When I first joined the Marine Corps, I didn’t have any grand ideas about travel. I’d never been out of the country — unless you count the occasional trip down to Rocky Point, Mexico as a kid. Once I completed my training, I learned that my first duty station would be in Bermuda with the Marine Corps Security Forces. A few other Marines were headed there with me, and we were all thrilled. I spent almost two years on that island — learning about the culture, making friends, even picking up scuba diving. It was technically “barracks duty,” but for me, it was an adventure. I experienced my first hurricane there, learned to slow down a bit, and discovered how much life outside the mainland had to offer. After Bermuda, I was sent to the fleet — and that’s when my real travels began.

I caught the travel bug young. My parents had an old greenish Class C motorhome, and every summer we’d hit the road across the western United States to visit family and explore places we’d never seen before. Those trips taught me the joy of motion—the rhythm of tires on asphalt and the freedom of never knowing exactly what’s around the next bend.

Travel has shaped me through military moves, family trips, and now through my work as a travel advisor. Over time I’ve realized that smooth travel comes from small habits rather than big plans. The details carry you when everything shifts. I keep documents close, pack for real life, manage airport chaos with patience, and build buffer time into every itinerary. I pay attention to how I feel on arrival and avoid pushing through exhaustion. I look for local guides who bring a destination to life. I stay flexible when plans fall apart because they always do in some way. I give myself space to breathe when I reach the place I’ve been moving toward. You can plan with intention, stay calm through the messy parts, and still leave room for the moments that make a trip unforgettable.