05/20/2026
When I travel, I love seeing the landmarks, the beautiful views, and all of the touristy stuff. However, it’s the PEOPLE I meet that I remember the most.
One of the amazing members in my Facebook travel Group posted about her guide in Ireland and it made me think of all the great people I have met on my travels.
Some of the most meaningful parts of a trip come from the conversations and connections you make along the way.
One thing I love about using local guides and private drivers is that you get so much more than transportation or someone pointing at buildings and explaining facts.
You get stories, perspectives, humor, culture, recommendations, history, and little moments you would never experience otherwise.
In Sorrento, our driver asked where we were from. When we said near Philadelphia, he immediately laughed and told us people always say he looks like Rocky Balboa 😂 Naturally, that started a whole conversation and had us laughing.
In Ravello, we spent time with an incredible sommelier talking about wine, food, culture, and life in Italy. He may or may not have ignored my requests to stop pouring wine 🍷 Let’s just say I was VERY happy by the end of that tasting.
And in Greece, we had such an interesting conversation with our guide about the historical connections between Greece and Italy, including how many Italians have Greek ancestry. I learned so much from him and he made me laugh when he told me I may be more Greek than he is lol.
Lastly, we had a wonderful tour guide in Athens who was an opera singer! He sang for us so beautifully. Also discussed his family in Greece.
Those are the moments I remember most.
Travel becomes so much more meaningful when you slow down, ask questions, and connect with the people who actually live there. It reminds you how much we all have in common, even when we come from completely different places and backgrounds.
The human connections are what make the world feel a little smaller and a little kinder 🌍✨