by

Caryn Connolly

(written on March 26, 2026)

Deep within you is a calling

a yearning

an understanding that you belong

even though you might feel disconnected

disjointed

unwelcomed by your family of origin

You make small connections within your environment

wherever you can

by joining a group

making new friends

thinking bigger than your immediate circle

but the connection is superficial

The very cells in your body put forth the call

an unexplained ache

a sharp piercing pain without explanation

a random thought about a person or place

from lifetimes ago

which sparks new adventure

An internal voice tries to stop you from proceeding

through a sudden fear

an increase in your heart rate

wildly swirling thoughts that go nowhere

memories of past times when you tried to expand

and failed

But your lineage is part of you

cannot be denied

though you try consciously to ignore it

your ancestors are relying on you

don’t give up now

right before the awareness

Awareness leads to healing

only the first step

of many

tugs on your heart strings

and leads to massive liberation

for all

You are the Lineage Holder

the one who speaks for those

who have no voice

feels for those who have no body

speaks the healing words

into the void

You touch everyone you meet

some who only hear rumors of your existence

or feel your energy in passing

in ways that are unknown

in the present

but heal past, present, and future lineages

You are the Lineage Holder

worthy of healing

confident of your path

though you know not where it leads

to whom it leads

or what the ultimate outcome will be

This business and website has been in flux since I decided not to sell travel. It seems like I left at just the right time, considering all the current issues with travel and the wars that are happening. I struggled with that decision for years before I finally made it.

As soon as I let go of the energy that was going to “trying” to sell travel, I freed up that energy. It led to me finally having my creativity flow. I started with becoming a member in an art therapy membership, which led to creating art.

It became clear that I really do enjoy writing. Writing was my first love, and I gave it up in 2002 after I self-published my Chinese spy romantic suspense novel. You can buy the paperback or ebook here. I was surprised to see the ebook listed on Apple Books as well. I still think it’s a great story—but I gave up on writing for 23 years.

I decided that I wanted to write but didn’t know what I wanted to write about. It’s my firm opinion that “writer’s block” is really not knowing what you want to write yet or what to include. After joining some writing communities and starting some journaling exercises from some online coaching courses, I finally knew what I wanted to write—although the other types of writing and ideas are still coming.

I am focused on writing an ancestral healing manuscript. Once I made that decision, something clicked in my mind, and I’ve been committed to the point I’ve been spending a lot of time working on it and not on Substack writing articles. I even had the brief thought of each section I was writing being a separate article, but I really feel that I prefer it eventually being a book. It is taking on a life of its own. I started with my own experiences but am including channeling and exercises based on over 30 years of reading and personal experiences that are coalescing into an idea that can help to unify people in understanding the importance of healing for themselves and ultimately the world.

Forty thousand words later, and I know this is inspired and meaningful and will make a difference in people’s lives. I know enough about myself to know that I need to complete one creative project before moving onto the next.

That is one aspect of what will end up being part of Balanced Explorations.

Another idea came in a few days ago after I attended a mala necklace-making workshop.

In camaraderie, I worked with other women in a yoga studio to create a mala bead necklace. For me, it was meaningful, as I am a practicing Buddhist. While chatting with the others, I silently said a mantra with each bead I strung. I infused it with the prayer energy of a specific Buddha I work with. This one is for my own use.

As I finished it, it popped into my head and out of my mouth that it was fun making this and that I could easily make some and I could see myself making so many necklaces and bracelets that I would “have to” sell them. I was encouraged, and I admit that more ideas started to flow.

Bracelets infused with reiki energy. (I am a Usui and Karuna reiki master teacher.) Mala necklaces made while listening to the prayers of the certain Buddha and saying the mantras while stringing the beads.

And a new idea was born. I went online to buy a few basic supplies to get started. They haven’t arrived yet, but I will start creating these in the coming weeks. I am open for preorders. Message me for details.

I want to share a video I took of the snow in the backyard after the storm ended. The snow in the trees and the sound of the wind chimes drew me. I originally intended to take a photo, but I could not get out the back door far enough to take the photo I wanted to take. There were also huge icicles hanging right over the door. They aren’t likely to fall today when it’s below freezing, but I don’t think I can fit beneath them without doubling over.

What prompted this was a memory I have from high school. I was in art class. I wanted to be a fashion designer at that time, and I had done a watercolor painting of a woman in a green dress.

The art teacher told me my painting was great. I don’t remember how the class was graded, but it would be a high grade. Then, I told her it was watercolor, and her whole attitude changed. Suddenly, the painting that was so good 30 seconds earlier was now deficient because I laid the paint on a little thick and it looked more like acrylic paints to her.

All of a sudden, my art was no longer “good” or “right” and was something to be corrected or punished by a lower grade.

It was confusing to me. I’ll admit. It also happened a very long time ago.

I thought I might still have the painting and went to look for it. I do have some artwork that is even older than this painting. But, I couldn’t find it. Otherwise, I would have included the photo here.

