From the tender age of four, my family, with a playful disregard for child labor laws, would send me off to my great-granddad’s farm for summers filled with weeding and the whimsical task of hauling water for imaginary cows. Looking back, this seemingly mundane beginning was the unexpected birthplace of my lifelong love for exploration. It was there, amidst the fields of North Dakota, that the seeds of wanderlust were sown, nurtured by the stories and dreams shared with my Gramps, my original Travel Co.
Cultivating Wanderlust from an Early Age
You might not immediately associate rural North Dakota with fostering a spirit of adventure, but for me, it was the perfect starting point. Each evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Gramps and I would gather by the fire. His lap became my storyteller’s throne as he’d ask, “Okay, Cocobean, tell me a story.” This simple request was an invitation to embark on fantastical journeys. My young imagination would take flight, weaving epic tales of us trekking to Buckingham Palace on camelback and other equally grand adventures. The more outlandish and imaginative my stories became, the wider Gramps’ grin would spread. With endless patience, kindness, and perhaps a subtle eye-roll or two, he taught me the invaluable skill of dreaming big – especially when it came to travel. These nights by the fire were my first lessons in the expansive world beyond our small town, fueled by the travel co. of family and imagination.
Why Travel is My Passion
Travel, for me, is more than just visiting new places; it’s about enriching the soul and crafting memories that become cherished companions throughout life. These are not just fleeting moments, but vivid tapestries woven into the fabric of who we are. It’s the feeling of standing in awe before a breathtaking landscape, the taste of unfamiliar flavors that dance on your palate, and the connections forged with people from different walks of life. These experiences, gathered through travel, become a personal travel co. – a collection of moments that can be revisited and relived, offering comfort, inspiration, and a constant reminder of the beauty and diversity of our world.
My “Wanderlust” Awakening
My first true “wanderlust” experience was undeniably seeing the ocean for the first time as a child. Growing up in landlocked North Dakota, the vastness and power of the ocean were utterly transformative. It was an awe-inspiring event, especially for a young girl accustomed to the rolling plains. The seemingly endless horizon, the rhythmic crashing of waves, and the salty air filled with the cries of seagulls – it was sensory overload in the most exhilarating way. This moment ignited a spark within me, a deep yearning to explore more of the world’s wonders. It was the beginning of my conscious journey with my inner travel co., pushing me to seek out new horizons and experiences beyond the familiar.
The Importance of Travel & Cultural Compassion
Travel is profoundly important because it fosters both memory creation and the development of cultural understanding and compassion. Stepping outside of our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in different cultures broadens our perspectives in ways that few other experiences can. It teaches us to appreciate the diversity of human experience, to understand different customs and traditions, and to develop empathy for people whose lives may be vastly different from our own. By engaging with different cultures, we build bridges instead of walls, fostering a global travel co. of understanding and respect. These lessons in culture and compassion are invaluable takeaways from every journey, enriching not only our own lives but also our interactions with the world around us.
My Travel Spirit Animal: The Sea Turtle
If I were to choose a travel spirit animal, it would undoubtedly be a sea turtle. These ancient mariners are wise old souls, perfectly adapted to navigating new surroundings and experiences. They carry their homes on their backs, symbolizing self-sufficiency and the ability to find comfort and security wherever they go. Sea turtles embody resilience, patience, and a deep connection to the natural world – qualities that resonate deeply with the spirit of travel. Like the sea turtle, the ideal traveler is adaptable, wise from experience, and possesses a profound respect for the environments they explore. The sea turtle, in essence, represents the perfect embodiment of a seasoned travel co. member: experienced, adaptable, and deeply connected to the journey itself.
Ultimately, my journey into wanderlust began with simple stories by a fire in North Dakota, guided by the gentle hand of my Gramps and the boundless expanse of my own imagination. This early travel co. of family and dreams set the stage for a life filled with exploration, discovery, and a deep appreciation for the world and its diverse cultures. Travel continues to feed my soul, creating a rich tapestry of memories and experiences that I carry with me always, a constant and cherished travel co. on life’s ongoing adventure.
