Me: to Australia. 36 times, every part of the country, every season, every reason. As a result, I’ve received several travel industry awards for destination planning. I’ve sent so many clients to Australia I’ve lost count, and only had one complaint: a honeymoon couple went in January, summer in Australia, the wet season in the tropical north. This young HONEYMOON couple was in Brisbane, and he called me at work to say I’d ruined their honeymoon because it was raining and they didn’t know what to do. I had to put him on hold before I could respond professionally.
Judith, that's amazing you've done all of that with Australia. A true destination specialist for sure! I'm guessing travel planning is what you do as a career then?
I am insane like you...I first came to Jamaica in 2015 and by 2018 I moved here and am still here in Portland. There is something magical about this island that captures a certain kind of soul and I am just absolutely tickled to find you here on Substack! When I first moved here I thought I was a one-of- a-kind-crazy who would do something like that only to find over the years there are soooooo many stories of people coming to this island and doing the same thing! I've met quite a few people that have fallen in love with Portland and tried to live here but just couldn't do it for a variety of reasons. I would love to hear about any experiences you've had here in Portland and I'm going to subscribe to your publication right now! ❤️ 🇯🇲 Sending you a big hug from one lunatic to another 🌴✌️
Deanna, that's amazing! And WELL DONE for moving to a part of the island that isn't typical!!! There are SO many expats in Negril and Ochi. It's nice to see you enjoying a lesser known part of the rock. The second time I moved down, I was on the south coast (near Black River) and it was such a breath of fresh air down there. No tourism, just peace and quiet!
As far as Portland, I haven't spent a ton of time there but I have done some work for a few villas over that side. San Bar villa and Seacliff Resort. Both incredible spots and lovely owners to work with.
I'm SO glad you found me! I've got lots of stories coming out in the future. Stay tuned!
I spent most of my twenties globetrotting, and then I dropped everything to backpack solo through South America for 14 months. I’m guilty of never going back to a place. Now I travel with kids and we also never go back. I’m like your mother, I need more stamps. But I’m also very much like you. Forget resorts and guided tours, we grab our packs and find the locals. I don’t consider it a good trip unless we’ve forgotten ourselves and really learned something about someone else. In my opinion, it’s the very best reason to travel.
I don’t like the feeling of visiting once and leaving with the thought that I may never come back...I schedule a trip to the same place every year, the place I love, that feels like home, that is like an anchor and allows me to reset and remind me of who I am...I totally understand your feeling...but I also follow the wisdom “once a year travel to a place you have never been before” because that’s how you grow as a person, by being in an unfamiliar setting, discovering the place at the same time you discover what you’re capable of and how strong you are, and elevate your self-confidence...it’s a good balance for a happy life...
For 20 years … so unlike how I used to travel, never wanting to go to the same place twice. This topic will be super interesting to me as kosovo is not a Well traveled tourist location, so curious what might work there
I sometimes think the lesser known destinations are better because there's more to discover and share. But no matter which place it is, everyone has such unique perspective on it.
Wow, Kristi. Very exciting! You're going to make such a huge difference for so many people!
I'm living my dream destinations - 2 actually. The beach in Oceanside, CA and the beauty of northern Arizona. Diverse. Full of interesting people and places. Where else can you stop by the local fisherman's boat and pick up your seafood dinner fresh from the ocean? Meet locals who have a history of the place and a knowledge you can't find in books? Dig up sand dollars when it's a negative low tide? Watch javelina, roadrunners, mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions run through your yard? Watch dolphins surf through the waves alongside the surfers? Feel the hard packed sand under your toes and the waves lap over your ankles? There are so many amazing places. I feel blessed to have found the ones that captivate me every day.
Excited to follow you with Your Other Passport! Congrats!
Sounds like you're living your own destination dreams! Have you ever dedicated your writing to it?
When you mentioned fresh caught fish for dinner it made me miss fisherman's beaches in Jamaica. Not only did they catch it but they'd fry it up for you as well. Lovely dinner every time!
You're right, Kristi. I'm super grateful to be living where I feel inspired. I haven't dedicated my writing to it. I've never felt that I could offer inspiration the way you can. I just worked my butt off for many years to be able to afford the lifestyle. I think your approach will really resonate with so many people. I admire what you have accomplished.
