Explore: The First Step to Adventure
Road tripping with one of my best friends in the summer of 2020.
What does it mean to explore?
For some, it’s standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon for the first time, completely awestruck, trying to soak it all in (and maybe realizing that no camera will ever do it justice). For others, it’s weaving through the streets of a foreign city, led only by curiosity and the promise of good food. Maybe it’s saying yes to a hike you’re almost sure you’re prepared for—or at least hoping the views at the top will make the uphill battle worth it.
At its core, exploration is about discovery—of places, of people, and of yourself.
When we travel, we don’t just see new places—we step outside of what’s familiar. We expand our comfort zones (sometimes by accident, like when you order something off the menu without quite knowing what it is). We learn what excites us, what challenges us, and what leaves us in awe. And sometimes, we learn that "let’s take the scenic route" is really just a nice way of saying "we’re definitely lost."
What Kind of Explorer Are You?
Not everyone explores the same way, and that’s part of the magic. Some travelers want to see every major landmark, making sure they’ve checked all the must-see spots off their list. Others prefer slow mornings at a café, watching the world pass by. Some thrive on adrenaline—paragliding, scuba diving, cliff jumping—while others are perfectly content with a peaceful hike, a scenic drive, or an afternoon wandering through a local market.
At Wellspring Travels, I want to help you explore in the way that feels most authentic to you. Maybe you already know your travel style, or maybe you’re still figuring it out (in which case, you’ll love our Travel Style Quiz).
This space is all about giving you inspiration and tools to explore in your own way—whether that means discovering destination highlights, finding helpful travel resources, or putting together a bucket list that actually makes you excited to plan your next trip. (Some of these resources are still in the works, but hey, so is your next adventure.)
Exploring Beyond the Map
Exploration isn’t just about where you go—it’s also about how you go.
It’s about being open to the unexpected. It’s about embracing the beauty of new experiences, whether that means learning how to order coffee in a different language or stepping onto a cruise ship for the first time, hoping your sea legs show up when you need them.
It’s also about learning what kind of traveler you are. Are you the type who plans everything to the last detail? Or do you thrive on spontaneity? Do you need an itinerary packed with activities, or is your ideal trip one where time slows down and nothing is scheduled except for finding the best local food? (Or maybe you’re a mix of all the above—because, let’s be real, travel has a way of surprising us no matter how much we plan.)
Where to Begin?
If you're feeling the pull to explore, here are a few ways to get started:
Get Inspired: Check out destination guides and bucket list ideas (coming soon!) to start dreaming about your next trip.
Know Your Travel Style: Not sure if you're an adventurer, a cultural traveler, or a relaxation-seeker? Take the Travel Style Quiz and find out!
Build Your Travel Toolkit: Over time, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite travel brands, products, and resources to help make your adventures easier, smoother, and more fun.
At the end of the day, exploring isn’t about how far you go—it’s about how open you are to new experiences, new perspectives, and new ways of seeing the world.
So, what does explore mean to you? Drop a comment below and let me know—what’s on your travel bucket list, what kind of traveler are you, or what adventure changed you the most?
And don’t forget to check back for more on Engage and Evolve—because exploring is only the beginning.
Travel Well,
Exploring this park will forever be one of my favorites!
