Traveling When You Can't Travel - Chapter 3

Let's Walk! Travel podcasts, 2025 journeys and June reads

Traveling can be an addictive sport. The more you do it, the more you crave it. And for me, at first glance, it used to seem as if there was very little day-to-day that could satiate my personal longing for that next healing experience of exploring somewhere new. This one fact is how Big Story Living was born. I experienced the world. The world did its work to mend something in me…and I wanted more. So, I went on a quest to make travel an ongoing, never-ending part of my personal life, eventually wanting to share her healing powers by helping others take their own personal journeys.

But we can’t always travel. And as we have discovered this summer, there are actually a few things that can be made an intentional part of day-to-day life that have the power to make a big difference in settling the addictive travel bug when we just can’t travel right now. These include reading travel-related books, capturing delight and now, walking.

……….

It’s true, travel can’t always happen for any of us.

Beautiful LIFE… this is what happens without fail.

So here’s another thing that I intentionally do to experience the similar sensations, highs, and healing I get from traveling the world, even when life is happening and I simply can’t travel right now…

I walk.

……….

You know how I said that the world did (and does) its work to mend something in me? Maybe I should elaborate.

I don’t actually believe it’s the work of the world itself. Healing and re-centering actually come from the space I’m allowed when exploring it. And it’s in that space that I can be present to the Presence and present to myself in ways in which I rarely experience while living most days of this big, beautiful life. Ultimately then, space, center, and connection to myself and the Divine must be what I crave most.

And I’ve found that something as simple as taking an intentional walk in the middle of the numerous non-travel days of life can be an unsung, worthy substitute for experiencing the benefits of travel when I can’t go just yet.

The Science Behind Walking from a Non-Scientist’s Point of View

Here’s the way I understand it. Our nervous systems are wired to calm down through bilateral stimulation. Walking, tapping, eye movement – they present a stimulus to both sides of our body and both sides of our brain. And somehow, this grounds and re-centers us – especially in nature, but basically anywhere our feet take us. Somehow that bouncing light through the trees and off buildings that we experience as we walk corrects trauma, brings healing, and provides a zen that offers peace.

When I travel, I often walk in wonder and curiosity for miles and miles each day. And in the middle of the movement, the stimulation and the pure bodily exertion, my mind settles, my brain focuses and my thoughts, dreams, and desires become present in ways that they almost never have an opportunity to in day-to-day life.

SO…when I can’t travel, and I need a little taste, I set aside regular times throughout my week to empower my body to move.

And though I don’t know all the exact chemicals being produced or the exact miracle that is happening inside of me as I go, it’s undeniable that I am happier and more settled when I return…much like when I travel.

Are you longing to travel, but a lengthy journey won’t fit on the calendar just yet? Try putting on your walking shoes and simply journeying out the front door. Give yourself the space of a one-hour walk and see how you feel when you return.

And though being single-minded and undistracted in that space is probably the most healing walking experience, you can also add a little travel in you ears as you go.

Travel Podcasts I Enjoy

Like travel-oriented books, travel podcasts are another great way to get away. My favorites are The Earful Tower and Travel with Rick Steves, but here’s a list of the ones that have found their way into my current podcast que.

Tip: Try following a few of these on your podcast app. When a new episode of your favorite lands, let that be your signal to grab your shoes and hit the pavement for an early morning stroll or evening getaway.

2025 Big Story Living Journey Calendar Coming Soon

Watch this space in July for all of the upcoming 2025 opportunities coming your way to travel with Big Story Living. We’re planning two Women’s Curated Journeys, a possible mini journey together over a long weekend, and we’re even considering a Couples Journey to Europe. led by myself and my husband, Kevin.

Interested? Leave me a message in the comments below. I’ll place you on the first-come-first-served list and you’ll be the first to receive our 2025 dates. Each journey accommodates only 10 travelers, so if you think you’re interested in joining us, let me know. Securing your place on the list does not mean you are committing to go. It just allows you “priority boarding” if you do decide to join us.

Books I Read In June

Someday, Someday Maybe and Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Grahan

The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick

The Fall of Roe by Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer

What are you reading this summer?

Happy Travels!

Amy