Our fishermen don't cook our meals for us - gotta come home and do the dew ourselves!
Never been to Jamaica, but that's where my sisters Mom came from. My own fave spot on Planet Earth is Europe. Spent the last 10 months of my Brit Soldiering in Germany, during the mid 60's, knew I'd return..... Which I did mid 70's to late 80's. I'd have a base for a while, be on the road a while. Sometimes taking a few weeks employment, mostly selling earrings or art, eventually playing guitar on the streets and in cafes of Belgium and Nederland. Army German and school French got me by, then I added Dutch. Having no driving license, I cycled, thumbed around, rode a 49cc moped from Danemark over the Austrian Alps to Italy and back, rebuilding the engine weekly. Then I wed, returned to England & raised kids, got a driving license, built businesses for 31 years, divorced, and returned to Europe. Brexit errors cost me my driving license, so I'm currently constructing an E-Trike with a solar mini camper, because there are still bits of Europe I have not yet Grokked. Once I am under way I'll be posting new adventures on my stack, with stories of my previous EU Odysseys. Life is for the living. Lol. Peace, Maurice
Thanks, yeah Kristi, and made notes, poetry and songs all the way, until I met the Light of my Life...... which after those 31 years dimmed, and the road has me beckoned again. Peace, Maurice
You're right, there are so many places! After 15 years of Jamaica, in 2019 I went to New Orleans and I was like omg...there's life outside of Jamaica 🤣
I had plans to expand my travel horizons after that but then the pandemic hit.
Touching Base..... English workaholic re-establishing myself (as an author and illustrator) to be near my Grandkids in Nederland, and my nieces in France. I spent nearly 13 years roaming Europe in the 70/80's. Glad to be back. Sooo where are you folks considering ? A bien tot, Peace, Maurice
Oh sweet, in the Treasure Beach area of the south coast!! I lived on the south coast back in 2017. It's so nice and quiet, very quaint compared to the rest of the touristy places on the island. Have a fantastic time!
I was also the recipient of winning a trip. Actually, it was a friend who won, and instead of taking her family, she took her friends. A brilliant move for guaranteed fun! There's something about a free trip that feels more exotic.
Your words about wanting to get off the bus echo my thoughts everywhere I go. No matter where I am I want to know how it feels to live there, to be fully embraced by the place. I have never been to NYC (yet) but when I go I want to stay for 6 months so I can EXPERIENCE it.
I look forward to your new column Kristi. I love that you added 'even if the destination is currently where you live'. I appreciate that for those of us who can't currently bop off to a foreign land!
That's amazing that you've also won a trip!! Such an incredible feeling to win something so big and possibly life changing. I feel like a turd admitting I've actually won two trips to Jamaica in my lifetime. The first and the 4th trips.
And yes, you can absolutely pull off the stuff I'm going to teach in the place you live. I believe millions of people actually love where they live enough to want to become a specialist with it. I'm glad you're looking forward to this. It's gonna be fun!
Congrats on your new feature! Sounds awesome— and informative. ❤️🙏
Because my daughter is marrying an Italian there’s a good chance we will be going to Italy more often. We were there in Sept and fell in love with the country and the people.
And now I have to learn Italian. Ugh. I’m so American. Me whining— why should I learn another language? But reality set in when my daughter said, Ma— your grandkids will be speaking Italian.
Ah. Hmmm. Prego.
Jamaica is on my bucket list. You definitely had a past life there. Or it’s in your ancestry. I found out I’m 13% Italian!
Haha, Sisi ! My Grandkids speak Dutch naturally,.... I've been learning it for nearly fifty years.... but soon enough they'll be better at it than I am. Lol, Peace, Maurice
"unless a jamaican in me" haha. Russian? As in Jewish? Any Ashkenazi?
Italy became an interest because of Riccardo (my future SIL). Also, Samantha has asked me a couple of times in the last few years if hubby and I would ever live in Italy because she and R might want to spend time there. Ahem.
Nope, you don't need to do anything. As mentioned in the post, you're automatically subscribed to the new column because you're subscribed to my main pub.
I fell in love with Crete the first time I went over 30 years ago but have never been back. I love all things Mediterranean. 😎 But the Greeks I found particularly friendly. We went to Tenerife three or four times in a row but stopped because we didn't like what they were doing to develop our little part of paradise. A small beach the locals used and a plan to build a big hotel there... I do love where we live though on the Welsh Borders in the UK. We look out onto the Black Mountains.
