Travel has a funny way of making you feel both incredibly small and endlessly expansive—like the universe hands you a mirror and asks, “Who are you when no one’s watching?” I got on planes, buses, and the occasional questionably seaworthy ferry expecting to gain Instagram-worthy shots and a suitcase full of tacky souvenirs. Instead, each trip offered something much richer: lessons that made me confront myself, my patterns, and the ways I navigate not just the world but my relationships, too. Spoiler alert—it wasn’t always pretty, but it was worth every layover.

Packing Light: Letting Go of Emotional Baggage

My first hard lesson came during a whirlwind weekend in Chicago. Picture this: me at O’Hare, struggling with a carry-on that could’ve doubled as a boulder. Between muffled curses and broken zippers, I realized I'd spent days obsessing over outfits that suited every possibility but packed zero room for spontaneity. Sound familiar? Because guess who else tends to carry around unnecessary weight? (Hi, it’s me.)

I had a habit of mentally over-packing—dragging old grudges, past heartbreaks, and expectations into new spaces where they didn’t belong. Travel taught me that the lighter you go, the freer you feel. Relationships are no different. If you’re bringing every ex’s mistake on a first date or replaying arguments from years ago in your head, you’ll miss what’s happening in the moment.

Actionable Tip:
Before your next vacation—or your next date—unpack all that baggage. Ask yourself, “Am I carrying this because it’s useful, or because I don’t know how to let go?” Trust me, you don’t need seven different pairs of unresolved insecurities. One good outfit—or one open mind—goes a long way.

Getting Lost Is Half the Fun (Or So They Say)

Let me paint you a scene: It’s me in Paris, a city I’d fantasized about watching sunsets in while munching on croissants. Reality check? I got lost on the Metro so many times it felt like I was competing in an underground scavenger hunt. Instead of panoramic Eiffel Tower views, I spent hours wandering, my French limited to “bonjour” and panicked hand gestures. And yet, those alleys and random boulangeries became my favorite parts of the trip.

Here’s what I learned: Losing your way forces you to pause and recalibrate. It strips away control and reminds you to trust yourself—even when you have no idea where you’re going. Sound familiar, again? That’s how I felt after my last big breakup. One moment, we were planning weekend brunches and arguing over throw pillow colors; the next, I was floundering in an emotional maze, unsure how to rebuild my routine. In both cases, I survived by embracing the detour.

Actionable Tip:
When life—or love—leaves you lost, try exploring instead of panicking. Drop the Google Maps for a day and wander. Whether you’re navigating Madrid or the messy streets of singledom, the wrong turns can show you things you didn’t know you needed to see.

The Spice of Life: Getting Uncomfortable

No one warns you that ordering food in a foreign language is as humbling as high school gym class dodgeball. In Bangkok, I bravely pointed to an unrecognizable dish on the menu. What I got was a bowl of curry so fiery that my ancestors probably felt it. Tears streamed down my face as I shoveled in each spicy bite, too stubborn to quit but wishing I’d stuck with pad Thai.

Now, would I order it again? Probably not. But do I regret trying? Not a chance. Comfort zones are cozy, but they’re also boring—and that’s true in relationships, too. For years, I dated people who mirrored me almost too well. The same interests. The same arguments. The same outcomes. It turns out, a little discomfort—a new cuisine, or a partner who challenges you to think differently—is essential for growth.

Actionable Tip:
Dating can be like trying new dishes. Sure, you might end up crying over a bad choice. But don’t be afraid to step outside the usual “menu” of people or routines. Every once in a while, order the mystery dish. You just might love it—or, at the very least, it’ll make for a great story.

Don’t Post It All—Some Moments Are Just Yours

Full confession: I spent a lot of my early travel days trying to turn every trip into a highlight reel. I’d climb to scenic vistas and obsess over perfect angles, desperate for double-taps. Somewhere between managing hashtags and retaking selfies, I realized something was missing—the magic of simply being. The most memorable parts of my trips weren’t the Instagram-worthy Eiffel Tower shots but the quiet moments: a stranger’s unexpected kindness, a sunset no filter could capture.

In relationships, too, there’s pressure to perform. Couple selfies flood timelines, and grand gestures rack up likes. But it’s the inside jokes and late-night conversations—the things no one else sees—that truly build intimacy. Travel taught me to be present, to hold some moments close rather than putting them on display.

Actionable Tip:
Next time you’re tempted to document every kiss or milestone, ask yourself: “Am I sharing this for me, or for everyone else to see?” Keep some memories offline—trust me, they’ll feel more special.

Home Is a Person, Not Just a Place

Wanderlust will teach you a harsh truth: Amazing destinations are wonderful, but they won’t fill the void of loneliness. I’ve watched sunrises in Bali and sunsets in New Orleans, but without someone to call afterward, the beauty felt oddly hollow. That realization took me back to Beaumont, where I spent years chasing escape without fully appreciating where I began. It hit me one day on a layover in my hometown: It doesn’t matter where I go—so long as I’m connected to people who root me, I’ll always feel at home.

Whether it’s family, friends, or a partner, relationships matter more than any fancy destination. Travel has reminded me that it’s the people you share life with—whether on a quick road trip or in a long-distance FaceTime call—who make the journey worthwhile.

Actionable Tip:
When chasing new adventures, remember to nurture the relationships that truly anchor you. Send a postcard from wherever you are, not because it’s cliche but because it tells someone back home, “You’re still in my thoughts.”

The Takeaway: Travel, Like Love, Is Messy and Beautiful

Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, forces you to reflect, and occasionally humbles the heck out of you (as anyone who’s accidentally ordered chicken feet can attest). But much like love, it’s worth it—worth the stumbles, the risk, the messiness. Both teach you that life’s greatest joys are found somewhere between the highlight reel and the quieter moments, in the unexpected detours and lessons you didn’t know you needed.

So pack lightly, get a little lost, savor the spicy moments, and keep something just for yourself. Whether you’re traveling to distant lands or navigating your way through love, every step brings you closer to who you really are—and that’s a destination worth exploring.