A Card I Almost Threw Away

As I was clearing out old papers in my office, I came across something I almost didn’t keep.

A simple card.

It was from a trip to New Zealand many years ago.

At the end of that journey, the group handed it to me — a card filled with handwritten notes from each traveler.

I paused and read it again.

“It was, as usual, a memorable trip — especially the kayaking. Thank you for your effort.” — Lind

“Thank you for all your hard work.” — Brian

“Thank you for an amazing memory.” — Cathy

“A lifetime of memories.” — Leda

“Another wonderful trip, thanks.” — Inge

“Much gratitude for this trip — and for you.” — Wanda

“Frances, you are the best.” — GiGi

“You are the best, Frances. Thank you.” — Susan

Reading those words now, years later, I realized something.

At the time, it felt like a simple thank-you.

But looking back, it was more than that.

It was a collection of moments.

Shared laughter.

Quiet conversations.

A group of strangers who came together — and left with something more.

What stayed with me wasn’t just the places we visited.

It was the feeling.

The way people slowly opened up over the days.

The way the group began to take care of one another.

The way something unspoken formed between us.

Over the years, I’ve seen this happen again and again.

People arrive unsure.

Sometimes quiet.

Sometimes keeping to themselves.

And then, somewhere along the journey… something shifts.

Walls soften.

Conversations deepen.

And strangers begin to feel like friends.

That little card reminded me why I do this.

Not just to travel.

But to create spaces where people can feel:

Connection.

Belonging.

And a sense of ease being exactly who they are.

If you’ve ever thought about joining one of these journeys but felt a little hesitant — that’s completely natural.

Many of the people who now travel with us again and again started the same way.

We’ll be continuing our journey on the Gobi Desert, Mongolia & the Most Beautiful Villages in China this September, and a small group is already coming together.

And I’m quietly holding space for a couple more who may feel called to join.

Sometimes, it begins with a simple step.

And sometimes, it becomes a memory you carry for a lifetime.

More details can be found here: https://www.internationaltravellovers.com/post/gobi-desert-mongolia-and-china

What travel memory still surprises you when you come across it again? I'd love to hear.

A card I almost threw away...and yet, it holds a lifetime of memory.