Fast forward about 10 years.

I had been writing for much of that time and had written three romance manuscripts with the editorial assistance of my sister. I chose to publish one of them—For Love of Country—in 2002.

It was self-published, and, of course, pre-Facebook and internet. I knew no one. I was interviewed for my local newspaper. My book was also reviewed by Romantic Times Magazine.

I still remember the one-star review and the comment “It was no mystery.” That was accurate. I never said it was a mystery. I still don’t know why they gave it to a mystery reviewer.

That one-star review and the 13 total copies of my book sold led my mind to form the belief that writing is not worthwhile, effectively meaningless, and will never make any money so why bother doing it. (The book is still available through my publisher's website as a trade paperback and an ebook if you are curious.)

That could have been the end of the story. But instead, my writing progressed throughout my educational and work life.

I wrote for The Stute, the school newspaper at Stevens Institute of Technology when I attended there. I wrote engineering inspection reports as an engineer. I wrote a law review Note as an editor of the Vermont Law Review when I attended law school at Vermont Law and Graduate School. I write motions and briefs as an attorney.

I have written so many facebook posts since January 2008.

All of these things sharpened my skills as a writer and prevented that “dream” from completely dying.

I kept signing up for courses about how to write your book or your screenplay.

But still, I didn’t write.

I truly believed the teacher and the book reviewer had killed my creativity and that there was no value in it.

Now, I wanted to write, but I couldn’t think of anything to write. There was a self-imposed block based on the external opinions of others instead of my own opinion of the worth of my writing.

I read a few pages of my book at a virtual open mic night a few years ago, and people seemed to like it and wanted to hear more—not enough to buy it, though. More importantly, I liked it. I still think it’s a good story and well-written. Despite a few very obvious typos I missed in the multiple rounds of edits.

I kept signing up for the writer’s bootcamps and the writer’s communities. Kept attending courses on screenwriting and other forms of writing because I don’t really know what the final form of my creativity would look like. Ultimately, I don’t think it matters.

The point is, I started writing again. I have Scrivener for my manuscript and Final Draft for the Verticals and Hallmark-style movies I want to write. I am actually over 8,000 words into a first draft in Scrivener and, more importantly, feel as if I’m making progress on the writing journey.

But, I couldn’t force it. I had to want to write. I had to be committed to a consistent practice.

This is proof that my creativity has not died. It was lying dormant for almost 25 years, but it is still there.

That means your creativity is still there and can be reawakened whenever you decide. And, no one is going to force you to be creative if you’re happy with your life as is. You might be getting what you need from other aspects of your life. I just want to make sure you know that it is never too late to start up again, whether it is drawing, painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. You deserve to treat yourself well and let your internal voice determine what you do and not an outside naysayer.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but all these (and many more) travel experiences were contributing to the development of my mission. I was feeling into a new and better way of traveling. Why not experience things that average people would not find value in? Why not enjoy the finer things in life? Why not help facilitate those same experiences for others?

I lost my job just before the pandemic began. I started going to networking meetings. It was almost a compulsion. I think I attended five networking meetings in seven days. I was supposed to attend a large local networking meeting, usually attended by 80-100 people in a relatively small room, when I heard the rumblings about Covid-19 and thought that maybe it wasn’t a good idea to go to that event.

Within a week, we were in lockdown.

At that time, no one knew what was going to happen. I still wanted to keep and expand a travel business, but the rumblings at the back of my mind that I didn’t want to work for free compelled me to switch my allegiance to a luxury host agency.

It wasn’t merely a change of agencies. It was a travel school with real business training and people who share a similar spiritual philosophy to me. One of the things taught is to regularly meditate for 20 minutes a day! This host was perfect for me!

But the uncertainty associated with Covid-19 was making me feel that it was wrong to facilitate travel because I could be causing the travelers harm. I thought deeply on karma. Was I taking on the karma for their actions and experience if something were to happen to them because I booked their trip? I don’t believe that is possible. I do realize that there could always be unintended consequences of any action, but to fail to take any action because there could be a negative result leads to the worst kind of stagnation.

I had access to the best travel experiences that money could buy and a fear to take on new clients because travel might cause them harm!

In mid-2021, I finally registered my LLC under the name Balanced Explorations.

It was not easy to come up with the name.

I thought deeply on what I stand for and want my company to stand for. My zodiac sign is Libra. I believe sustainability is critical in our current world. “Balanced” came to mind when I thought of Libra and sustainability. The process of deciding on a name took several days, but in the end, I was satisfied with my choice.

I had the opportunity to take three trips in 2021 when I hadn’t been anywhere in over two years. They were amazing, luxurious, and unexpected. My heart had been aching to fly somewhere new. I love being above the clouds and seeing the sun rise or set. I was traveling so often over such a short period that I was becoming quite familiar with JFK airport. It started to feel like my second home. I upgraded to first class on a couple of flight segments and was able to achieve frequent flyer status after only two trips.

