Travel, for me, has always reflected where I am in life. It finds me most during transition periods, when I feel lost, unsure, or in the middle of becoming something new. The places I’ve been were never random. I was there for a reason, at a very specific point in my life, and I needed to be there. This year made that clearer than ever. When I sat down to make this list, I actually thought I hadn’t traveled much. I caught myself thinking I needed to do more next year. Then I looked back and realized I had been moving constantly. It just didn’t always look like a traditional vacation. It wasn’t always rest or escape or “fun” in the obvious way. Travel has become essential to my life. It’s normal to me. It’s not chaotic or impulsive or strange. It’s simply who I am. I’m Annmarie, and I travel. It’s not a singular experience or a highlight reel. It’s a value that shows up in how I live, work, and grow. Every place I went this year shaped me into the version of myself that’s ready to w...