International travel logistics are not for the faint of heart.

Home Sweet Home — After 25 Hours of Travel

International travel logistics are not for the faint of heart.

After 15 unforgettable days sailing across the Atlantic from New York to Rome’s port city, my journey home yesterday tested every ounce of patience and stamina I had left.

The breakdown:

• 3 airports

• 3 airplanes

• 2 rounds of passport control

• 2 rounds of customs

• 18 separate luggage-handling moments

• 12 long lines

• 1 shuttle bus

• 1 Uber home

• Endless walking… and walking… and walking

It all began with a line over an hour long just to disembark the ship. In moments like that, it takes a serious effort to stay calm and accept that sometimes, you just have to trust the process. Especially when others around you are stressed, complaining, or even yelling at fellow passengers over presumed rule violations.

My connection in Philadelphia was particularly demanding: a long trek to passport control, a wait for luggage, rechecking it for the Miami leg, clearing customs, and then—once again—through passport control and security. It felt like a travel obstacle course.

Throughout the day, I encountered a full spectrum of humanity—from the grumpy and rude, to the confused and exhausted, to the calm and gracious. But the real highlight? The crew on my final flight from Philly to Miami. They were hands-down the happiest, funniest, and most helpful team I’ve flown with in years. Their kindness was a perfect end to a marathon day.

After 25 hours of continuous travel, I arrived home completely wiped out—but grateful. I made it. I’m safe. And miraculously, so is all my luggage.

PS

“It can be especially challenging to manage all these travel logistics when you’re on your own. Without a familiar face to talk to or bounce things off of, the internal chatter can get really loud, making even small decisions feel overwhelming. Traveling solo definitely takes a different kind of mental energy.”

Majorca the Jewel of the Mediterranean

 A Day in Mallorca – April 10, 2025

Mallorca (also spelled Majorca), the crown jewel of Spain’s Balearic Islands, continues to enchant me—this is my fourth visit, and it never loses its magic.

Palma de Mallorca, the capital, can be summed up in five words: chic, elegant, sunny, relaxing, beautiful. Nearly two-thirds of the island’s population lives here, and during spring and summer, it buzzes with energy as cruise ships dock and visitors pour in. Yet somehow, Palma still feels timeless and serene.

Have you heard of the Balearic Islands?

This Mediterranean archipelago—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera—is an autonomous region of Spain. Mallorca, the largest, is famous for its dramatic coastline, hidden caves, golden beaches, and over 250 miles of scenic shoreline. Layered with history, the island reveals traces of Roman and Moorish rule, alongside soaring Gothic cathedrals and medieval palaces.

I began my day on the hop-on-hop-off bus, stopping at 18 iconic sights throughout Palma. For several hours, I chose to simply wander—exploring charming neighborhoods, pausing to admire the majestic waterfront cathedral La Seu (which never fails to take my breath away), and striking up spontaneous conversations with locals and fellow travelers.

Fun fact: Mallorca is also known for its exquisite man-made pearls—definitely worth a look, and perhaps a souvenir.

Whether you arrive by sea or land, Mallorca welcomes you with warmth, history, and unmistakable Mediterranean charm. Everyone I spoke with was as smitten with their day in Palma as I was.

And truly, this island keeps calling me back.