Hey Reader!

This email lands in your inbox every Tuesday. It's all about travel insights, personal stories, and lessons from my adventures exploring over 90 countries thus far. Whether it inspires, entertains, or enlightens, let's celebrate the beauty and diversity of this amazing world we share, from a travel perspective! 🌍✨

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Many people imagine that because I've visited over 90 countries, I must dream of living somewhere else.

The truth is quite the opposite.

The more I've travelled, the more grateful I've become of home.

That's not because Kenya is perfect, it isn't.

The truth is that just like a home or a family, no country is perfect. Every country I've visited has its strengths and its struggles.

Some have diverse and efficient working public transport, or impressive infrastructure, or well planned and spotless cities. Others have extraordinary natural beauty, rich culture, fascinating history, or economies that seem to hum effortlessly.

I've admired all of those things and sometimes found myself thinking, "I wish we did this in Kenya."

But after all these years, countless flights, and experiences across five continents, I've realised something unexpected: a wonderful place to visit isn't always the place where I'd want to build my life.

Travel has taught me that there is a difference between comfort and belonging.

I remain endlessly curious about the world. I still want to wander unfamiliar streets, taste local dishes I can't pronounce or describe, hear stories from people whose lives are completely different from mine, and stand in awe of landscapes that remind me how wonderfully diverse our planet is.

And then, with joyous anticipation, I lo-oove returning home. 🥰

Home is where family knows my stories before I tell them. It's where friendships have been built over years… decades even, stretching back to primary or high school.

Home is where community doesn't have to be created from scratch, and where life has a familiar rhythm that no passport stamp can replace.

There is something deeply comforting about hearing familiar accents, enjoying foods I grew up with, laughing at (the same) silly jokes only fellow Kenyans truly understand, and knowing exactly where me and my Kenyan-ness belong.

Ironically, travelling hasn't made me love my country any less.

It has made me appreciate it so much more.

Distance and isolation, has a remarkable way of sharpening perspective. When you see how differently people live around the world, you stop taking your own blessings for granted.

You notice what works at home, you become more patient with what doesn't, and you realise that every nation is still a work-in-progress, including (and especially) the ones we often idealise.

Perhaps that's one of travel's greatest gifts. It doesn't always change where you want to live. Sometimes it changes how deeply you value the place you already call home.

So yes, I'll keep planning the next adventure (lots of developments taking place so keep a lookout).

I'll keep saying yes to unexplored places and daring new experiences.

And I'll keep returning home with a heart that's just a little fuller than when I left.

Because for me, the best journeys don't just carry me away to new adventures.

They bring me right back home and teach me to love it even more.

Where (or how) has travel changed the way you see home? I'd love to hear your story, just hit reply and tell me.

I read every email 😊

Your Travel Coach,

Maria Kamau (aka Mkay)

Travel Enthusiast | Bodacious Adventurer |Travel Writer

PS: If you are planning to Travel and could use some support, here are a few ways I can help you:

✅Book a check in chat so we can explore your travel plans and how I could help: https://tinyurl.com/check-in-chat-with-Mkay [FREE]

✅✅Work with me to get the support you need for a specific upcoming trip you are planning https://tinyurl.com/travel-support-options [Low Cost, High Value]

✅✅✅Work with me 1-on-1 for 4 or more sessions to equip you with the skills of travelling as a lifestyle and watch your travel dreams come true! https://tinyurl.com/travel-support-options [Affordable and Transformative]

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