Love Wales, spent a lot of time in the North, prospecting for gems. Had family connections around Conway and Anglesey. Toured the West coast one summer. Hoping to visit Machynlleth alt tech centre for my fourth time. Peace, Maurice
What Canada DOES have in relation to Jamaica is a massive expat population from the Caribbean. Just in Toronto, the numbers are huge, and even here in Winnipeg, there are jerk chicken restaurants.
I certainly know the desire about coming back to places you've been. A few days is not enough to learn all of a place's secrets.
Yeah out east has an amazingly diverse diaspora of Caribbean people. It's not so great like that here in Calgary but we do have a few good restaurants.
You're right, a few days is never enough. When I booked 10 days in New Orleans in 2019, an American friend of mine told me I should change my flights because I'd be bored after 3 days. He was DEAD WRONG! After my ten days I could have stayed for ten months and still not seen all I wanted to experience! New Orleans has a ton of soul!
Me: to Australia. 36 times, every part of the country, every season, every reason. As a result, I’ve received several travel industry awards for destination planning. I’ve sent so many clients to Australia I’ve lost count, and only had one complaint: a honeymoon couple went in January, summer in Australia, the wet season in the tropical north. This young HONEYMOON couple was in Brisbane, and he called me at work to say I’d ruined their honeymoon because it was raining and they didn’t know what to do. I had to put him on hold before I could respond professionally.
Judith, that's amazing you've done all of that with Australia. A true destination specialist for sure! I'm guessing travel planning is what you do as a career then?
Yes, for almost 35 years. Love it, although it can be stressful.
Well, any job can be stressful so why not make it a job you love, right?
Right!
I am insane like you...I first came to Jamaica in 2015 and by 2018 I moved here and am still here in Portland. There is something magical about this island that captures a certain kind of soul and I am just absolutely tickled to find you here on Substack! When I first moved here I thought I was a one-of- a-kind-crazy who would do something like that only to find over the years there are soooooo many stories of people coming to this island and doing the same thing! I've met quite a few people that have fallen in love with Portland and tried to live here but just couldn't do it for a variety of reasons. I would love to hear about any experiences you've had here in Portland and I'm going to subscribe to your publication right now! ❤️ 🇯🇲 Sending you a big hug from one lunatic to another 🌴✌️
Deanna, that's amazing! And WELL DONE for moving to a part of the island that isn't typical!!! There are SO many expats in Negril and Ochi. It's nice to see you enjoying a lesser known part of the rock. The second time I moved down, I was on the south coast (near Black River) and it was such a breath of fresh air down there. No tourism, just peace and quiet!
As far as Portland, I haven't spent a ton of time there but I have done some work for a few villas over that side. San Bar villa and Seacliff Resort. Both incredible spots and lovely owners to work with.
I'm SO glad you found me! I've got lots of stories coming out in the future. Stay tuned!
I spent most of my twenties globetrotting, and then I dropped everything to backpack solo through South America for 14 months. I’m guilty of never going back to a place. Now I travel with kids and we also never go back. I’m like your mother, I need more stamps. But I’m also very much like you. Forget resorts and guided tours, we grab our packs and find the locals. I don’t consider it a good trip unless we’ve forgotten ourselves and really learned something about someone else. In my opinion, it’s the very best reason to travel.
Amen to all of that!!
I don’t like the feeling of visiting once and leaving with the thought that I may never come back...I schedule a trip to the same place every year, the place I love, that feels like home, that is like an anchor and allows me to reset and remind me of who I am...I totally understand your feeling...but I also follow the wisdom “once a year travel to a place you have never been before” because that’s how you grow as a person, by being in an unfamiliar setting, discovering the place at the same time you discover what you’re capable of and how strong you are, and elevate your self-confidence...it’s a good balance for a happy life...
I really like your outlook on it, whether a different or a same place 😊
I’ve found myself going to Kosovo
For 20 years … so unlike how I used to travel, never wanting to go to the same place twice. This topic will be super interesting to me as kosovo is not a Well traveled tourist location, so curious what might work there
I sometimes think the lesser known destinations are better because there's more to discover and share. But no matter which place it is, everyone has such unique perspective on it.