After my adventure in Greece, I realized that I would need to go back to work in order to fully fund my business and give it the attention it deserved.

I began a wholehearted job search. There is no shame in having a full-time job and having your business be your overflow. That is what I desire. I need to feel fully creative and express myself through my travel business.

I recently decided that starting a new YouTube Channel named after my business and focusing solely on luxury travel would make the most sense for me. I am now more intentional with my time and energy. The job gives me structure and a framework within which I can work to build my business.

It is so easy to forget, but the most important lesson that travel teaches us is that the world is bigger than OUR corner of the world. My goal is to open people’s minds to what is available to them if they are willing to look. There is so much more than can even be imagined.

When people travel to new places, they move outside their normal cares and concerns to see with a wider lens. There is more than any one person can imagine, and the only way to experience even a fraction of it is to go there for themselves and see and realize that they can’t rely on other people’s interpretations.

My ambition is to create unique ways to explore the world for those interested in a 5-Star travel experience. I have access to the best experiences, the most custom and exclusive opportunities, and the most elite hotel programs.

Additionally, I feel that when people look for a more meaningful travel experience they will find it. Whether it be more socially-conscious travel, heritage travel, travel based on ethnicity estimates, or DNA, all of these are ways to expand a person’s mind and view of the world and everyone in it.

An hour or two before my birthday dinner, I started to make my way towards the beach. I browsed in a few stores and picked up some souvenirs before being drawn to a crowd of people and some Hawaiian music coming from a courtyard near one of the major hotels. The strains of ukulele and voices singing in Hawaiian entranced me. A man in the audience and several others started dancing hula. It was obvious to me that the dancer and the singers knew each other and were able to move in tandem with the sheer joy of moving to their native sounds. My heart took flight. I stayed in the crowd until the music ended.

Then, I walked over to the little table they had set up and bought a CD that had my favorite song on it. I told them it was my birthday, and they signed it for me. When I returned home, I immediately started making playlists of their other albums for when I feel the urge to be in Hawaii.

I was staying a couple of blocks from Waikiki Beach in a studio apartment on the 22nd floor with two lanai and views of both the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. Because there was no air conditioning, I kept both glass doors open at night to maximize the Tradewinds.. Prior to my arrival, I booked a couple of VIP experiences because I wanted to create memories that would last a lifetime and not leave it to chance.

The second day I was there, I scheduled an appointment with a private hula dancing and lei-making instructor who came directly to my accommodations with all the necessary supplies. She brought a lei to wear around the neck with her but helped me create the haku lei worn like a crown on the head. When I finished that project, she taught me a simple hula dance. I asked her to record my performance.You can watch it here on my You Tube Channel. (I must have known even then that someday I could use it for marketing purposes. LOL.) I kept those leis in the refrigerator and wore them for several days as I wandered around Waikiki. I received so many compliments and smiles from random people on the street.

The next morning, a van picked me up outside the hotel across the street from my building and dropped me off at a museum specializing in Hawaiian history and culture. This was my “VIP day.” I was so excited. It included lunch and an acacia wood bowl that I still have. The most exciting part of the day was when I was granted access to their private collections. Seeing artifacts right in front of me and not separated by glass made this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

I stood over an exquisite feather cape worn at one point by Hawaiian royalty. The cape was in pristine condition. The feathers were a bright yellow. I stared in awe. This was a unique piece of history that could never be duplicated due to those particular birds being extinct.

What was really meaningful for me, though, was the large collection of model boats. There were sailing vessels and canoes, rows of shelves filled with them. Some appeared to be hundreds of years old. What made them significant for me is that I studied naval engineering in undergrad and had always admired the model hulls that rested on shelves against the walls of the long room that housed the towing tank. Right after I graduated, I went to Maine and purchased my own small model hull of a sailing vessel that currently hangs on a wall in my living room.

The things we do and the places we visit remind us of where we have been and who we are, but at the same time, they open our eyes to what lies beyond our current reality. Travel opens our eyes to the way other people live. It allows us to see and experience more than we would if we never left our houses and the towns or cities where we grew up. There is so much more out there to be, know, and do, and it all starts with traveling the world. That is one of the main reasons I am so fascinated by travel and desire to share the experience with others. And making the experience luxury elevates it further. (To be continued. . . )

I chose to join a group excursion—a quilter’s tour. I’m not a quilter, but as an artist I have a real appreciation for art and textiles and had the desire to experience the culture. In sustainability circles, they call it a sense of place, that indefinable something that differentiates it from all others.

Since I was a teenager, I had been watching Japanese soap operas on public television, and my mother had peppered our apartment with antique Japanese dolls she found at flea markets and thrift stores. While in Japan, I saw updated versions of the identical dolls we had when I was growing up.

