Kellie Paxian

Paris is polarizing. You either love it or you hate it. It’s either cliché or it’s charming. For every romantic who says it’s their favourite city, there is a critic who turns their nose up at its grittier areas, high prices, or crowded tourist attractions. Even Parisians love to complain about Paris (but isn’t that so delightfully Parisian?).

I never expected to become the adventurous traveler I am today. My comfort zone has done a complete 180 over recent years, and I have the unbeaten path to thank for it.

London during the holiday season is something I wish everyone could experience at least once in their lifetime. I mean, you think you've seen Christmas spirit, until you go to London in the month of December.

The future is uncertain, but a few things are for sure. We still love to experience the adventures, landscapes, and cultures that our planet has to offer. None of us wish to go through another pandemic. And travel, as we know it, may never be the same.

Remember when the world was forced to take a pause a few year back? During that time (and beyond) left most people responsibly stuck at home, abiding by travel restrictions and doing their part not to spread the virus. That brought many challenges in the mental health realm that prompted us to realize just how important travel is for our well-being. It all came with a fair share of benefits, teaching us to become a little more comfortable with our me-time, find creative ways to stay busy, or have to dig deeper to stay positive.  I have to confess, I was one of the irresponsible ones. I left my home in Canada to live in Cape Town for six months.