Three important things I learned from traveling in 2025 👌
Cheers to 2026! One year older and (sort of) wiser
Welcome to Itchy Feet, a Travel-Inspired Newsletter! I’m Daniel and happy you’re here! If you’re new, consider signing up and get my Ultimate Travel Toolkit on the house:
Happy 2026 everyone! 🥂
In case you missed it, my last post was about proper group travel etiquette!
This week, let’s talk about three important things traveling taught me in 2025:
Quality over quantity:
Yesi and I we were saving up for Europe and a road trip through Colombia’s Coffee Triangle in 2025. When we learned we were pregnant, the priorities shifted. Our social media algorithms changed from destinations in Spain to breastfeeding tips and strollers from TEMU. We have zero regrets because we wanted to be parents. It’s a blessing.
We did, however, take a few short road trips from our home in Neiva to places like San Agustin. These were shorter outings, but we thoroughly enjoyed them because we knew our quality time was precious. Also, I flew back to California to see my parents and some close friends. Recharging my gringo batteries felt wonderful. 🔋
Traveling while pregnant is possible: 🤰🏻
The moment we learned about the baby, I quietly expected a travel layover for the rest of 2025. To my surprise, Yesi and I did manage a few “Baby Moon” trips. We had to be honest about what we could and shouldn’t do. We listened to Yesi’s body, planned for comfort, took more bathroom breaks, drank plenty of water, and brought snacks.
Take no one in your life for granted:
There were two people I’m really glad I saw in 2025: My buddy Jim and Uncle Mike. Jim and his partner Roxy welcomed a baby girl in 2025. Months before, Jim went on a quick goodbye jaunt to New York to see our other good pal Jack. Money was tight, but I booked a trip to NYC anyway because Jim lives far away and this would be his last hurrah with us before fatherhood. It was totally worth it.
In September, while visiting home, I almost skipped a trip to see my aunt Diana and uncle Mike because of limited time. My mom and aunt pushed for it to happen, so we managed to squeak in some family time. A week later, my uncle had a heart attack and passed away. It was completely unexpected and a total shock to get the news. I would’ve regretted not seeing him one last time for the rest of my life. Rest in peace uncle Mike.
Back to you! What did traveling teach you in 2025?
Fun world fact 🌍
In Colombia, a common New Year’s superstition is walking around the block with luggage to bring good travel luck. A family in Cali went a step further – they dressed up as cardboard Avianca airplanes. A video of them went viral, and the airline loved the free publicity enough to gift them all round-trip flights. It’s something we could all consider!
Culture corner 🍜
Every New Year’s Day, my mom has made her classic (and finger-licking good) black-eyed peas and ham recipe. This was passed down from my grandmother Mary Lou, who was born in Oklahoma.
I always thought this was a dish unique to my family on this holiday. It turns out black-eyed peas and ham are a common Southern New Year’s dish to bring “good luck.” According to the Commercial Appeal, the black-eyed peas represent good fortune and the ham means prosperity. If you add any collard greens, this means you’ll be getting money. Corn bread represents gold.
The precise origin of this superstition is murky. Some forums mention it was a popular dish for slaves in the South because black-eyed peas are native to West Africa. Others say it was a common Confederate dish during the Civil War because it was the only edible item left behind by raiding Union troops. On Emancipation Day, January 1st, 1863, many newly freed slaves celebrated with a feast of black-eyed peas.
A random thing to do in Oklahoma 🔎
If you ever find yourself in Tulsa, pay a visit to the Cave House. Originally, it opened as the Cave Garden Restaurant in 1920 and doubled as a speakeasy during the Prohibition. With a unique exterior of massive rocks, you will think you’re on the set of The Flintstones Movie. Nowadays, it’s a quirky museum that offers tours.
Thank you for supporting and reading Itchy Feet! I really appreciate you. Another dose of travel inspiration is cooking in the oven. ♨️
Much love,
Daniel
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Vintage Itchy Feet posts:
• 1️⃣ An only child’s group travel survival guide
• 🚗 Carpooling abroad: Save money, help our planet, and learn a language
• 🌌 Happy Birthday Itchy Feet (plus free stuff)
So sorry for your loss. Glad you got to see your Uncle Mike one last time.
2025 taught me that I want to travel in a can again. After 14 years of wandering around we finally have a plan.
Take no one in your life for granted. You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry for your loss.