Cranes are used a lot in Japanese art and tales to represent long life. There is even a story of a girl making 1,000 origami cranes to commemorate Hiroshima. I love the symbolism and sea birds in general. When, in the same store that sold the dolls, I found a yukata, or cotton robe, made in a vibrant crisp dark blue cotton fabric with white cranes, I knew it would be coming home with me.

Later that week, I visited a studio where I was dressed in junihitoe by two women.These layered silk robes have been worn by Japanese empresses for hundreds of years. I felt quite pampered as I stood there for close to an hour as multiple layers of heavy silk were draped one over the other to the point where I could not physically move even if I wanted to. A cameraman took photos the entire time. I purchased the package with three photos included but didn’t realize until afterward that I would have no say in their selection. I didn’t even get to see them in advance. The photographer chose the ones he wanted. I discovered the aesthetic in Japan is quite different from that in the United States, and if given the option, I probably would not have chosen any of those images.

By visiting another culture, I realized that viewpoints vary depending upon many factors, including where in the world you grow up, your personal experiences, and the collective history of the people you share a culture with. I remember the women telling me through the translation app on my phone that they were happy I was there. Many of the younger Japanese people were not interested in their culture, and the women were afraid it would be extinguished.

It is fascinating how perspectives differ from one region to the next. However, if no one ever left their hometown, this valuable wisdom would never be discovered.

I first encountered heated toilet seats with “washlets” aka bidets on that Japanese vacation. Living in Vermont, where winter lasts a good six months, I decided to buy one for my new house a year and a half later. It’s part of integrating little luxuries into my everyday life and not waiting for when I “travel.” Inconsequential items—like a $300 toilet seat—can effortlessly elevate your lifestyle.

Two free days in Kyoto before returning home gave me the space to explore on my own. I have been a reiki master since 2009, and when I realized I was within an hour of the location where reiki was discovered, I knew I had to visit. I took a subway and two trains to reach Kurama. The last train was one I could only describe as a light rail with very large windows that felt like a ski resort’s enclosed gondola. It went straight through the mountains which reminded me of rural Vermont. As we moved further away from Kyoto, I started to see snow on the ground.

When the train arrived in Kurama, my first stop was the steps leading up to the temple. In my research, I discovered another temple further in the woods beyond the temple at the mountain’s summit, but, to my disappointment, the trail was closed due to snow. I made my way up the numerous stairs. It was an arduous climb. There was a gondola going to the summit, which I took on the way down to save time.

Along the way, there were small prayer bundles for sale, but what I remember purchasing when I arrived at the temple and breathed in the peaceful quiet of the rarefied air was a mala bead bracelet and a book that opened up like an accordion made of one piece of paper. I didn’t quite understand the purpose of the book. I think people collected them from the different temples they visited, but I’m not sure what they wrote in them, if anything. I chose to use it for notes during my Buddhist studies at home. It seemed an appropriate use for a souvenir bought at a Buddhist temple.

I peered into a nondescript building as I began my gradual descent towards the gondola. Taking off my boots to go inside felt inconvenient, so I stood in the doorway and stared in awe at the massive golden Buddha statute that must have been over ten feet tall. I wanted to go in, but I knew the day was slipping away. It was a priority for me to go down the street to the traditional onsen and soak in the hot springs before heading back to my hotel in the city.

I used the GPS in my phone and a hotspot I rented to find the onsen. I was excited to experience the outdoor hot springs in the winter—it was only 35 degrees outside. But first, I purchased the full dinner, changed into a robe, and sat at the low table in the dining room to eat the hearty meal.

The hot springs were segregated into male and female sections, and as is customary, people went in naked. There was an area to the side with soap and hand showers to wash off before going in. I believe I was the only non-Japanese person in the outdoor pool. I felt outside of my comfort zone because in the United States I would never consider doing anything naked in public. It is one of the cultural differences I overcame that allowed me to participate despite my initial discomfort. I sat in the warm water as the smoke from the heat of the water rose on the crisp cool air.

Then, I went inside where there were three pools and began to chat with a woman from Europe. Each pool was a different temperature. When I moved from one pool to the next, I realized it was a cold plunge pool. Evidently, you go in the hot water first and then you jump in the cold water.

Afterwards, I changed into my robe and went upstairs to the meditation room. They had massage chairs you could use for a 100 yen coin while observing a glorious view of the mountains through large floor to ceiling picture windows. They also had mats laid out on the floor. I selected one and rested for a little while. I could have stayed much longer, but I saw the sun was getting lower in the sky and knew I had to take two trains and a subway to reach my hotel.

A private tea ceremony followed by an ikebana, flower arranging, class were two other experiences that were a priority for me in Japan. The flower arranging class was very enlightening. I realized how Japanese and American approaches to floral arrangement were diametrically opposed. For the Japanese, it is all about using the different flowers and branches and heights in a certain aesthetic. Its patterning was very simple and prescribed. I have taken flower arranging workshops in the United States where the goal is to learn just enough to make your floral design free-form and NOT to follow a certain aesthetic. We learn so that we can break the rules, and they learn so that they can follow and master the rules. (To be continued. . . )

That first spring and summer, I spent most of my weekends completing training for travel suppliers and learning all about destinations and properties—but not so much about the business of running a business.

