Travel Isn't My Escape - It's my Reminder

Travel Isn’t My Escape — It’s My Reminder

I used to travel a lot more. I loved it. But then, during my time in Aspen, I was with someone who didn’t love it as much. So my travels dwindled. Don’t get me wrong — there were still some incredible trips: Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Africa. But they were spaced out, scattered across years, and never as frequent as I had hoped.

I’ve always worked hard — 80+ hours a week for decades. And part of that grind? It was driven by a dream to see the world. The long hours had a purpose. Travel was the reward.

Now, single and building something new, I’ve reminded myself who I am and what I want. Whether I go solo or with friends isn’t the point. Going is the point. For so long, work pulled focus away from me — from my own joy and desires. It was easy to let it, because I truly loved what I did & do. Fashion is so much fun.

But travel? Travel is the answer. It brings me back to myself. I feel electric — like a kid — when I’m on the move. Meeting strangers, experiencing new cultures, being somewhere no one knows me… it lights me up. I didn’t need a reset. I just needed another passport stamp.

1. Solo First, Then the World

Travel, to me, is like a gift-wrapped box. You know you have it—but until it’s opened, you have no idea what it will reveal.

When I book a trip, it’s a mix of emotions. At first, the nerves kick in: Where should I go? What kind of trip do I need right now? But once it’s booked, the real fun begins. What outfits will I be wearing? How do I want to feel? What kind of experience do I want to create? Who will I meet—and what will be the surprise of the trip?

Packing is an art. I bring books, playlists, writing tools… and plenty of style. When I travel alone, I always discover something about how I move through the world. How do I handle the hiccups? What delights me most? How do I spend a day with only myself to please?

Of course, I’m dressed cool—but these days, the shoes are practical. I average 35,000 steps a day when I travel. Heels? We’re not friends on a trip.

Turns out, I like my own company. Especially when I’m wearing cool shoes and sipping a cocktail.

2. Friends Who Pack Well

Trips with friends bring a totally different energy — and they absolutely shift how I pack. The plans are more structured, the nights stretch longer, and the adventures usually require wardrobe changes.

Over the years, I’ve been told I’m fun to travel with because I’m easygoing. I’m not the itinerary-maker or the ringleader. I’m just happy to be there — soaking it all up with people I adore.

Packing for these trips? Let’s just say I tend to have more hats than shoes (which surprises absolutely no one).

Last summer in Portugal, I was on a boat with two of my girlfriends. Sunset, wine, music — the vibe was perfect. And then the wind picked up. My hat — one of many — blew right off my head and straight into the ocean. No!

Of course, I had three others and had already bought two more in Lisbon. But the real moment? The captain and crew turned the boat around, grabbed nets, and tried so hard to save it. I hadn’t even asked. We laughed until we cried. The hat was gone, but the memory? Pure gold.

(Though let’s be real… the hair? Not so much.)

There’s something magical about getting ready with your friends in a hotel room. Lipstick, music, joy — it’s my church.

3. Clothes That Travel Well

Fashion always plays a role in my life — especially when I travel. I’ve packed my Ports 1961 silk cargo pants on every single trip since 2010. Truly. They work with everything, and I always feel amazing in them. There are three pieces I never travel without: those Ports pants, one of my Rawtus leather cardigan, and a tissue-weight souchi cardi. They’ve served me in every city I’ve ever visited.

These pieces are who I am and what I love. Fashion isn’t about trends — it’s about the pieces that make you feel good and work with your life, wherever it takes you. They give me that main character energy — no matter the destination.

When it comes to packing, I don’t need a lot — just the right pieces. And maybe one wildcard item that turns heads.

4. Reclaiming the Version of You That Wandered Off

It doesn’t take long into a trip before my smile broadens and my walk gets a bit of a bounce. There’s this quiet hum of gratitude — that I get to be here, that I made this happen. I feel it deeply when I travel. It shows up when I train, too — a silent thank-you to the universe for my strength, my lungs, my legs.

Something shifts. I make more eye contact. I strike up conversations with locals and travelers alike. We trade tips, favorite spots, hidden corners of the city. And those conversations don’t stay there — they come home with me. Gratitude, joy, curiosity — they start to weave their way back into my everyday life.

What I’m learning is: I don’t need a milestone or big reason to escape or celebrate. I just need curiosity. A little wonder. A window seat and an open mind.

5. Final Thought

If you’re even thinking about a trip — book it. Especially if you’ve never traveled alone. I truly believe every woman should do it at least once. There’s something transformative about being alone with your thoughts, your fears, your wants. You’ll surprise yourself — and you’ll probably love it.

I call her Vacation Suzi. She tries new styles, new food, says yes to the unexpected. She laughs more. She lingers longer. And if your mojo’s been quiet lately? Maybe she’s not lost — maybe she’s just waiting at the gate.

I tend to find my spark somewhere between takeoff and that first sip.

X, Suzi