When I graduated from college in 1988, I had never been east of Kansas. True story.

That summer, I grabbed a backpack, drove to New York City, caught a one-way ultra-budget flight to Frankfurt, and launched into my first international adventure. With no agenda (and certainly no internet to guide me), I simply knew I wanted to walk in the footsteps of my most cherished writers and artists in the great cities of Europe. Hiking in the Alps was also a dream, as was, more ambitiously, penetrating the “iron curtain” to experience the beauty and pain of the communist Eastern Europe I had fallen in love with as a student of Czech, Slavic, Polish and Hungarian literature.

Long story short: I ended up accomplishing all of these goals, hitchhiking and working around Europe for as long as I could, getting the best education no money but lots of curiosity and courage can buy. I returned home nearly a year and 14 countries later with a profound new understanding and a promise: travel would always be an integral part of my life.

I have certainly kept that promise the past thirty plus years, traveling extensively in 28 countries (and counting). I globetrot not because I am wealthy (nope) or because I have extra time on my hands (double nope), but because I have mastered the fine art of what I call “opportunistic traveling,” i.e. if the opportunity comes my way, I always say yes. Sometimes it’s an opportunity I seek; other times, a seemingly impossible trip falls in my lap. Regardless—all consequences and obstacles be damned— I say, yes, I’ll go. And I’ve never regretted it. Not once. Luckily, I don’t require luxury. I’m happy with the back seat of a cheap red eye flight. I love street food and hostels and free museums and walking for miles. Hell, sometimes all I’ve needed was a roadside taco stand and a hammock. I seek immersive, respectful travel that elevates cultural understanding, human connection, curiosity, and joy. And, yes, I always take my kids with me because, why wouldn’t I? Living and learning this way has enriched me and my family beyond measure.

I tell you this and share my photos to encourage you to also say YES. Igniting a love of travel in others— my students, my family and friends, my readers—makes me really happy. I hope you’ll remove your dream trip from your “someday” list and add it to your “today” list. Life is short. There’s a big world out there with endless interesting people and places to discover. Travel can be far less expensive, complicated, and scary than you think, and you never know what unexpected adventures and new insights will unfold.

Please check out my blog for stories and journal entries about all the places I love!