I spent 225+ nights and 34 cruises at sea in one year. This reflection explores balance, purpose, community, and what comes next.

Sitting here in Barcelona on yet another rainy afternoon, I stumbled across an article titled “The 25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World” ( link here ). A single tear rolls down my cheek—not from the sudden downpour (my trusty €6 umbrella is holding up just fine)—but from the realization that I’ve been to most of the cities on the list, with a few more already planned for this year. And just like that, it hits me again: I am truly, incredibly fortunate. A few short years ago

When I land home in Grand Junction late on the night of Sunday, February 16, I will have completed the longest single trip of my life—88 nights. Seven cruise ships, five hotels, Disneyland… and a bite from a jaguar. I’ve traveled all over the Caribbean and Mexico, revisiting familiar destinations and exploring several new ones, including Dominica and Honduras—bringing my total country count to 44. Ironically, my final stop before returning to the U.S. was Puerto Vallarta, Mex

Today marks my 51st day of travel since I left Grand Junction, Colorado, on November 20th, meaning I have 37 days to go before I fly home on February 16th. Pinch me—I don’t want it to end. The majority of my time has been spent onboard Carnival ships, while this week’s voyage has been aboard the award-winning and Forbes Four-Star-rated Celebrity Apex . To say the experiences between cruise lines are different is an understatement, but I’ve found myself enjoying the variety mo

After a year of purposeful travel, life at sea feels different. A reflective journey through Cartagena, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, and beyond—searching for meaning again

Five Caribbean ports in five days while cruising from NYC—reflecting on friendships, life at sea, and gratitude during a winter spent onboard.

A reflective New York City night—Wicked on Broadway, historic Lower Manhattan, legendary bars, and a quiet moment of gratitude for how far life can take you.

A raw reflection on solo travel, heartbreak, growth, and why a cruise ship remains my happy place during life's transitions.

A deeply reflective visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, followed by unforgettable moments across New York City.

A reflective Carnival Celebration cruise through St. Maarten, San Juan, and Puerto Plata—travel moments, culture, and the meaning of living more.

A thoughtful reflection on canceling a major trip, trusting intuition, and embracing calm and balance after a year of nonstop global travel.

After Antarctica and Ushuaia, a solo LGBTQ traveler reflects on endings, polar plunges, and embracing what's next in 2024

A final landing in Antarctica at Yankee Harbour—penguins, seals, wildlife, and reflection at the end of a seven-continent journey.

Rainy days in Buenos Aires brought tango, culture, unforgettable meals, and quiet reflections before the journey to Antarctica

An emotional milestone—touching down on continent six, reflecting on tears, growth, friendship, and the journey towards all seven continents in one year.