My First!
Welcome to the very first issue of my travel newsletter, On the 10th! Why the name? The 10th has always been my lucky number—it’s the day I was born, the Queens, NY apartment I grew up in, my grammar school basketball number, and even part of my first AOL email address (yes, I still have it). It’s been a constant in my life, so it felt only right to make it the day I share my passion for travel, along with tips, stories, and everything else that keeps life exciting.
Each month, you can expect thoughtfully curated content that goes beyond the surface. I’ll share in-depth travel guides, highlight a city that’s stolen my heart, and include something personal—maybe a recipe inspired by my travels or a restaurant that left a lasting impression. You’ll also find practical tips, hidden gems, and creative ideas to make your own adventures unforgettable.
Think of this as your monthly roadmap to explore the world with purpose, passion, and maybe even a little New Yorker grit. Let’s dive in and see where the journey takes us!
The Meaning of Travel
For me, travel isn’t just about capturing photos or ticking destinations off a bucket list—it’s about so much more. Travel has this incredible ability to reset your mind and refresh your body. It’s a way to step away from the everyday grind, recharge your mindset, and return with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
But the beauty of travel goes beyond personal renewal. It’s about the deeper connections we make—with people, cultures, and stories that are vastly different from our own. Every trip is a chance to learn, to step into someone else’s world, and to embrace perspectives that enrich our understanding of humanity.
Experiencing new cultures fosters mental growth and a profound respect for people of all kinds. It teaches us empathy, expands our horizons, and challenges our assumptions. From sharing meals at a local market to engaging in conversations that transcend language barriers, travel builds bridges and reminds us of our shared humanity.
It’s these moments of discovery, connection, and growth that transform every journey into something extraordinary. Travel isn’t just about the places we visit; it’s about the stories we gather and the person we become along the way.
A New Chapter: My Travel Advisory Business
This newsletter kicks off an exciting new chapter: I’m officially a travel advisor with Fora Travel, and as an advanced-certified advisor, I’m ready to bring my love of exploring the world straight to you. My mission? To help you plan trips that aren’t just about going somewhere—they’re about experiencing something unforgettable. The kind of travel that shifts your perspective and leaves you with stories you’ll be telling for years. Let’s explore the world together, one plate, one city, and one adventure at a time!
Reflections on 2024
As we wrap up the year, I’ve been reflecting on how travel has been my ultimate life coach this year (and many before). For me, it’s more than collecting stamps in my passport—it’s my magic reset button!
As a full-time finance professional juggling a senior role, leading a team, and launching a new venture, travel has been my not-so-secret superpower. It’s kept my mind sharp, my focus laser-like, and my sanity(mostly) intact.
This year took me on a whirlwind journey to some incredible destinations: from the sun-soaked beaches of Spain and the majestic castles of Scotland to the electric energy of Mexico City and the stunning waterfronts of Croatia. I explored Bordeaux’s charming vineyards, Hamburg’s historic streets, and the awe-inspiring modernity of Abu Dhabi, while also uncovering gems closer to home in Shelter Island, Boston, D.C., Miami, and beyond.
Every trip was a reset button for my mind and body, leaving me recharged, inspired, and ready to take on what’s next—travel truly is the ultimate productivity hack!
The Solo Travel Game-Changer
One thing I’ve learned in my years of traveling: solo travel is a total game-changer! If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out. Sure, dining solo started out feeling like an awkward first date with myself, but now? I’m all about it.
Solo travel is empowering—you meet incredible people, savor new flavors, and dive head first into different cultures. From forging friendships in Germany and Spain to soaking up life lessons in Abu Dhabi, these moments are pure gold.
And it wasn’t all work and no play. I embraced my inner yogi and found my zen on the sun-kissed beaches of Alicante (my favorite city in Spain). Plus, my kitchen has turned into “Flavor Town” as I’ve been whipping up dishes inspired by my journeys.
This topic will certainly be a spotlight/blog item in a future newsletter as I can discuss its benefits for pages and pages.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I look ahead to 2025, the vision is clear: - More travel adventures, - Expanding my reach to help even more people plan their dream getaways, - Continue to leverage travel’s mental resets to stay sharp and focused, driving career growth in my full time job. - monthly newsletter, launching a new youtube channel, and more. - And unveiling an exciting new zen escape project that’s bound to be a game- changer for folks looking to escape big city life. Stay tuned—big things are coming!
I’m also thrilled to launch my new travel website and blog, www.roamandshine.com, where I’ll share the magic of exploring the world and all the good vibes that come with it. It’s all about finding inspiration in new places, celebrating different cultures, and living life with that New Yorker hustle-meets-wanderlust energy. Let’s hit the road together and make some unforgettable stories! 🌍✨
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we step into December, I want to take a moment to thank my friends, family, and supporters for being part of this wild ride so far. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season that’s safe, joyful, and full of magic. Here’s to a New Year bursting with adventure,growth, and maybe a few more passport stamps along the way.