Recently, we gathered travel memories from the KHM Travel Team to help ourselves – and all of us – remember why travel matters. They act as inspiration for us to look forward to our future adventures.

Making Friends

Amanda Bailey, our Digital Marketing Manager recalled her trip to Spain while in college and the incredible power that travel has to connect us with others.

“I visited Spain by myself the summer before I started my senior year in college, and it is still one of the experiences I’m most grateful for. I stayed in hostels, met people from all over the world, and even snuck into the Plaza de Toros arena in Madrid to snap this picture with a girl named Kate. She lived in England, and I haven’t spoken to her since, but we were inseparable for those few days!”

Trying New Things

Ashley Newton, our Lead Video Specialist, shared two important memories that showcase the ways in which travel empowers us to try new things and step out of our comfort zones.

“My family went to Quebec when I was a kid, and there was this festival going on. Music, performers, balloon art, and colorful costumes filled the street. I was a very shy and introverted kid, just happy to watch from the sidelines. Suddenly, one of the performers comes up to me and pulls me into the mix! Next thing I knew, I had a crown, a wand, a cape – and I’m dancing in the street as the festival princess. I remember being filled with such joy and feeling so proud of myself. Now, every time I travel, I remember that moment and try to challenge myself to try something new and step out of my comfort zone.

“I was very fortunate to visit some amazing places at a young age, and it sparked my love of travel. In 2017, I had the privilege to spread that joy to my boyfriend who had barely left Ohio (our home state) and had never seen the ocean. Being able to experience those “firsts” with him is a memory I will never forget.”

Family Fun

Sydney, our Copywriter, remembered how the little moments we share on vacation can become lasting memories that connect us across time and distance.

“When I was 12, my Grandma took our family to Disney World. I’m the oldest kid of the family, so I wanted to ride all the big rides, especially Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but my younger siblings weren’t tall enough. So, we saved it for the last ride of the day. While my parents and I waited in line, my grandma and younger siblings headed to wait for the hotel shuttle.

The temperature had been dropping all day and the wind was picking up, so my grandma pulled out one of those plastic bag ponchos and put it on to try to block some of the wind. Instead, the wind kept filling it up like a balloon, and after a long day of fun, this silly sight gave them all the giggles. When we met them at the shuttle stop, they were sprawled across the bench with tears in their eyes from laughing so hard. I don’t remember the actual roller coaster ride, but I’ll never forget how hard we laughed about Grandma the Balloon. It still gets brought up at family gatherings or anytime a poncho gets mentioned.”

We hope you enjoyed our trip down memory lane. We’d love to hear about some of your travel memories and what they mean to you! You can tag us on social media or leave a comment below!