Growing up, I was not exposed to people who owned businesses. My only role models were my mother, a stay-at-home mom, and my father who went to work every night and brought home the money to support the entire household. Although I had a strong desire to have a business, I had no real knowledge about the expense or logistics of what that actually entailed.

It would be inaccurate to call me a beginner, however. After high school, I fantasized about running my own business to the point where I planned out several business concepts. I later attended a university that encouraged an entrepreneurial mindset and surrounded myself with business and coaching professionals. Despite taking many business-related courses, I did nothing concrete with the knowledge I gained.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right, though.

Every time I saw “My services are free.” on the agency’s marketing materials, I would cringe. I felt the resistance building up in my throat as I held back the scream that ached to be released, “No! I don’t work for free!”

I’m not sure why it was such a big deal to me, but it was. I didn’t want to feel like I was begging clients for every dollar. I had a job that paid the bills, but I still wanted to create my own unlimited abundance.

My love of travel wanted to express in a way that could be shared with others and encourage them to have similar experiences. My strong desire emerged to show people that there is much more to life than what they may have been exposed to in their formative years. More than anything I desire to be an uplifter of people..

I still recall my enthusiasm for the month I would be living and studying in Nuremberg, Germany. While standing in a corner deli in a small town, I encountered an older woman who exclaimed, “I’ve never left this state!” She seemed very proud of herself, and it was obvious that she could not comprehend why someone would want to leave the place they were born--even briefly. I really wanted to tell her that she should hire someone to drive her to the neighboring state since it was only 20-25 minutes away, but it was clear that she had no desire to venture beyond her immediate surroundings. (To be continued. . . .)

One of the important purposes in reading is to expose yourself to new ideas.

I follow the New Kadampa Tradition and was curious as to the differences in what I have learned so far in my spiritual journey with what Kodo has learned. I find it interesting that Kodo also identifies as "spiritual" despite being trained as a monk.

One particular quote stuck out to me: "After traveling abroad, I had a powerful realization: my suffering was because I'd lived only by the values of the places I'd grown up."

Anybody who has been following me for a while might know that I feel really strongly about the importance of exploring the world. When you travel to new places, you encounter new people and ways of being. You grow and expand as a person, and, I believe, you also become a better person who is more compassionate and understanding of the ways of the world.

This book focuses on Kodo's gender identity, sexuality, and cultural/spiritual journeys. I am choosing to refer to Kodo by name only because Kodo identifies as both male and female. That really is the essence of Buddhism if we are all made of the same "stuff."

Kodo describes a Buddhist way of life that includes married priests and female priests and the psyche of a Japanese person in struggle to express an individual identity within a collective culture. The book shows a change and progression from pain and isolation to joy and feeling accepted--while at the same time showing Kodo as a human being whose flaws did not all magically disappear just because Kodo became a monk.

This book is a window into a culture and spiritual journey that in some ways is not common in the Westernized world, but the themes are current and relevant.

From the time I was young, I was told that I was half-Sicilian (my mother's side), and English, Irish, and Dutch (on my Dad's side).

What they don't tell you about the DNA tests is that they are based on the people they know have a long history in one place who happen to have taken their test. You might be amazed and surprised to see a new area of the world when you look at your ethnicity estimates for the first time.

I took two tests--Ancestry DNA (which I will probably share an affiliate link for soon) and 23andMe. I personally found the Ancestry DNA test more accurate while the 23andMe test had many regions that were "broadly" European, which could mean anywhere. Ancestry has a much larger database.

An area of the travel industry that is growing is called Heritage Travel. This is when you plan trips to places where your ancestors came from. . . . But where did your ancestors come from? How can you really know for sure? And how far back are you willing to go?

As a case in point, last year, my Ethnicity Estimates from Ancestry were recalculated. It said I was 2% Greek. Now, I had never really had an interest in Greece. I had a professor once in engineering school who told me that "Greek. Italian. It's the same thing."

An opportunity came for me to take a 10-day cruise to Greece last Fall, and I enjoyed it so much. I felt a connection to Crete and Delphi where the famous Oracle was located. I told myself a story that it was because I was 2% Greek. You can see a beautiful Greek sunset off the Temple of Poseidon on my You Tube Channel.

Just this week, my Ethnicity Estimate was updated. Now, there is no Greek. I am 50% Italian (as I knew), although 6% of that is from Northern Italy. Now, I am 11% Scottish and 2% from Sweden and Denmark. When I click on the information for Sweden and Denmark, it claims that some of these people are English, which I know I am.

