More Than Miles: What My Favorite Travel Moments Taught Me

Welcome back, travel family!

 I don’t know about you, but these last couple of months have been a lot. Between travel delays, work trips, and spring showing up acting like somebody’s bratty kid … I am so, so T.I.RED. LOL.

But instead of focusing on everything I can’t control, I’m choosing to shift my perspective. This month, I’m not chasing a new destination—I’m strolling down memory lane.

And somewhere between revisiting old blog posts, reliving food memories that still make my mouth water, and laughing at my own “LMBO” moments … I realized something: Some trips don’t end when you leave—they evolve. 

So instead of packing a bag this April, I’m unpacking a few memories and seeing them through a new lens. And whew … the lessons? They hit a little different now.

Puerto Rico: Boricua Vibes 🇵🇷

Puerto Rico had been on my list for a while … and somehow kept getting skipped. (Still don’t know how I let that happen—but we here now. LOL.)

When I finally made it there, it felt like more than just checking off a box that had been waiting for a while. I was soaking in the beauty of El Yunque, standing in awe of those cascading waterfalls and lush green views. Just hours later, I was wandering through Old San Juan, getting lost—in the best way—among the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets that seemed to tell a story with every step.

And when I got to Loíza? Listen … it was a WRAP.

The food alone told a whole story. Crispy, golden alcapurrias filled with pure happiness, bacalaitos so big they could barely fit in your hand (and yes, I handled mine accordingly 😂), and a “to-go” box that absolutely did not make it back with me. No shame.

At the time, I thought this trip was simply about finally checking Puerto Rico off the list.

But now, I see it differently. Staying in a residential neighborhood instead of a resort changed everything—I wasn’t just passing through; I was present. I connected with the people, the culture, and the everyday rhythm of life in a way that truly stayed with me.

Now I understand:

👉🏽 Don’t just visit a place—immerse yourself in how people actually live.

🍂Rhode Island: Tiny but Mighty

Rhode Island wasn’t originally at the top of my list, but let me tell you—it showed up and showed out. It started as a chance to explore somewhere new, eat some good food, and spend quality time with my mom. (And honestly, that alone was enough for me.)

But the moment we got to Providence, I knew this trip was about to be different.

We kicked things off with a food tour, and listen…when I say we ate, we ate. Every stop brought something new—flavors layered with history, stories shared between bites, and just enough walking in between to convince ourselves we had room for more. And our guide? A whole vibe—the kind of person who makes you feel like you’re not just visiting a place but actually getting to know it.

Then came Newport. Between the ferry ride, the waterfront views, and those over-the-top mansions, it felt like stepping into a completely different world. I mean…marble staircases, intricate details, and a whole different level of “rich” that will have you rethinking everything.

But as beautiful as everything was, what stayed with me most weren’t the big attractions.

It was the slower moments—quiet ferry rides, the rain that forced us to pause, the time spent sitting, talking, and just being present.  And traveling with my mom? That wasn’t just part of the trip—that was the memory. At the time, I thought this was just a fun getaway.

But now? I see it differently.

It was a reminder that not every trip needs to be packed with plans. Sometimes, the best experiences come from slowing down, being present, and appreciating the moment as it is.

Now I understand:

👉🏽 Not every trip needs to be full—sometimes the best moments happen in the pause.

And while some trips were about slowing down or soaking it all in, others challenged me in completely different ways.

León: More Than the Mission 🇲🇽

León wasn’t a getaway—it was an assignment, and it came with purpose. This wasn’t about sightseeing or checking off landmarks. It was about showing up, stepping into something bigger than myself, and being open to whatever the experience had to teach me. And from the moment I arrived, I knew this trip was going to stretch me in ways I didn’t expect.

Between adjusting to the altitude (because listen…my lungs were working overtime 😅), navigating conversations in Spanish, and immersing myself in a completely different environment, I quickly realized this wasn’t about being comfortable—it was about being present.

As the days went on, I found myself taking in more than just the surroundings. Whether it was walking through La Zona Piel and seeing the craftsmanship up close, praying with locals, or simply observing the rhythm of everyday life, there was a deeper layer to everything. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t curated. It was real, raw, and honest.

And honestly? That’s what made it powerful.

At the time, I thought this experience was all about the mission—the work, the purpose, the impact I was supposed to make. But now? I see it differently.

Now I understand:

👉🏽 You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to show up.

Looking back—from Puerto Rico to Rhode Island to León—I realize each trip gave me something different, but all of them gave me perspective. Some taught me to slow down; others pushed me to grow. And maybe that’s the real beauty of travel—it’s not just about where you go, but who you become along the way.

Disclaimer: By the time this blog post went live, I did end up traveling for work purposes…don’t judge me. IJS 😆

If you’ve been rocking with me and these stories made you smile, laugh, or even reflect a little, feel free to drop a few “coffee coins” my way ☕✨ and help keep the journeys (and the coffee 😏) going. Blessings. (CashApp, Venmo or PayPal donations)