It happens every single time I return from one of these amazing Nat Geo Private Jet Expeditions.

Although many of my fellow travelers indicated they were exhausted and ready to get home, that is decidedly NOT the case for me. I could go on forever. Having the trip come to an end always puts me into a deep, weeklong funk.

8 reasons for my melancholia

• I miss the adventure.
• I miss being on the move, discovering new lands and new experiences.
• I miss the warmth and camaraderie of the Nat Geo team. Each and every one was terrific but a special shout out must go to Patricio Thijssen, our assistant expedition leader, endlessly sweet and funny and helpful (all that luggage, so many details, all with a smile and barely a hiccup).
• I miss having a daily itinerary of options delivered to my room. How will I squeeze the most out of each and every day now that I’ve been left to my own devices?
• I already miss my daily interactions with our experts: Bill Saturno (archaeologist and hysterically funny storyteller) and I have never met anyone quite like our geographer David Scott Silverberg. Absolute genius of a man who also happens to be incredibly funny, thoughtful, and poetic.
• Spending time with our local guides was fantastic. I learned so much from them just by osmosis through casual conversations. Besides being informative, many were hugely inspiring. Carlos Vivar from Guatemala, who I wrote about previously, was quite possibly one of the most impressive people I have ever met.
• I also miss our phenomenal Icelandair crew. What a hoot they ended up being. So fun and dare I say it, super cute! And the captain delivered one of the most moving and “deep” speeches I’ve ever heard on a trip like this. The theme was how “conscious” service is love.
• And, of course, I miss hanging out with my fellow travelers (many new friends, others from previous trips).

My father always described himself as a wandering gypsy and clearly the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree when it comes to his daughter. I’m a born nomad. I would travel 90% of the time if money allowed.😜

I am gradually adjusting to being back

But, I am still in withdrawal mode. So strange. Anyone else feel this way after they come back from their travels?

I realize I’ve basically done a 5-star review for Nat Geo. Not my intention when I started writing this but well-deserved. Nat Geo goes above and beyond when it comes to hospitality, in a league of their own. Especially impressive when you consider the demanding and unpredictable nature of the destinations we’re exploring.

And finally…

Over the next few days I will be sharing more highlights from this expedition. I will also touch on travel trends I noticed on this trip. Many changes in the five years since I first started traveling with Nat Geo. I will also provide my take on the overall vibe I picked up in South America based on what I observed as well as what I learned from our local guides. Just a heads up: all of South America is deeply impacted by the Venezuelan socioeconomic and political crisis.

But for now…

Let me leave you with a quote our Brazilian guide, Erika, shared with us on the wonder – and power – of travel.

“To travel is to change the clothes of the soul.”

Mario Quintana (Brazilian Writer/Poet)

I couldn’t agree more. Besos 💋