So, as you can see from my illustration, you cannot necessarily rely on a DNA test to tell you where you originated or what your genetic make up is, but it can still be useful.

There is Heritage Travel as I mentioned earlier, but also a more spiritual type of travel for those who feel a connection with a particular country or place in a country whether they have a connection in this lifetime with it or not.

One of the sustainable travel principles is a sense of place. Some areas feel special to you even if they don't feel special to people you know. The energy varies from place to place. Some will feel like home even if you have never been there before.

I personally enjoy the longer length of cruise because it eliminates the need to keep packing and unpacking or to have to ruffle through your suitcase. It is nice to have a '"home base" so to speak from which to explore a different port every day. There were two housekeeping services per day--one in the morning and a turn-down service in the evening. They left a bowl of fruit in the room to snack on between meals--although with the restaurants, Yacht Club (more informal snacking and drinks), and 24 hour room service (which I didn't try due to all the other options available)--it wasn't really necessary beyond the first day or two when getting the lay of the ship.

Since this blog post is about my experience with Windstar, I'll focus on a few of the more memorable aspects of the cruise.

1. They were aware that I had a birthday around the time of my cruise because I mentioned it to the agent when paying my invoice. He said he would put it on my booking. On the first evening, I found a card in my room asking me to call reception to schedule my "birthday celebration."

The cake tasted even better after it had time to thaw!

2. The spa was a truly amazing experience. The second day on the ship was a day at sea. I have really wanted a great deep tissue massage, which has been difficult to find the past couple of years. I found it at the spa on the Windstar Star Legend. I had a one and a half hour deep tissue massage with Nanette. She was able to release a lot of muscular tension that other massage therapists had left behind. Following my massage I was able to lie on amazing tiled beds that were heated to help to continue to release the muscle tension. On another occasion. I used the dry sauna and then relaxed on the beds again.

There are obviously many more things I could share, but for today, this will give you a taste of what I enjoyed about this yacht cruise.

But how many people take the time to think and feel into what they want to do and where they want to go?

It's not about an Instagram-worthy photo.

In fact, you just might find yourself in a place that doesn't have good WI-FI. Nothing is worse than having the perfect photo, or video, or live queued up and being unable to share it with the world.

At least, that is what we have been taught to believe.

I see travel differently. More importantly, I hope to help YOU see travel differently.

I'm all for culture and "seeing the sites," but do we all have to see all the sites? Could there perhaps not be a better way to choose our itinerary based on what we will personally enjoy the most?

Like any other aspects of our lives, we can add the creative touch to our travel experiences.

While you can do this yourself if you have the inclination and time, this is where a travel advisor can be most helpful. An advisor is someone who gets to know you and what you truly desire from your travel experiences and has the knowledge, expertise, and contacts to get it done.

Creativity can be exercised in any aspect of your life. Why not travel, too?

Have you considered trying something new? Going to a place or at a time of year that "people" say is not the best?

I still remember what a great time I had with my sister in Venice, Italy, in August of 2008. It wasn't "smelly." I didn't mind having other tourists around. I got to explore at my leisure and ride the ferries to my heart's content. I was able to spend time with my sister who enjoys the same types of things I do. I needed to be a little creative with the timing, where we stayed (needed to take a train in), the length of the trip, and other aspects of the trip due to budget. My sister trusted me to do all the planning and just tell her how much she had to pay. We even managed to get our gondola ride which seemed out of reach due to cost. You never know what adventures you will be able to partake of when you allow time for spontaneity.

I'm sharing the image of one of my vision boards with you as an example of a creative endeavor that can be used to help you open up to your subconscious wishes and used as one way to get you on the path to making travel creative. Allow your dreams to bubble up to the surface so that you can start to make them come true

.

In recent years, corporations have increased their focus on Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR"). Codes of Corporate Social Responsibility (“Codes”) have become quite common. But how much do they actually mean in the marketplace? When corporations voluntarily create a Code, they are stepping over the line of rhetoric and solidifying a promise to their entire supply chain—from suppliers to consumers and the communities where the corporations are located.

The Note provides an overview of how the courts treat Codes and discusses the Code as an implied-in-fact contract with consumers who rely upon a corporation’s written statements when they make purchases or other economic decisions. Courts must hold that Codes are implied-in-fact contracts if Codes are to be taken seriously by the corporations that create them. Important policy reasons--such as the goodwill of the consumer—make it imperative for the corporations to take their Codes as seriously as their customers do.

Over the past several years, I have seen changes in the travel industry that feel like progress. When it comes to the mode of travel you choose and even which travel partner you choose to work with, the adherence to sustainability principles varies widely. It cannot be stressed enough that the overall trend seems to be towards becoming more sustainable and not less.

