What I’m Carrying Into 2026 (and What I’m Leaving Behind)

December always sneaks up on me. One minute I’m planning fall itineraries and packing my carry-on for another Europe trip, and the next I’m back home, making coffee in my own kitchen and wondering how the year moved so fast.

This year felt bigger than most. I turned 30, spent a total of 3 months in Europe, left my coffee shop job, and went all-in on building a business that once lived only in my notes app. It was a year of movement—geographically, professionally, personally. And as I settle into these last few weeks of 2025, I can feel what I’m ready to release, and what I’m finally ready to carry forward.

What I’m Leaving Behind

Overthinking every decision.

Starting a business comes with a thousand unknowns. This year, I spent too much time worrying about whether I was “qualified enough,” “experienced enough,” or simply “enough.” I’m closing the door on that mindset.

The pressure to be everywhere at once.

Between social media, client work, and travel, I caught myself slipping into a hustle mode that didn’t feel sustainable. I’m leaving behind the idea that success only comes from constant motion.

Saying yes out of fear.

A big lesson this year: a rushed “yes” often costs more energy than a thoughtful “no.” I’m letting go of the urge to take on every inquiry, every collaboration, every opportunity that crosses my inbox.

Letting work blur into every corner of my life.

I love what I do, but 2025 taught me I still need boundaries. Work belongs at the desk—not in bed at midnight, not on every “rest day,” and not in moments that should just be mine.

What I’m Carrying Into 2026

Confidence in my value.

Travel advising is more than bookings. It’s knowledge, problem-solving, relationships, and a point of view shaped by real experience. This year proved that I bring something meaningful to the table—and I’m carrying that clarity into the new year.

Slow, intentional travel.

My time in Naples reminded me how good it feels to stay put, shop at local markets, cook at home, and let a place sink into you. I’m taking that approach into 2026—for myself and for how I build itineraries.

Trusting timing.

Good things don’t always show up quickly, but they do show up. This year unfolded in ways I could’ve never planned, and I’m choosing to trust that rhythm instead of trying to force it.

More creativity, less perfectionism.

Whether it’s writing, planning a route through southern Italy, or sharing moments from the road, I want 2026 to be about creating without over-editing myself out of the process.

Community.

Traveling with friends, hosting visitors in Naples, reconnecting with people across countries—it all reminded me how much connection shapes the experience. I want more of that in the year ahead.

How Travel Shaped This Reflection

Travel has always been a reset button for me, but this year it felt like a mirror. Being away gave me space to hear my own thoughts again. Living out of a carry-on reminded me how little I actually need. Long conversations over espresso, wandering through neighborhoods I love, catching trains with friends from different chapters of my life—all of it gave me perspective I didn’t know I needed.

Travel didn’t just show me new places. It showed me a clearer version of myself.

Looking Ahead

I’m entering 2026 with a lot of gratitude and a lot of hope. I’m excited for the trips I’ll take, the clients I’ll support, and the stories that will unfold along the way.

And if next year is the one where you want to create your own meaningful travel experience—slow, intentional, beautifully designed—I’d love to help you get there.

Here’s to what we’re leaving behind… and what we’re choosing to carry forward.