Years ago I planned on hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Then devastation happened to my family. The hike was put on the back burner while I dealt with my new normal. Fast forward years and a few life changes. I am now working as a certified Travel Agent with a wonderful group at The Travel Agent Next Door. As travel agents we are constantly learning to ensure we are able to take care of our clients. At our annual conference I heard a guest speaker (Geraldine Ree) who challenged us to think about the travel we sell, what we wanted to focus on and how to achieve that. In a past life I recruited people to walk and run around the world. I was now selling the world. This was my duh moment. Some like to call it their ah ha moment. But really for me it was a true duh moment. I knew exactly what adventure travel I was going to start with. The Camino de Santiago! From a business perspective it made sense. I had done the same type of travel before. From a personal perspective it was a wonderful opportunity. From recruitment to travelling to Spain, the hike, right to the trip home was something I had never imagined would be so inspiring. I met 10 amazing people. One of which was me. Along the hike you have group time but you also have a chance to have solo time. For me too much "peopleing" can be overwhelming. So when I got those moments of solitude I was grateful. We hiked through enchanting forests, pretty towns and villages and the beautiful countryside of Spain. We enjoyed local delicacies and wines. I tried octopus to name one. The food was so fresh it made you hike a bit faster to get to supper each night. I was there as a team lead but we also had the wonder Pau who was our personal guide from G Adventures. Pau was instrumental in making the trip the best experience. He was a wonderful CEO (Chief Experience Officer) For some this is a religious pilgrimage. For others it's a endurance test. While others it's simply a chance to travel and see part of Spain. For me personally it was a bit of all three. The experience inspired me to be better. Do better . Think better. The thought of hiking 6 days in a row anywhere from 13k to 25k along with all the walking around town to eat or shop (yes the shopping is great) was a bit daunting. The lessons I learned you ask? You need to be open to hear and see others for who they are, relax, put one foot in front of the other and be grateful. If you can do this life can be a bit easier. When you get overwhelmed take some time for you. The biggest lesson in this thing we call life is take the leap. Read the book, eat the good food and travel. I've already blocked my space for Hike the Camino de Santiago Compostela 2024! Are you coming???? 