Since the Note was first written, the term "ESG" has really taken over for "CSR." This stands for Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance. The term acknowledges the various aspects that have become a more standard part of all corporations. Much of the hospitality business is comprised of large corporations that develop ESG programs across their entire portfolio of hotels, resorts, their corporate headquarters, etc. While they may implement some projects such as recycling, reducing water use, and reduction of single use plastic, that may be the extent of it and is often the minimum standard in most hotels.

As consumers demand a greater accountability on the part of corporations and require the corporations to abide by their written Codes, the written documents will be held to the higher standard of a contract instead of being viewed only in terms of misleading advertising and consumer protection laws. Consumers are more savvy now. They watch for issues and are more vocal in expressing their displeasure and/or taking their business elsewhere. Those who put a priority on minimizing harm to the environment, employees, and the areas where resorts are located will take a closer look at how important those same values are to the companies they do business with.

While there is not currently one standardized authority that creates consistency in sustainability practices, many of the principles overlap among the various certification bodies. In future blog posts, I will talk more about this topic.

Seeing the photos of myself spinning with the sheer joy of traveling and not having any responsibilities made me feel light inside and reminded me of one of the main purposes of traveling: We should enjoy it!

Travel should not be a chore. It should not be a checklist of sites you feel required to see. The purpose of travel should not be to impress your neighbors or people you don't know in real life on social media.

Travel is for you and you alone. Yes, you might travel with others. Just make sure you leave time for you and what you enjoy.

I personally enjoy being by the water. I was not on a shore excursion. Because the Windstar Star Legend was a small ship, I was able to walk right into the town and explore. Exploring is one of the things I most love to do while traveling. Discovering fun shops and exotic angles for photos of buildings that may or may not be on most peoples' "must see" list is another.

I have purposefully ignored popular sites just because I am not interested in them.

I encourage you to explore what lights you up and brings you joy when planning your next vacation. If it doesn't make you want to spin around and smile, why do it? Meanwhile, be sure to bring joy and lightness to every moment of your life

Archaeological site in Greece.

Back in the day, the sole purpose of a corporation was to make money for its stakeholders. Who were the stakeholders, you ask? Why, the shareholders, of course. Those were the only people who mattered. The goal was to make the most money without consideration for people, place, or environment.

I am happy to say that things have changed since then. It started with Corporate Social Responsibility. More lately, the term "ESG" has come into vogue. Environmental, social, and corporate governance ("ESG") is the term more commonly used, and the travel industry is getting on board big time.

There is now also a newer form of corporation known as a "B Corp" which allows the corporation to also focus on the social good when making decisions and use a portion of profits towards those goals. Isn't it great that there is a way for a corporation to do some good without being accused of misusing shareholder profits?

Back to ESG. As the years have passed, the environment and climate change have been a more pressing concern for everyone. Many of the newer (or refurbished) hotels and resorts are finding ways to revamp their HVAC systems and cut back on single-use plastics. It is common to have the choice to either have daily sheet and towel changes or to go several days between changes. It might seem like a small change on the individual level, but we often forget that there are hundreds of rooms which may be fully booked. That small change on each traveler's part can lead to a huge change in volume of water and watts of electricity used in a week, for example. Some resorts offer refillable water bottles with water stations throughout. Fresh, local, and organic produce can increase local employment, make for healthier choices in a farm-to-table restaurant, and reduce use of pesticides by choosing more sustainable options.

The benefits to society will vary depending on the property and its goals. For travelers who prioritize ESG goals in their day-tp-day lives, there are increasingly more options available to choose from. There are now entire countries--such as Switzerland--that are prioritizing sustainability. Travelers can explore new destinations, resorts, and restaurants in a way that they can feel good about. It might not be perfect yet, but done is better than perfect. If travelers want more sustainable options, they need to take advantage of the options that are available. Travelers can vote with their dollars (or whatever currency used) and let the entire industry know how important ESG is to them and, as a result, lead to more options in the future.

The point I'm trying to make is that luxury is different for everyone. There are some parts of luxury travel that apply nearly universally. For example, luxury travel is highly customized (or could be). The customization means you get it your way (with some caveats). You get personal attention. You get assistance when you are in a jam. This is especially true when working with a luxury travel advisor. You feel more at ease knowing that you don't have to take care of everything yourself.

When your trip is planned using one of a travel advisor's preferred partners, you can rest assured there is a whole team of people who have your back.

Luxury travel is an investment in yourself. Travel experiences expand your consciousness to include the entire world. You can't help but notice that you are not the center of the world and there is so much more out there than you might be exposed to in your everyday life.

There are no limits except those you place on yourself.

You are worthy of luxury in everything you do--including travel

Room service breakfast at the Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Cities are starting to jump on board with being more sustainable. The goal isn't necessarily to become known as a sustainable tourist destination, but as people realize the importance of sustainability for our futures and the future of the earth, I do believe that they will draw more tourists who are concerned with the many things that entails.

