, she never imagined it would ignite a passion that would take her from the vibrant streets of Havana to the sweeping dunes of the Sahara—with the plains of Kenya on the horizon. Her journey from reluctant traveler to enthusiastic explorer offers inspiration for anyone wondering if group travel might be their gateway to the world.

The Beginning: A Birthday Gift That Changed Everything

LEGT: What made you decide to take your first trip with Laura Ericson Group Trips?

Carrie: My mom asked if I wanted to go to Cuba to celebrate our birthdays together—hers is New Year's Eve, mine is New Year's Day. Cuba wasn't a destination I had ever considered. Honestly, leaving the country at all wasn't something I'd really thought about doing.

Two women smiling together in a bicycle taxi in Cuba, wearing tropical floral print dresses and sunglasses — *Carrie and her mom traveling together. [Cuba, 2025]*

What were you hoping to get out of the experience?

I truly had no idea what to expect. I was actually nervous because of how the media portrays other countries—I didn't think it would be safe. But here's what surprised me most: I felt safer in Cuba than I do in the US.

Before your first group trip, how would you have described yourself as a traveler?

Boring. I'd been on a cruise and to a dude ranch in Wyoming, but that was about it. About seven years ago, my employer wanted to send me on an all-expenses-paid business trip to California, and I didn't even want to fly across the country, let alone out of it. I did end up going, but international travel? That felt completely out of reach.

Woman displaying fresh henna art on her hand while holding a glass of traditional mint tea at a Moroccan rooftop venue with rustic decor — *Henna in Morocco. [Morocco, 2025]*

The Transformation: Opening Eyes and Hearts

Looking back from Cuba to Morocco and now preparing for Kenya, how has travel changed you as a person?

Traveling with Laura has made me realize how sheltered our lives are in the U.S. Exploring other cultures and participating in Laura's give-back initiatives has given me a greater appreciation for how little others have—and how much they give despite that. It's created a deeper desire in me to continue traveling and learning. I'm incredibly excited to explore Kenya and see how different it is from both Cuba and Morocco.

Was there a specific moment during one of your trips that shifted something in you?

Yes—it happened in Cuba. Even though people there have very limited resources and struggle to get basic daily necessities, they were extraordinarily generous to us. They made birthday cakes for both my mom and me, despite having limited access to even basic cooking supplies. That generosity in the face of scarcity really touched me.

Woman smiling with a local Cuban man wearing a cowboy hat, both holding a decorated birthday cake with yellow and white frosting under a thatched-roof pavilion in Cuba — *Carrie with her Cuban birthday cake. [Cuba, 2025]*

What fears or hesitations have you worked through by continuing to travel?

The biggest thing I've learned is that no matter the destination, I am safe traveling with Laura. That peace of mind has changed everything for me.

How has exploring these diverse destinations influenced the way you see the world?

I have a much greater appreciation for other cultures and their beliefs. Travel has expanded my perspective in ways I never anticipated.

Woman on a bus in Morocco smiling and holding up travel documents, wearing sunglasses, with another traveler visible in the background — *Carrie with her now infamous seatbelt ticket she got in Morocco—hear all about it on our* *pod recap.* *[Morocco, 2025]*

Unexpected Discoveries Along the Way

You've now visited several very different destinations. What's something unexpected that these places have taught you about yourself?

I've developed an appreciation for art that I never had before, and I now plan to buy locally made artwork in every place I visit with Laura. I've also discovered that I can easily adapt to whatever culture or situation I'm presented with—something I never would have believed about myself before that first trip.

How does your approach to travel differ now compared to your first trip?

I'm now truly addicted to Laura's trips. That nervous hesitation has been completely replaced by excitement and anticipation.

What's been your most memorable cultural experience across these journeys?

Feeling the Saharan sand on my feet for the first time—the scenery is absolutely stunning, and the people were amazing and so much fun. I also loved learning unexpected things, like discovering that we didn't see many dogs in Morocco because in their religion, having a dog in your home will keep angels away. Those cultural insights make the experience so much richer.

Woman wearing a bright yellow traditional Moroccan kaftan and straw hat at an evening desert dinner setup, with draped canopy and lanterns visible in the background — *Bonfire party in the Sahara. [Morocco, 2025]*

Why She Keeps Coming Back

What keeps drawing you back to Laura Ericson Group Trips?

I want to continue exploring the world, but I want to do it with Laura because she has a special way of giving everyone the true cultural experience. We aren't just tourists when we travel with Laura—yes, we do touristy things, but it's so much more than that. The give-back component is such a rewarding part of every trip. It makes the experience meaningful beyond just sightseeing.

Three women laughing and celebrating in a vibrant red vintage convertible in Cuba, with colorful pastel buildings in the background - one woman has her arms raised in joy — *Exploring Cuba in style—a la classic car. [Cuba, 2025]*

How does group travel with Laura compare to other ways you've traveled?

There is no comparison. Laura's trips are beyond amazing.

What are you most excited about for Kenya?

Of course the wildlife—but I'm especially excited to meet the people, see the tribes, and learn about how they live. That cultural connection is what makes these trips unforgettable.

Her Advice to First-Time Travelers

What would you say to someone considering their first group trip but feeling nervous or unsure?

JUST DO IT. You will not regret it.

Ready to start your own transformation? Learn more about upcoming Laura Ericson Group Trips, including the magical Morocco experience that captured Carrie's heart.