​More Than a Destination: The Heartfelt Why Behind Every Travel Dream

Because travel isn’t just about where we go—it’s about why we go, how it changes us, and the stories that stay with us long after the journey ends.

🎄✨ With just a week to go before Christmas and right in the middle of Hanukkah this year, Rosa and I want to wish you an amazing holiday season—whether you celebrate something or nothing at all. This time of year, is so much more than commercialism or hunting down the perfect deal. It’s about connection—the family gatherings, the lighting of the menorah, the trimming of the Christmas tree, or honoring the spirit of the winter solstice. What truly matters is being together.

I also like to use this moment to pause and reflect on the year that’s been, both personally and professionally. Both are deeply intertwined and shape who I am. It’s been a chaotic year, full of challenges and twists, definitely not always smooth—but it’s a year worth remembering and revisiting. Rosa and I have faced some growing pains in our marriage; there have been health issues in the family too. The business has stayed strong, luckily, and between that, our marriage, her guiding and finishing her thesis for the Vatican—it’s all been demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. Meanwhile, I’ve been teaching more evenings, including three classes of English at a travel agency here in Rome, besides teaching at the school and maintaining the business.

Looking back over the past 1½ years since I moved here, I find I miss the States less and less as I build a life and routine in Rome. Don’t take offense to that, as I always will have connections to America, both personally and professionally. Has it been easy? No, not at all. But nothing worthwhile is ever easy. It would take a lot more than the occasional setback to knock me out of the game. I’ve traveled with Rosa and on my own, though we did have to cancel a trip to London because I was sidelined by vertigo. That experience was my first real introduction to the Italian healthcare system. On the whole, it wasn’t so bad—and certainly not as expensive as back in America. Sure, the bureaucracy can move slowly, but using private services helps speed things up without bankrupting you. I’m thankful for the support from family and colleagues during that time.

Last month, I did get on one last trip to Arezzo to attend a conference on agritourism, which was fantastic. Rosa also traveled to Vienna to meet with her colleagues.
But now, I want to hear from you—where do you want to go, and more importantly, why? What motivates your future travels? Are there bucket-list destinations calling your name, or perhaps places that have inspired you to explore closer to home? Maybe there’s a story from your childhood that’s been waiting for the right moment to come alive.
When I hear “bucket list,” it can sound final, as if there’s a ticking clock. But we are vibrant, living travelers, and every day is an opportunity to live fully. We should think of these dreams positively—not as something terminal but as a gateway to the next adventure.
I’m lucky to have travelers of all ages in my circle—from those in their 20s to those in their 80s. My travels are a bit more tempered these days, with other priorities in mind, but Rosa knows that if there’s something on my mind, she usually gets it. Of course, I always invite her to come along—even if our schedules don’t always align, making life complex but never boring, even if she feels we are a boring, married couple. ​

---

We’ve talked about some of the “big” trips on my list—the top five, at least. Australia and New Zealand are definitely on that list, hopefully for our 5th anniversary. Also, Japan and South Korea, and I was surprised (but happy) when Rosa said she really wants to visit Korea, so maybe that will happen in a year or so.
Closer to home, we’ve discussed exploring Bulgaria beyond the Danube ports on a river cruise—really getting into the capital and its surroundings. Rosa is particularly interested in the Balkans from the perspective of Roman Empire influences, which makes perfect sense as it’s her academic passion, and so who knows, maybe that return visit to Albania, mentioned in last week’s blogpost on that Balkan gem. ​

Who knows where these travel dreams will take us next? Ever since I was a little kid, reading adventure stories and collecting stamps from faraway lands, I’ve been inspired to explore, and that spark is still alive today.
For your travel dreams, I’m excited to be part of the journey. If Wandering Puffin can help make your adventures happen, just say the word—I have trusted partners all around the world ready to assist.
So, tell me—what’s on your bucket list? What places are inspiring you right now? I’d love to hear about them.
Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season,
Rosa and Jamie