I live in Burlington, Vermont, and when I became a member of the Conservation Board, I realized that Burlington is even more of a special place than I had thought. Despite being on the shores of Lake Champlain, it has other goals that might not conform to other lakeside cities. Sure, it has its share of marinas, boardwalks, and bike trails, but it also has a goal of becoming a net zero city by 2030. New construction is already including electrification and eliminating fossil fuel use. The city is aiming to be more bike and pedestrian friendly and updates are slated to continue in the coming years. Some city buses are electric.

The city also focuses on nature-based climate solutions. These might include planting rain gardens, using motion sensor lights, low light conditions to prevent disturbance of wildlife, and planting native species instead of invasives. New zoning ordinances change parking requirements from minimums to maximums and are being incorporated into new construction projects. It is a really exciting time to witness these changes first hand. There are several hotels slated to be built as well, and with these net zero goals in place, they are likely to include at least some energy efficiencies.

I was very excited to see that Los Angeles Tourism has become a member of Global Sustainable Tourism Council ("GSTC"). This opens them up to making a bigger difference in both making Los Angeles a better place to live and making it more attractive for visitors. This is a new endeavor that is still in the early planning stages. This membership gives Los Angeles the ability to create a framework that will protect, conserve, and support their communities and continue to make the destination an enjoyable place to visit.

Los Angeles is undergoing the GSTC Destination Sustainability Assessment using GSTC criteria. The criteria are comprised of four different aspects: sustainable management, cultural sustainability, socio-economic sustainability, and environmental sustainability. While the planning is guaranteed to take years--and the implementation likely longer--it will be worth it to preserve that sense of place that makes Los Angeles special.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit Los Angeles for the second time in 2021. It is not difficult to find healthy food options, especially locally grown foods used in the restaurants. With the Pacific Ocean and beaches nearby, it is an idyllic travel option that has a little something for everyone. Making sure those natural areas are protected, the financial viability of the area is sustainable, and the city and county are welcoming to visitors while still preserving the cultural integrity of those who call it home, is a worthy goal and very good reason to spend your tourist dollars there

.

I am watching the landscape and how it is changing to make the world more comfortable for people with autism and individuals with sensory issues. They have created sensory guides so that visitors can make an accurate assessment of the sensory intensity they can expect from certain attractions and experiences.

Dubai is making a concerted effort to become a Certified Autism Destination, and these are just the first steps in that process. Employees at the various attractions and hotels are trained specifically in how to deal effectively with autistic people and their families and those with sensory issues. The goal is to make the experience as seamless as possible. Theme parks, children's museums, and The Green Planet--an indoor tropical rainforest similar to greenhouse exhibits at botanical gardens in the United States but much larger--have achieved Certified Autism Center status.

I invite you to share this post with someone affected by autism.

In these days of traveling just for the Instagram selfie. . . .

Where followers might actually think that people are wandering around the Greek Isles wearing flying dresses and standing on the edge of a cliff. . .

Where people have forgotten what it means to actually experience travel. . .

I used to go on every Ferris Wheel I saw. I love being high up and seeing the whole city or town laid out below me. Even better if I can see the ocean.

There was only one time they refused to run it because I was the only person who wanted to go up. That was in Ocean City, Maryland. I was disappointed. My sister didn't want to go up. I realize that was the more sustainable option--even sustainability wasn't on most people's radar. They probably knew that the electricity used to run it would cost more than I would be paying for the ride.

For a long time--before I had a cell phone with a camera--I would drive around exploring. I would visit all the beaches on the Jersey Shore. I would drive for hours every chance I would get. I loved the smell and sounds of the Ocean and sea birds. Some of the best and most interesting experiences I've had were not captured on camera. They were so memorable that year's later they are still vivid in my mind--even if not quite "picture perfect."

I remember driving around one of the beach towns that was primarily residential and not one of the ones with lots of clubs and restaurants. There was a house that looked like a lighthouse. I never took a photo of it and don't know if it still exists.

Another unforgettable experience at the Jersey Shore involved me driving South on the Garden State Parkway, heading towards Cape May. Suddenly, a white egret flew right in front of my windshield. While it could have been terrifying going that fast and having a huge bird with a large wing span fly right in front of me, I was amazed and in awe. Egrets and herons are my favorite birds, and it felt almost like a spiritual experience and a gift from nature to experience it.

Back to the Ferris Wheel in Nice, France. I did have a digital camera with me. I took possibly four photos. It was another awe-inspiring experience. I had the very strong feeling to put the camera away and enjoy the view. I could see the city and the Mediterranean Sea spread out before me. I wanted to just be there and feel the experience. There is nothing quite like it.

The photos I have do not give me the feeling. Actually being there is what gave me the sense of awe. Another thing that all these memories have in common is that I was alone. Yes, I had friends and my sister in Nice, but none of them came on the Ferris Wheel with me. It was not a shared experience but an internal sense of being one with my surroundings. A gift that was all mine.

Next time you travel, consider taking at least a little time alone--and put your camera away

Ferris Wheel in Nice, France.