Glad to have you following along!
Wow, Kristi. Very exciting! You're going to make such a huge difference for so many people!
I'm living my dream destinations - 2 actually. The beach in Oceanside, CA and the beauty of northern Arizona. Diverse. Full of interesting people and places. Where else can you stop by the local fisherman's boat and pick up your seafood dinner fresh from the ocean? Meet locals who have a history of the place and a knowledge you can't find in books? Dig up sand dollars when it's a negative low tide? Watch javelina, roadrunners, mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions run through your yard? Watch dolphins surf through the waves alongside the surfers? Feel the hard packed sand under your toes and the waves lap over your ankles? There are so many amazing places. I feel blessed to have found the ones that captivate me every day.
Excited to follow you with Your Other Passport! Congrats!
Sounds like you're living your own destination dreams! Have you ever dedicated your writing to it?
When you mentioned fresh caught fish for dinner it made me miss fisherman's beaches in Jamaica. Not only did they catch it but they'd fry it up for you as well. Lovely dinner every time!
You're right, Kristi. I'm super grateful to be living where I feel inspired. I haven't dedicated my writing to it. I've never felt that I could offer inspiration the way you can. I just worked my butt off for many years to be able to afford the lifestyle. I think your approach will really resonate with so many people. I admire what you have accomplished.
Our fishermen don't cook our meals for us - gotta come home and do the dew ourselves!
I'm glad you worked your way to where you wanted to be 😊😊
Thank you. Me too. Bliss.
Never been to Jamaica, but that's where my sisters Mom came from. My own fave spot on Planet Earth is Europe. Spent the last 10 months of my Brit Soldiering in Germany, during the mid 60's, knew I'd return..... Which I did mid 70's to late 80's. I'd have a base for a while, be on the road a while. Sometimes taking a few weeks employment, mostly selling earrings or art, eventually playing guitar on the streets and in cafes of Belgium and Nederland. Army German and school French got me by, then I added Dutch. Having no driving license, I cycled, thumbed around, rode a 49cc moped from Danemark over the Austrian Alps to Italy and back, rebuilding the engine weekly. Then I wed, returned to England & raised kids, got a driving license, built businesses for 31 years, divorced, and returned to Europe. Brexit errors cost me my driving license, so I'm currently constructing an E-Trike with a solar mini camper, because there are still bits of Europe I have not yet Grokked. Once I am under way I'll be posting new adventures on my stack, with stories of my previous EU Odysseys. Life is for the living. Lol. Peace, Maurice
Wow, that's amazing! You've lived quite the travel life!
Thanks, yeah Kristi, and made notes, poetry and songs all the way, until I met the Light of my Life...... which after those 31 years dimmed, and the road has me beckoned again. Peace, Maurice
Definition of insanity or obsession? Or maybe just finding a place that feels like "home" if only for a little while?
Looking forward to your new column, Kristi!!! 💖💖💖
I'd say it was a little bit of both! All in a good way though 😌
This was a great introduction to 'Your Other Passport'. I loved it.
Two places I lived visiting:
Moscow one trip only though
Costa Rica so far I've been 4 times and it'll definitely be 5
There are many more addictions to find though, so many places to see.
You're right, there are so many places! After 15 years of Jamaica, in 2019 I went to New Orleans and I was like omg...there's life outside of Jamaica 🤣
I had plans to expand my travel horizons after that but then the pandemic hit.
Congratulations on launching this! I am excited to learn and be inspired!
Touching Base..... English workaholic re-establishing myself (as an author and illustrator) to be near my Grandkids in Nederland, and my nieces in France. I spent nearly 13 years roaming Europe in the 70/80's. Glad to be back. Sooo where are you folks considering ? A bien tot, Peace, Maurice
Thanks Jessica, I'm super looking forward to seeing how others use what they learn here 😊
This is very strange. I happened to just find your blog and I happen to be traveling to Jamaica in two days! Whaaaaat?!
Ha! Very serendipitous!
Which part of Jamaica will you be in?
Treasure Bay
Oh sweet, in the Treasure Beach area of the south coast!! I lived on the south coast back in 2017. It's so nice and quiet, very quaint compared to the rest of the touristy places on the island. Have a fantastic time!
