The Power of Travel: Making Memories that will Last a Lifetime

by PD Owner Jonathan Tackaberry

One thing we have noticed over the years, especially here in Palmetto Dunes, is how often travel comes up in conversation. It does not matter if it is at the beach, at the Dunes House, or one of the community events that Elizabeth organizes. Sooner or later, someone asks, where have you been or where are you going next.

It is one of those topics that never seems to get old. Everyone has a story, a favorite trip, or something still on their bucket list. What has changed, though, is how people are approaching travel. It feels less rushed, less stressed, and more intentional.

For many people in this stage of life, there is finally the time and the means to do it right.

Travel today looks a little different than it used to. So much has changed since COVID. It is not just about getting somewhere. It is about how you experience it and who you share it with.

One of the biggest trends we continue to see is multigenerational travel. Families are bringing kids and grandkids together for trips that go beyond a typical vacation. A cruise, a week at an all inclusive resort, or even a trip overseas becomes something much bigger when everyone is there together.

We are also seeing more people traveling in friend groups or around shared interests. Wine clubs are planning trips to Italy, and pickleball groups are organizing tournaments on cruise ships to escape the winter blues. These types of trips bring people together in a different way and tend to create some of the most memorable experiences.

At the same time, there is a growing mindset that people talk about, sometimes jokingly, as “SKI Travel,” Spending the Kids’ Inheritance. It is not about being irresponsible. It is about recognizing that the value of experiences today often outweighs holding everything for later. We have met plenty of travelers who are simply choosing to enjoy their time now, while they can fully appreciate it.

There is also a noticeable shift in how people balance comfort and value. Earlier in life, it was often about stretching every dollar as far as possible. Now, many are willing to spend a little more if it makes the experience easier or more enjoyable. That might mean staying closer to the city center, choosing a cruise that includes more upfront costs, better rooms, or booking transportation that removes stress from the trip.

There is no one right way to travel. Some people love the simplicity of cruising, where everything is handled for you. Others prefer to move at their own pace and explore independently through historical cities or exotic locations. All inclusive resorts offer an easy, relaxed option, while longer stays in one place allow you to settle in and really get to know a destination.

It all comes down to what fits your style.

Over the past three years, we have been traveling nine months out of the year and spend the winter at our place here in PD. Over our 26 years of marriage, we have had the opportunity to visit more than 71 countries together and 42 states. Along the way, we have experienced just about every type of travel you can imagine.

Some of our best memories have not come from checking off a destination, but from the moments in between. Like sitting at a small, family owned restaurant in Sri Lanka and getting to know the entire family and their story. Those experiences come from slowing down and spending time in places that are off the beaten path, whether by chance, luck, or by design.

We have found that you can meet incredible people anywhere in the world. Sometimes that means playing with their children while the parents prepare a local dish, or even being invited into the kitchen to see how the magic happens. Moments like that are priceless and are a big part of why we love to travel. Getting to know people outside of the typical tourist experience is one of the most rewarding parts of any trip.

We have also seen how priorities change over time. Earlier in life, travel was about making the most of limited time and budget. With fewer vacation days and tighter budgets, we tried to do and see as much as possible. Now that we can slow down, we are able to truly experience the locations, the people, the food, and the wine. It does not always mean spending more money, but rather creating efficiencies and spending smarter so that the trip is enjoyable from start to finish.

We have met couples traveling the world together, families reconnecting on trips that they will talk about for years, and plenty of people who have decided that now is the time to go.

Travel still matters because it gives you something that is hard to find anywhere else. It brings people together, creates shared experiences, and leaves you with memories that stay with you long after the trip is over.

For those here in Palmetto Dunes, travel can be as simple as a quick getaway to the Caribbean or as involved as a multi-week journey across the world. There is no perfect way to do it. The best trips are the ones that match your interests, your pace, and what brings you joy in life.

 

As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” It is a simple reminder, but an important one. There is real value in taking the trip, seeing the place, and making the time for it now.

We would love to hear from you. What has been your favorite place you have ever traveled to, and what made it special? Was it the food, the history, the people, or just the feeling of being somewhere completely different?

Are you someone who prefers relaxing on a beach, exploring cities, historical sights, or getting off the beaten path? Have you taken a multigenerational trip with your family, or do you have one on your list?

There are a lot of great stories within this community, and we would enjoy hearing them.

For more information, you can reach out to Jonathan Tackaberry at [email protected].