Traveling Is Always a Learning Experience

Mission Accomplished: 14 Flights, 5 Weeks, and Endless Lessons on the Road

Five Weeks, Six States, and So Much More

Mission accomplished! After 14 out of 16 flights, I’m heading home from an incredible five-week journey through Mexico and the U.S.—my first scouting tour for Wanderlust-Travel LLC 2026.

I visited incredible places, built new connections, and revised my Oaxaca itinerary for next spring. And while the journey was rich with adventure, it also came with unexpected challenges—especially with my health.

😷 When Travel Tests You (And Teaches You)

The hardest part? I got sick in Oaxaca. What started as a sore throat quickly turned into a fever and body aches—my first run-in with COVID. Thankfully, I’d already tried most of the local cuisine before losing my taste and smell. Going to Oaxaca without your tastebuds would seem like a punishment. It is the foodie capital of Mexico after Mexico City. 

What got me through? My daughter—she is my number one supporter. She ran errands, kept me hydrated, and was the steady hand I needed during tough moments.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t done with illness yet. On my final day in Mexico, despite carefully avoiding tap water and limiting ice, I came down with travelers’ diarrhea. Yes I know, we don't usually talk about it, but it's reality. It wasn’t until I reached Asheville that I saw a doctor. Honestly, I wouldn’t have made it back to Japan without that visit.

🛑 Pro Tip: Travel insurance is essential. 

🧭 Lessons Learned & Travel Tips You’ll Want to Remember

✅ 1. Plan Ahead—but Stay Flexible

My trip through six Mexican states had a “skeleton itinerary”—transportation, a few hotel bookings, and a list of must-see spots. But not everything went according to plan. And that’s okay! Being open allowed me to meet locals and discover off-the-beaten-path treasures.

🧳 Tip: Leave space for spontaneity. The best travel memories often aren’t on the itinerary.

💳 2. Always Buy Travel Insurance

Especially if you're older, traveling with kids, or heading somewhere new. For my 3-week trip in Mexico, I paid $250 for coverage—and it was worth every cent for the peace of mind alone.

❤️ 3. People are kind. Don’t forget that.

In a world where headlines often focus on negativity, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. Don’t let the media fool you. Across 22 days in Mexico, my daughter and I were met with kindness, generosity, and friendly guidance. There’s a shared humanity everywhere you go—you just have to stay open to it. We met dozens of helpful, friendly people who shared stories, tips, and heartfelt hospitality. 

 “We met dozens of people who went out of their way to help us—it restored my faith in community.”

🎒 4. Pack Light—but Pack Smart

I’m no stranger to minimalist packing, but this time I fumbled. My outfits lacked coordination, which made getting dressed frustrating. After a few weeks I was frustrated and every time boarded a flight I was secretly hoping my suitcase would get lost!

Even as an experienced traveler, I struggled with outfit coordination on this trip. It made getting dressed frustrating! I’ll be building a new capsule wardrobe for future tours—versatile, interchangeable pieces that actually work together.

🧥 Tip: Try packing 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 2 layers in a complementary color scheme. I am also thinking that flowy light weight dresses are the key to extreme heat for my upcoming tours.

🛏️ 5. Accommodations Make or Break the Experience

Nothing beats staying with friends and family, but that’s not always possible. I’ve learned how to research accommodations well, and it mostly paid off. Out of 11 places we stayed, only one was a total miss. 

Clean, safe, and welcoming lodging is non-negotiable, especially for female travelers. As I get older, I value rest even more. Give me a cozy spot, a cold drink, and a lazy afternoon any day.

🇲🇽 Oaxaca 2026: A Tour in the Making

Now that I’m home, I can’t wait to finalize the Wanderlust Oaxaca 2026 itinerary. This scouting trip proved that my original draft was a great starting point. I’m adding new stops, building stronger local partnerships, and fine-tuning every detail.

📅 Stay tuned—I’ll be releasing the full itinerary in an upcoming post.

💬 Final Thoughts: What Travel Taught Me 

Every journey brings new insight: Each trip I take teaches me more—about the world, about others, and most importantly, about myself.

“Never underestimate your strength—it appears when you need it the most”

Travel pushes us, breaks our routines, and reminds us that we are more adaptable and resilient than we think. I’m so proud of what we accomplished—and so ready to share it with you.

💌 Let’s Connect!

Want to join the Oaxaca 2026 tour or follow along with updates?

1. 📷 Follow me on Instagram @emptynestikigai
2. Visit my website:  https://wanderlust-travelllc.com/

✍️ Leave a comment below—What’s a lesson you’ve learned on the road?