Travel During Difficult Seasons: Sometimes You Need Space to Breathe

What you couldn’t see behind the dark glasses…

When you look at these cruise photos, you might see a woman traveling, smiling, enjoying the ocean, and taking a much-needed vacation.

But there was another story happening behind those dark shades.

For months, my family had been walking through my dad’s battle with cancer.

And I was tired.

Emotionally tired. Mentally tired. Carrying emotions that didn’t disappear just because I stepped onto a cruise ship.

Those dark glasses weren’t just for the sun.

Some days, they helped cover the eyes of a daughter who had been dealing with more than the people around her could see.

And yet…I traveled.

Not because everything was okay.

Not because a vacation could make what was happening at home disappear.

I traveled because sometimes you need a moment to sit near the water, breathe differently, laugh without feeling guilty, watch the sunset, and remember that even during a difficult season, you are still allowed to live.

You may be seeing the smile.

But you don't always know the story behind them.

That is something travel has taught me.

We don't always travel because life is perfect.

Sometimes we travel because life has been heavy.

Sometimes we need a few days where someone else cooks the meals. Where we don't have to make every decision. Where we can sit on a balcony and stare at the ocean. Where we can laugh with people we love and feel like ourselves again—even if only for a little while.

There was still pain waiting for me when the cruise ended.

But there were also memories made during a chapter of my life when I desperately needed something beautiful to hold onto.

So when you see someone's vacation pictures, remember:

You may be seeing the smile.

You may be seeing the destination.

You may be seeing the sunglasses.

But you don't always know the story behind them.

And maybe that's another reason I believe so deeply in what I do with Wanderlust Amigas.

Travel isn't always about escaping your life.

Sometimes it's about giving yourself enough space to breathe so you can return to it. 💕

Where Wanderlust Meets Sisterhood.

-Jennifer Reyna

Wanderlust Amigas® Travel