Thank you, Kristi!
I was also the recipient of winning a trip. Actually, it was a friend who won, and instead of taking her family, she took her friends. A brilliant move for guaranteed fun! There's something about a free trip that feels more exotic.
Your words about wanting to get off the bus echo my thoughts everywhere I go. No matter where I am I want to know how it feels to live there, to be fully embraced by the place. I have never been to NYC (yet) but when I go I want to stay for 6 months so I can EXPERIENCE it.
I look forward to your new column Kristi. I love that you added 'even if the destination is currently where you live'. I appreciate that for those of us who can't currently bop off to a foreign land!
That's amazing that you've also won a trip!! Such an incredible feeling to win something so big and possibly life changing. I feel like a turd admitting I've actually won two trips to Jamaica in my lifetime. The first and the 4th trips.
And yes, you can absolutely pull off the stuff I'm going to teach in the place you live. I believe millions of people actually love where they live enough to want to become a specialist with it. I'm glad you're looking forward to this. It's gonna be fun!
Congrats on your new feature! Sounds awesome— and informative. ❤️🙏
Because my daughter is marrying an Italian there’s a good chance we will be going to Italy more often. We were there in Sept and fell in love with the country and the people.
And now I have to learn Italian. Ugh. I’m so American. Me whining— why should I learn another language? But reality set in when my daughter said, Ma— your grandkids will be speaking Italian.
Ah. Hmmm. Prego.
Jamaica is on my bucket list. You definitely had a past life there. Or it’s in your ancestry. I found out I’m 13% Italian!
Haha, Sisi ! My Grandkids speak Dutch naturally,.... I've been learning it for nearly fifty years.... but soon enough they'll be better at it than I am. Lol, Peace, Maurice
Thanks! I think it's going to be a lot of fun rolling this all out.
And sadly, no there's no Jamaican in me unless there was literally a Jamaican in me 🤣🤣🤣
I'm as white European as they come. Born Canadian with German, Russian, and a tiny bit of Italian ancestry.
Is Italy somewhere you're interested in aside from your daughter marrying into it?
"unless a jamaican in me" haha. Russian? As in Jewish? Any Ashkenazi?
Italy became an interest because of Riccardo (my future SIL). Also, Samantha has asked me a couple of times in the last few years if hubby and I would ever live in Italy because she and R might want to spend time there. Ahem.
Do we need to do anything to get this new column Kristi or will it come automatically? 🤔
Nope, you don't need to do anything. As mentioned in the post, you're automatically subscribed to the new column because you're subscribed to my main pub.
The thing is, by the time I get to the end of a post, I have forgotten most of the detail! 😂 I did skim back through but didn't catch it.
No worries! I have the same level of retention as you 🤣
I fell in love with Crete the first time I went over 30 years ago but have never been back. I love all things Mediterranean. 😎 But the Greeks I found particularly friendly. We went to Tenerife three or four times in a row but stopped because we didn't like what they were doing to develop our little part of paradise. A small beach the locals used and a plan to build a big hotel there... I do love where we live though on the Welsh Borders in the UK. We look out onto the Black Mountains.
Love Wales, spent a lot of time in the North, prospecting for gems. Had family connections around Conway and Anglesey. Toured the West coast one summer. Hoping to visit Machynlleth alt tech centre for my fourth time. Peace, Maurice
Ahh, Greece has been on my list for a long time! It looks stunning and the people come across as amazing!
Do you love where you live enough to want to turn the destination itself into something you could specialize in?
Yes for sure. Have lived in this area all my life. 💜
What Canada DOES have in relation to Jamaica is a massive expat population from the Caribbean. Just in Toronto, the numbers are huge, and even here in Winnipeg, there are jerk chicken restaurants.
I certainly know the desire about coming back to places you've been. A few days is not enough to learn all of a place's secrets.
Yeah out east has an amazingly diverse diaspora of Caribbean people. It's not so great like that here in Calgary but we do have a few good restaurants.
You're right, a few days is never enough. When I booked 10 days in New Orleans in 2019, an American friend of mine told me I should change my flights because I'd be bored after 3 days. He was DEAD WRONG! After my ten days I could have stayed for ten months and still not seen all I wanted to experience! New Orleans has a ton of soul!