As a 60-year-old woman, I’ve seen a lot of life and a lot of change. But mostly, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of Detours in life. Through them, I’ve encountered many opportunities to grow and evolve. I know that taking risks is often essential to finding true fulfillment, and travel is a great way to do that. So now, I seek them out actively.

Travel gives me an opportunity to explore the unknown, trust my gut, take risks, and allow myself to be surprised by the world around me.

To quote my favorite, Peggy Markel, “The richness of travel puts gold in your pocket of experience. No matter where you go, there you are… but in a different place. It gives our minds a chance to relax, take in different impressions and feed our curiosity like a small child full of wonder, no matter what age we are.”

Taking the time to explore a new place, whether it’s close to home or far away, brings with it new perspectives and insights. The more I learn about the world, the more I understand about myself and my own place in it.

It also reminds me of what it feels like to be alive. How many of us have fallen asleep and forgotten about this? It's time to wake up and come out of our caves and look around. Inspiration is invaluable for our happiness. And so much inspiration can be had just by changing your location.

I create my trips to be experiences that are transformational, fun, and deeply meaningful. I look for places that are truly special, with a strong connection to nature and the local culture, and seek out the best food, artisans, hospitality, and stylish habitats that are in tune with the environment. Because I believe that nature is the base element of our alchemy, I strive to make sure that my trips are mindful of our impact on the environment and are as ecologically friendly as possible. I also want my trips with others to be an opportunity for us to find community and to take a break from the everyday in order to open ourselves up to a new perspective. That is really the magic of it all.

I grew up surrounded by nature and the outdoors, and I'm still drawn to those places. But I also love exploring cities for food, shopping, and culture. So, my trips are often both. No matter where I go, getting away from the familiar helps shift perspective, gives me a break from the daily grind, and builds up resilience.

When I travel, I'm looking for more than just a vacation. I'm looking for an adventure, an experience to remember, and a chance to connect with local people and cultures. I love to explore different countries, cultures, and environments. I'm always looking for ways to discover something new and inspiring — and to develop relationships with the people I meet along the way.

My Detours have taught me so much about the world and myself. The fact that you can always find a piece of yourself, no matter where you go. That is the gold that travel puts in your pocket.