From Logistics to Curiosity
Big Story Living is just days away from our very first Curated Journey to Europe! Yayyyy! In the last seven or so months, our travel team has gathered more than enough frequent flyer miles through credit card bonuses and spending to journey together, and we are taking off on March 3 to Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague and Budapest. With miles + about $75 taxes and fees, our seats are secured and we are ready to go. On top of that, we’ve also secured lodging for 10 nights for under $600 per person and have created an itinerary that I’m super excited to experience. Now it’s time to settle in and prepare internally a bit before takeoff.
In our most recent team Zoom call, I ended by shifting the conversation away from logistics towards curiosity.
Why?
Big Story Living is more than a teaching tool for traveling the world for almost free. In this space (and on our journeys) I am consistently working to fill you with tips and tricks for making world travel affordable. That’s a given. But for me, travel goes hand in hand with “inspiring wonder and faith as partners in the journey.” I deeply believe that the experience of travel and exploring the world can and should be so much more than just a vacation. Where vacations get the job done and serve their own necessary purposes, travel is about moving at the pace of wonder and curiosity.
Travel has the ability to transform, renew and re-center. The world is so good at healing and deepening and making us brave. And intentional curiosity is the mindset that enhances a typical itinerary and turns it into a much needed transformative journey.
What I Do and Don’t Do on a Journey
Throughout our Curated Journey experiences I am only a guide. Whether I’m guiding through the budget travel learning experiences before we leave or encouraging curiosity on the streets of Paris, you’ll never experience Big Story Living teaching a Bible study or asking a group to share their individual deepest, darkest secrets so we can pray together and sing worship songs. No. Absolutely no.
As a guide, I simply position myself as one who intentionally sets the table for Jesus to do his thing with each individual person who finds themselves exploring a corner of the world where he’s already present.
I never presume that I have a clue about what Jesus has to specifically offer you. My role is to simply create the space for you to connect with him in a personal way on your own as you wander the streets of some of the most inspiring cities in the world. This looks like journal prompts, creative experiences to incorporate into your day and encouragement to move at a curious and slower pace than the typical vacation. Everything is thoughtful and intentional, and every gift offered is yours to take or leave as you need or wish. Nothing about the faith component is mandatory. Ever.
And no matter a person’s faith background or current reality, all are welcome and safe.
As a matter of fact, the only thing mandatory about our journeys are the pre-travel learning experiences on Zoom, flying together, lodging together, moving from one location to the next as a group and being courteous and kind to your fellow team of travelers. Beyond that, each day is freely yours to intentionally craft as you choose.
Here’s a little teaser of what I mean about being curious…
Three Questions That Can Take Your Vacation From “Get It Done” to a Deeper Travel Experience
“Jesus, what do you want me to know or see today?”
“How am I feeling today and what do I need?”
“Which direction should I turn?”
So, Are You Curious About the Curiosity? Join Us!
Soon you will begin to see our trip come to life on Instagram @bigstoryliving when we take flight on March 3. I really hope you enjoy following along. Go and give us a follow now so you don’t miss a single story!
And if 2023 happens to feel like the perfect time for your next Big Story to unfold, I would love for you to consider joining us on our upcoming women’s Curated Journey to Europe in the fall.
Registration closes January 31!
Here’s all the basic information. Then just message me for more details at amycolon@gmail.com.
Happy Travels!
Amy