Hey Reader.

The world is bananas sometimes. Like when your 14 year old dog stubbornly refuses any walks in the rain, and you live in Seattle. Or when you go to a 6pm event and they don't feed you dinner. But overall, I still believe there are always things to be inspired by, don’t you?

I've been chatting a lot with new clients the last few weeks, and their travel wishlists are genuinely inspiring me. I'm learning that they have real purpose and intention behind these trips. It's not superficial.

I just love how thoughtful and intentional travel has become in 2026. My clients are asking for space and time to decompress, experience local culture, and connect with their loved ones.

And I think that's amazing.

I'm sharing because I think you can relate to what I am hearing from my clients. I bet you also love the sense of awe and wonder that the natural world can offer us, and connecting with local culture in a new place.

And I bet dollars to doughnuts (gluten-free, please) that you want some time on your next trip to just simply...exist. To decompress, relax, and chill. Where no one needs anything from you.

Does that resonate with you, Reader? If so, I want to share some things that have been inspiring me this week.

I recently chatted with a couple hoping to go to French Polynesia, and I mocked up a sample itinerary for some really amazing quality time in Tahiti and Bora Bora. I'd love for you to take a look, because the highlights (swimming with manta rays, learning traditional palm weaving, visiting a vanilla orchid farm) go way beyond beautiful beaches. I think most people are unaware of the rich Polynesian culture, history, and flora behind these stunning beaches.

​I was also inspired to write up some of my insights about travel in 2026 - not the "travel trends" that are basically ads, but what real people like you are asking about and hoping for this year. One big takeaway? Yes, people still want you to visit. Forget our disastrous government - it's an important time to travel and be living proof that your average American is friendly, curious, and respectful.

And last night, I went to an event about African tourism. I've lived in Mali, Ghana, Kenya, and Sierra Leone (like - paid rent and set up utilities - lived), but I still learned of some cool new ideas for travel. For example, there is a new luxury hotel in Kigali owned by a Black African woman. It's unfortunately rare, but still inspiring. I'm excited to continue to send clients to African-owned enterprises rather than enriching the multinational legacies of colonialism.

I’m sharing all this because gosh, we all need a win right now, don't we? And good things are still happening in the world. I hope that you can see how important it is for me to live my values in life and business.

It's very simple, really. I want you to have a fabulous, effortless, and exceptional trip that benefits your host countries, too. And when we work together, we get to make that happen - and make the world a better place. (Seriously - we're funding jobs, conservation, and cultural exchange. Those things matter.)

What about you? Have you seen anything especially inspiring lately? Hit reply and let me know!

-Carolyn