Episode 13: Unpacking One of My Favorite Trips - 24 Hours in Istanbul & a Month of Magic

One of my favorite trips of all time started with a bold choice: a 24-hour layover in Istanbul, Turkey.  My friend Yana and I landed early in the morning, dropped our bags, and explored nonstop - walked neighborhoods, soaked in history, tasted the food, and somehow hit nearly 30,000 steps in one day.   It was fast, immersive, and the perfect reminder that even a short stop can turn into a powerful travel memory. From there, our journey began and adventure unfolded across Lisbon and southern Portugal, Seville, Spain and then into Morocco.   We wandered through three cities and took a bus into the desert with travelers from all overthe world.   We shared stories with strangers, and leaned fully into the experience which became one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip.  What made this journey so special was how we traveled.  We figured things out along the way (including housing), balanced iconic sites with spontaneous adventure.  We were gone for nearly a month, finished in Barcelona, and returned home changed - proof that sometimes the best trips happen when you leave room for the unknown.  Follow along for more on IG Do you want help planning your next trip?  Complete this form.