Debra Westbrooks - Debra's Travel Adventures

08/20/2025

Looking for the perfect holiday getaway? This December, step into a winter wonderland on board when you join AmaWaterways' Festive Delights Cruise along Portugal's charming Douro River.

# Portugal

Choose Your Journey >>>MORE

08/20/2025

✨ Kindness is a language everyone understands.

Today, I was reminded of how important compassion can be. I was at my neurologist appointment and an elderly couple visiting from Israel faced a scary moment when the husband lost his balance and fell. Thankfully, he wasn’t seriously hurt, but his wife was overwhelmed with worry and guilt because she took her eyes off him to schedule their next appointment

I couldn’t fix the situation, but I could sit with her, reassure her, and remind them both they weren’t alone. By the end, we were exchanging smiles—proof that even strangers can lift each other up when it’s needed most.

Sometimes we’re placed in the right moment simply to offer comfort, no matter where in the world we come from. 🌍💙

08/20/2025

✨ “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

Before I ever became a travel advisor, I wasn’t much of a traveler at all. Life was busy, and fear held me back. I had phobias—flying was one of them, and even driving too far made me anxious. I was afraid of all the “what ifs”… what if I got lost, what if the car broke down, what if I couldn’t handle it?

As a single mom of three boys, travel wasn’t something I pursued until they were grown. Then one day, I decided I could either live the rest of my life in fear—or take a leap of faith. That leap led me to the Grand Canyon.

From California, I flew to Arizona (heart pounding!) and rented a car to drive to Williams. I was terrified the whole way. But when I finally stood on the rim of the Canyon, surrounded by its breathtaking beauty, something shifted. I realized fear had been keeping me from experiencing life in full color.

That one trip changed me forever. Since then, I’ve retired from my first career, started a new one as a travel advisor, and have explored more places than I ever imagined. The Grand Canyon taught me that life isn’t about running from fear—it’s about embracing the journey and letting it transform you. 🌍✨

👉 Has a single trip ever changed the course of your life?

08/19/2025

Vienna’s got rhythm! From Mozart’s melodies to Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s colorful architectural masterpiece, the Hundertwasserhaus, this city is a blend of history, art, and coffee culture, pure magic. Let’s make a favorite Vienna experience.

08/19/2025

In St. Kitts, meals are slow and nourishing. Each dish is an opportunity to settle in, share gratitude, and savor the taste of something made with love.

St. Kitts: Where culture, adventure, and timeless experiences come alive. >>> MORE

08/19/2025

What’s your perfect Carnival cruise day?
A) Poolside with a cocktail
B) Exploring island adventures
C) Exquisite dining and desserts
D) All of the above
Contact me to book it all!.

Your Best Family Vacation Starts with Carnival >>> MORE

08/18/2025

Maldives goals! Crystal-clear waters, stunning villas on stilts, and beach vibes for days. Are you ready for an exotic, tropical escape?

08/18/2025

✨ “The journey itself is the reward.” ✨

Travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s the moments along the way that make the best stories. On my very first trip to Europe, I flew into Amsterdam a few days early before boarding a cruise. Jet lag had me down the first day, but by day two, I was ready to explore!

Armed with little knowledge of the culture and very little language skills, I headed into the city early for my first excursion. In desperate need of coffee, I spotted what looked like a charming little coffee shop and stepped inside. Within seconds, I noticed the strong smell and thought, “This doesn’t smell like coffee…” A quick glance at the menu confirmed what I suspected—I was in the wrong kind of coffee shop! 😅

I quickly made my exit and walked across the street into a cozy café, where I was warmly greeted. Over laughs and conversation, a kind woman explained the difference between “coffee shops” in Amsterdam (let’s just say, not for caffeine lovers!) and where to actually find coffee. She even taught me about ordering an Americano and gave me tips on the train system.

What started as a “mistake” turned into one of my favorite travel memories. That’s the beauty of the journey—it’s not always about the plan, but about the unexpected detours that teach us, connect us, and make us smile.

👉 Have you ever had a funny travel mishap that turned into a great memory?

08/17/2025

Travel to sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a cool ocean breeze... Think Bora Bora, Santorini, the Maldives? Where’s your finger-snap destination?

08/17/2025

On Norway’s coast, connection comes naturally. 🌊 Sail with Hurtigruten and reconnect with nature, culture, and what matters most on a journey like no other.

Take A Breather in Breathtaking Norway >>>MORE

08/17/2025

✨ ADHD isn’t a flaw—it’s a different kind of strength.

This morning I'm sharing about how my ADHD brain keeps me busy and how journaling helps me focus on what matters most. Just like travel, it’s all about the journey—not perfection.

When we travel, things rarely go exactly as planned. Flights get delayed, weather changes, itineraries shift. But often, those unexpected moments become the most meaningful memories. ADHD has taught me the same lesson—progress, not perfection.

For me, being early, writing things down, and finding systems that work bring peace of mind. For others, it might be something different. We each have our own “superpower,” and travel reminds me of that every day. 🌍✈️

💡 So whether it’s through a journal or a journey, find what grounds you—and celebrate it.

👉 What’s your “superpower” when you travel?