2025 Travel Wrapped – What I learned

2025 was quite the year! Here’s my 2025 Travel Wrapped! I led 5 group trips and made it to Asia (Japan specifically) for the first time. I also took a couple solo trips (Costa Rica and Mexico City) and also a mother daughter trip to Puerto Rico. Aside from visiting new and familiar places, and learning about them, I learned a lot about myself. In fact I always think that is what truly makes travel special. Here are some of the things I learned this in 2025. What did you learn through your travels this year?

1. January 2025:

Destination/s:

What I learned:

I learned that NYC is a place I should visit more, good friends are those who put a blow up mattress on their floor and make you coffee in the morning. I learned that the ocean heals me and that as much as I love new places, I love going back to the places I’ve traveled before and going deeper.

2. Feb 2025

Destination/s:

Havana and Viñales Cuba ( Group trip)

What I learned:

Cuba is a land of resistance and resilience. Struggling with simple things such as access to food and medicine, and power outages, Cubans show up with strength and patience daily. I was reminded how to be resilient. And how we can find joy in (literal) dark moments. I was also reminded how to find beauty in the mundane.

3. April 2025

Destination/s:

Mexico City, Mexico (solo trip)

What I learned:

I have never been a fan of big cities. They overwhelm me, streets, sidewalks and endless traffic. But I LOVED Mexico City. It felt manageable, walkable and full of green space. I also realized that I need nature for my physical and mental health. Luckily hiking is easily accessible from the city. I also was reminded how much I love solo travel. In 2021, I made it a goal to travel somewhere new in Mexico each year, and this was my 4th solo location.

4. May 2025

Destination/s:

Puerto Rico (mom and daughter trip)

Costa Rica (solo trip)

What I learned:

I had the blessing of traveling with my daughter to Puerto Rico (our 4th time there) and also to travel somewhere completely new – Costa Rica. I learned that time with my kids is the most precious thing, and I feel truly blessed to be able to travel with them. And along the way I have learned that having something in common with someone and being in love is not enough to sustain a relationship.

I was also reminded that we don’t lose ourselves as we get older, we are just told we should hide ourselves.

5. August 2025

Destination/s:

Japan (family trip)

What I learned:

I have had the dream of visiting Japan since I was a kid. And no matter how much I read, or what I learned, I was reminded that you cannot know something until you experience it.And I’ve always loved experiencing a place through food, dance, art, nature, language, clothes. 

It’s also a reminder to stop making assumptions, to refrain from judgement and stereotypes. And that traveling with family is also a blessing. But it’s important to leave room for each other to just be.

6. October 2025

Destination/s:

Mexico City (group trip)

What I learned:

My mom came on this trip with me and it was such a blessing! To have a mom who supports and sees you is huge and I hope I can do the same for my kids. Also seeing your parents enjoy life as they get older is also a huge blessing. I lost my dad 17 years ago and I often think how much he would enjoy the places I’m traveling to.

7. Nov – Dec 2025

Destination/s:

Oaxaca City, Mexico

What I learned:

I stayed for almost two months. I will have to write a much longer chapter about what I learned during that time because it was quite profound, but here’s a snippet:

I learned that to move forward you have to let go fully of the past. And in that empty space, in that void, is everything you need. There isn’t a lack, but an abundance. And it’s where you can reclaim yourself.

What did you learn in 2025?

Ready to take your travels to another level in 2026? Join me on a group trip! Now booking Mexico City, and Oaxaca. PLUS coming soon…Cuba in Feb 2027.