Would I Go Back? Reexamining East Africa, Safari and Gorilla Trekking

When people ask me about my favorite places I've ever traveled, East Africa is always near the top of the list. Actually, that's not entirely true. It's not just one place. It's a collection of countries, experiences, wildlife, people, and moments that somehow all blend together into one unforgettable chapter of my life. 

I've been fortunate enough to visit Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the island of Zanzibar over multiple trips, and every single visit has left me wanting more. Unlike destinations where you check off the highlights and feel satisfied, East Africa has a way of pulling you back. The landscapes are different. The cultures are distinct. The wildlife changes from region to region. Even after several visits, I still have a list of experiences I haven't had yet.

So...would I go back? Without hesitation! 

Travel Truths I Didn't Expect After Becoming an Empty Nester

When my kids were little, I used to dream about the day we'd become empty nesters. Not because I wanted them gone {although there were certain days!}, but because I imagined what life would look like once we weren't tied to school calendars, sports schedules, and PTA meetings. Since we had our kids when we were still in college, we didn't get any of that time to enjoy traveling just the two of us, so we were excited to get to experience that as well once the kids were grown. 

I pictured spontaneous weekend getaways, off season trips to Europe, and hopping on a plane whenever airfare dropped.

And while some of that has absolutely come true, there were a few travel truths I never saw coming. 

If you're approaching the empty nest years, or if you're already there, here are some of the biggest surprises I've discovered about traveling after your kids leave home. 

Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Scotland for the First Time

I must confess, Scotland wasn't that high up on my travel bucket list. Mostly because I had been to Ireland a few times and I {wrongfully} assumed they would be basically the same. Spoiler alert: they are not! I'm glad that I allowed myself to experience it for myself. The dramatic landscapes, winding roads through the Highlands, tiny villages, castles, lochs, waterfalls and endless views felt like something straight out of a movie. I mean, we simply stopped pointing out waterfalls we'd see because there were just so many of them! Scotland really did surprise me in ways I wasn't expecting.

Not in a bad surprise way, but in a good way. Scotland ended up being one of those destinations that felt easier, friendlier, and more relaxed than I anticipated. But there were definitely some things I wish someone had told me before I boarded that plane. 

If you're planning your first trip to Scotland, here are some things I wish I knew ahead of time that would have saved me time, stress, and maybe a few moments of standing in the rain.

What I Always Bring on Long International Flights

Long international flights are a necessary evil when you love to travel. I may love arriving in Ireland, East Africa, or Vietnam, but I don't know too many people who get excited about sitting inside a giant metal tube for 10, 12, or even 16+ hours!

Over the years I've taken my fair share of long-haul flights and I've learned that surviving them has very little to do with luck and almost everything to do with preparation. I used to show up with so many things packed into my carry on that I almost couldn't find anything. 

After enough overnight flights, awkward sleeping positions, dry skin, and regrettable packing choices, I've narrowed down exactly what I always bring with me. These are the items that make a long international flight feel less like an endurance event and more like the beginning of the trip itself.

The Irish Experiences I'd Prioritize if I Only had One Week

If someone told me I only had one week in Ireland and had to narrow down my choices, I wouldn't spend my time trying to cram in every castle, every village, and every famous stop on the map. Ireland rewards travelers who slow down, stay flexible, and choose experiences over checklists.

After several trips to Ireland, I've realized that the places I remember most aren't always the ones everyone talks about. It's the feeling of standing on a cliff with wind whipping around you, crossing a rope bridge over crashing waves, or stepping onto a remote island that has existed for centuries.

If I had just seven days in Ireland, I'd focus less on seeing everything and more on prioritizing the experiences that felt uniquely Irish to me. 

Here's where I'd spend my time.