Travel is my passion. I’ll go almost anywhere — from a quick day at the beach to weeks on another continent. I enjoy Disney World, cruises, and quiet mornings in the mountains with a cup of coffee and my thoughts.
For me, travel connects me to people, to nature, and even to my faith.
As the saying goes, I haven’t been everywhere — but it’s on my list.
Whether you travel on a tight budget or have the privilege to see the world, there’s one phrase you should remove from your travel vocabulary: “once in a lifetime.” This applies whether you’re planning a road trip in Canada, a weekend in the North Carolina mountains, or a longer international escape.
Once in a Lifetime Vacation
The name of this website came from my decade-long effort to stop underselling myself by saying “just.” I would minimize achievements with phrases like, “I just ran a half-marathon,” or “I have a business, but it’s just a side hustle.” That little word made accomplishments feel smaller, and the same shrinking effect happens when we treat travel as a one-off event.
Labeling a trip “once in a lifetime” creates pressure to cram everything in and “make the most” of it. That urgency often stems from a scarcity mindset: the idea that you’ll never return, so you must see it all now. That mindset tends to overplan trips, exhaust travelers, and ultimately obscure the subtle, memorable parts of a place.
Travel already pushes you out of your comfort zone: unfamiliar sights, smells, food, and routines. You don’t need to add self-imposed pressure. There’s a better, more enjoyable approach.
Try This Instead
For big trips — whether an RV road trip, a Baltic cruise, a Disney vacation, or an international adventure — swap “once in a lifetime” for “first time.” Planning from the perspective of “first” rather than “only” frees you to savor the experience and look forward to returning someday.
Decide what matters most for this specific trip. Where do you want to wake up and spend your mornings? Which sights are must-sees on this visit? Prioritize a few highlights and leave room to wander, relax, and discover unexpected moments.
Think in terms of priorities for first, second, and even third visits. Plan an itinerary that leaves you refreshed, rejuvenated, and excited to come back. You won’t see everything on one trip anyway, so give yourself permission to focus on meaningful experiences rather than checking off a never-ending list.
Many travelers love planning, but the real goal is the experience: growth, rest, and connection. A small shift in mindset — treating a big trip as the first of many possible visits — can turn a stressful scramble into a genuine vacation.
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