7 Cities To Help You Visualize Before You Plan Your Next Trip – Start Your Journey Now
Written by: Ilaria Storch, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As you probably know, I was a late bloomer where traveling is concerned. And yet, deep down, I had two certainties in my heart. One was that I would see the world, and two, I wanted it to be a shared experience, with my partner, best friend and eventually family, and then for the coaching business. Here, choose what feels best for you: is it solo, with family, a partner, or a friend, for study and self-growth, with your pet, or all of it?
Below, seven cities that were dreams come true and that will motivate you to start planning and daydreaming now! It's interesting to journal the places you have already been to ‒ remember to feel grateful for where you are at, from the town fair next door to the nearby city, to bigger adventures around the globe.
This is not a guide, it's an emotional ballad to nudge your mind and heart out of your comfort zone!
Also, I would like to add that the journey and the effort to make most of these travels and destinies come true sometimes took many years to happen, plan and come to be – it involved waiting and taking action, visualizing, asking for help and knowing who I would love to have with me on board. Patience combined with practical steps, reality and your vision working together.
1. Turin, Italy
Situated in the North of Italy, it was its first capital, and visiting this city was a desire I cuddled since all the stories I heard from my grandmother and mother, who were born there. It was very worthwhile waiting to go there because I discovered the city together with my husband, and it sort of illustrated some of the family’s stories. Turin is a very charming city, full of history, with its beautiful arches under which you can walk around the city, sheltered in case of hard weather, and sit and enjoy your expresso – Italian coffee. And great food, after all, it's Italy!
2. Vancouver BC
This city is an extraordinary discovery – a big urban center, and at the same time not crowded, with all that it can offer, with nature all around it. For me, Vancouver BC is one of the most beautiful cities in North America, with a full work-lifestyle, art and music options, a thriving night life, and also with many outdoor activities, sometimes only 10 minutes away; you can go hiking, visit the amazing Capilano Bridge Suspension Park bridge park, see the ocean, wild life, so much to enjoy and learn nature wise, and the people are very open and welcoming.
3. Jerusalem
So different and so far away from the traditional western way of life, it's a city full of charm and spirituality – where each person can find their own connection within and outside too. It's a wonderful city for tourism and doing some very ancient sight-seeing, enjoying a camel ride, or just sitting somewhere – maybe with a typical dish, like shakshuka, or falafel, or gefilte fish, and taking in the scenery. There are many little streets and market places, full of inspiring art, scarves, antiques, jewelry, pottery, fruits, where you can take some afternoons off to just stroll and meditate in a new take on things. Admiring the city's light and buildings all made with the same-colored limestone is a work of art in itself!
4. Tokyo
Some trips take many years to happen, as I mentioned before, and the motivations may vary. As much as Vancouver BC – Canada was on my heart, Japan was on my daughter’s dream wish. This was so possible thanks to my coaching career and seeing the opportunity to blend both dreams and trips together – not that age matters, yet a tech savvy millennial in her 20's and her fun mother in her 50's got this rock and rolling – a mix of surprise, planning, asking for help and guidance and going for it!
Tokyo is a very populated city, and yet what surprised me was how quiet the city is; the people are amazing and very polite, all the time. It's so different from any other place, from the food, to the day-to-day living, to the parks that are silent, very well kept, and the culture of many little shops (and big ones too) with Animes, pens and pencils, stationery and electronics.
5. Mexico City
This was one of the first cities I visited on business with my hubs, and then for an amazing mini vacay in Cancun. Mexico City reminds me of the city I live in, São Paulo. They are both crowded, noisy, cities, with various business and apartment towers, as well as more laid-back neighborhoods, with a more human feel to them – that kind of compensates for all the nonstop action. People are very warm and willing to help and yes, the food is spicier than average, and quite delicious.
6. Los Angeles
Being a nomad at heart, the time came for me to finally visit Los Angeles, California. This was one of those places that I had only seen and imagined in the movies, with all the stories and glitter – I was more curious than drawn to it – because even with a dreaming heart and mind, I usually have my feet on the ground. So, when I eventually arrived at the city, for a coaching business event, I had already figured out some things, was well accompanied and knew myself quiet well. The vibe I got from Los Angeles is that of a place where all is possible, a place of breathing creativity, open places and people, tech professionals, many well-off people, movie people and the struggling artists and creatives too. It's a very special mix, and a true challenge for you to find your way to what will work, especially if you are super young, keep your eyes open.
The possibilities are there! And beautiful beaches and nature too.
7. Your Home
Where is home for you, right now?
This is an important question, because you can either feel joyful or positively triggered to find out new ideas for you and your loved ones.
How much are you willing to change, move, and also acknowledge that it feels awesome where you are at?
Something useful to remember: the feelings you experience during your trip and the memories you bring back are one of the best things to cherish for life –maybe even better than some souvenir that can get lost or fade away.
Life Is Nomadic by Essence!
Helping you find YOUR talents and live the way you WANT to, wherever you are!
Remember to get your 7 Free Tips to Feel at Home Anywhere, with new inspiring pictures, here.
Ilaria Storch, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ilaria Storch, a Life Coach Nomad, is the creator of Life Coach Nomads, where she shares her passion for travel and for inspiring people everywhere to access their true center and find more connection and energy on the way to more joy, fun, and fulfillment. She practices that following your emotions, wrapped up in a personal structure that can connect your goals, desires, and love, is the path to all real and true growth. Wherever you are, change is nomadic by essence, and it takes time, support and starts inside you when you absolutely desire to develop yourself and move on. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising, speaks many languages, won a Fashion Illustration Award during College, and loves coaching her clients towards their expressive life journey.
