Christmas is often associated with joy, warmth, and togetherness. But for many, it's also a time that can feel especially lonely. I believe we all benefit from reminding ourselves that Christmas is, above all, about connection and seeing one another.
"25 Days of Calm, Connection & Travel Spirit"
Welcome to this year's Advent Calendar, created for anyone who wants more meaning, mindfulness and kindness during December.
Each day from December 1st to 25th offers a small reflection, challenge or reminder.
Some days are about travel and discovery, others about self-care, gratitude and inclusion.
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📍 Places: Nara Park and Koyasan
I'll be honest: studying tourism management isn't just sunshine and coffee in class. It's a lot of theory, endless assignments, and plenty of thoughts about the future. But even though it's tough, I'm learning so much, about tourism, about people, and about myself.
Many people think of travel as big adventures, exotic countries, packed schedules, and all the "must-sees." But often, it's the small experiences that leave the deepest impression. A quiet moment, a pause of presence, or a fleeting glimpse of a foreign culture can be more valuable than a hundred tourist attractions.
Wanderlust isn't always about big trips. It's about opening doors to experiences, whether they happen in your local area or on the other side of the world. When we combine health and wanderlust in our daily lives, we can find small moments of mastery and joy.
📍 Places: Kyoto – Arashiyama & Sagano → Osaka
Anxiety and travel has not always been friends. There were times I didn't dare to go, because my thoughts were louder than my dreams. But then I started, one step, one small trip, and I learned that even with fear in your luggage, you can experience something beautiful and powerful.
For many people, it's the planning itself that makes traveling difficult. It can feel like a jungle of tickets, luggage, hotels, and forms. But I've learned that travel planning can become much calmer if you take it step by step.