Sometimes, a Change of Scenery Is Good for the Heart & Soul 💜

Three personal journeys that reminded me of the healing power of travel, connection, and finding my way back to myself.

In recognition of World Mental Health Day | October 10, 2026

Have you ever reached that point in life where you just feel... maxed out? Not necessarily because of one big thing, but because of all the little things that seem to pile up. Work, family, relationships, responsibilities, worries about the future, and the never-ending demands of everyday life. Sometimes we're so busy taking care of everyone and everything else that we forget to take care of ourselves. And before we know it, we're running on empty.

As we recognize World Mental Health Day, I've been thinking about some of my own experiences over the years, particularly the times when travel helped me through some challenging seasons of life. Not necessarily the grand vacations or bucket-list adventures, but those special getaways that came along when I needed them most. The ones that gave me a chance to breathe, reconnect with someone I love, find a little joy, or simply remember who I was beneath all the responsibilities I carried.

I like to think of them as my little "mental health getaways."

Now, I certainly don't believe travel is a cure for depression, anxiety, or life's deeper challenges. Sometimes we need professional guidance, the support of loved ones, or simply time to work through what we're experiencing. But I do believe that a change of scenery, whether near or far, can offer something incredibly valuable: a little breathing room, a fresh perspective, and an opportunity to reconnect with what matters most. And I'd love to share three personal experiences that helped shape that belief.

🍂 A Quiet Weekend in the Mountains: Finding Peace in the Simple Things

A sketch image, the two of us enjoying a fall getaway.

One fall, my husband and I decided to escape to the mountains for a few days. Nothing fancy. No elaborate plans or packed itinerary. Just a peaceful getaway surrounded by more than ten acres of beautiful trees, winding streams, and the wonderful freshness of mountain air. We wandered along the wooded paths, caught up on some reading, and enjoyed simply being together without the distractions of everyday life. And oh, those mornings!

I can still picture us sitting outside on the deck, coffee in hand, feeling that little chill in the autumn air while taking in the beautiful scenery around us. Isn't it funny how a simple cup of coffee can taste so much better when you have nowhere you need to be?

We weren't thousands of miles away, and we hadn't done anything particularly extraordinary. But somehow, we felt worlds away from everything. By the time our weekend ended, I felt genuinely restored and refreshed. Of course, all the responsibilities and challenges waiting at home were still there. Nothing had magically disappeared.

But what had changed was my mindset.

I returned home feeling more capable of managing whatever was in front of me. And my husband and I had enjoyed something we all need more of: uninterrupted, quality time together. That little mountain getaway reminded me that sometimes we don't need to escape our lives. We just need a little time away to return to them feeling more like ourselves.

🌺 Hawaii With My Best Girlfriends: The Beautiful Gift of Friendship

Hawaii.

It was the beautiful backdrop we dreamed about, the lush tropical scenery, the hospitality of Hawaiian people. An experience we’ll remember forever. But it was our friendship and love for one another that made the trip so special and meaningful.

For years, three of my very best girlfriends and I talked about taking a trip to Hawaii together. You know how those conversations go. "One of these days, we're going to do it!" But life kept getting in the way. Work schedules, family responsibilities, finances, and all the other things that seem to push our dreams further down the road. Before we knew it, years had passed.

Eventually, we found ourselves at a point where all four of us were mentally and emotionally exhausted from navigating life's challenges and ups and downs. We needed a break. But more than anything, I think we needed each other. So we finally said, "If we don't do this now, we're never going to do it!" And we made it happen.

Now, let me tell you, our budgets were pretty modest! But we were resourceful and determined. We didn't stay at a fancy beachfront resort. We walked a few blocks to the beach. We bought groceries and cooked some of our own meals. And we also enjoyed wonderful meals getting out to experience the beautiful people, culture and traditions of Hawaii.

But do you know what I remember most about that trip? It wasn't the sightseeing or beautiful attractions and experiences — as wonderful as it all was. It was the four of us, just being together. The laughter. The long drives trying to figure out where we were going next. Getting lost in endless conversations about our families, our worries, our hopes, and everything happening in our lives. We solved a few dilemmas along the way — I'm pretty sure we even solved most of the world's problems during those conversations as well (lol)! 😊

We laughed, listened, prayed, encouraged one another, and simply enjoyed being together without everyday responsibilities pulling us in four different directions. We cherished our time together, our prayers of support and encouragement — and the love we share for God and with each other. You see, we had grown up together, cousins. Best friends.

Looking back, Hawaii was the beautiful backdrop we dreamed about, the lush tropical scenery, the hospitality of Hawaiian people. An experience we’ll remember forever. But it was our friendship and love for one another that made the trip so special and meaningful. At a time when each of us needed a little emotional breathing room, we gave ourselves something far more valuable than a luxury vacation. We gave ourselves time to reconnect, with ourselves, and with each other. And that experience taught me something I've never forgotten:

You don't need a five-star budget to create a five-star memory. Sometimes, the people you're traveling with matter far more than the destination itself. How grateful and blessed I felt returning from that trip.

A Solo Road Trip Through Maine: Finding My Way Back to Myself

Maine

I booked a flight to Maine, rented a car, and set out on a solo road trip along the coast. Just me, the open road, and no particular expectations. And what an experience it became.

Of all my travel experiences, there's one that will always hold a particularly special place in my heart. It happened during one of the most difficult chapters of my life. I had just lost my job, and my confidence and self-esteem had taken a pretty hard hit. I was questioning my abilities and worrying about how I would find work again.

At the same time, my marriage was going through a difficult period, and one of my three children was navigating some challenging teenage years. As a mother, wife, and someone who helped provide for my family, I felt defeated. Thankfully, my mom recognized that I needed some time to regroup. She offered to help with the kids and encouraged me to take a little time away, just for myself.

Around that time, I remembered my doctor sharing stories of growing up in Maine and the wonderful family memories he'd made there. Something about those stories stayed with me. So, almost on a whim, I booked a flight to Maine, rented a car, and set out on a solo road trip along the coast. Just me, the open road, and no particular expectations. And what an experience it became.

I wandered through charming coastal towns that looked like something straight out of a Hallmark movie. I stopped at little cafés, family-owned shops, and cozy bed-and-breakfast inns. Along the way, I found myself having the most unexpected and meaningful conversations with complete strangers. Over a cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, people shared stories about their lives, their experiences, and their perspectives. Sometimes I shared a little of what I was going through, too.

And isn't it interesting how someone who knows absolutely nothing about you can sometimes offer just the right words of encouragement? Those simple conversations reminded me of the kindness in the world and the possibilities that still existed beyond the challenges waiting at home.

Then, one day, my travels brought me to Acadia National Park. Oh, what a beautiful place! I spent practically the entire day wandering the trails, taking photographs, admiring the magnificent coastal scenery, and doing a little journaling. And somewhere in the middle of all that beauty and quiet reflection, something began to shift. I started thinking less about everything that had gone wrong and more about everything I still had to be grateful for. My children. My husband. My mom. The people who loved me and the life we had built together. I began to remember that I was still capable, that I still had something to offer, and that this difficult chapter didn't have to define the rest of my life. I hadn't solved all my problems. But I had rediscovered something I'd been missing.

Hope. And the confidence to believe in myself again.

I came home with a lighter heart, a renewed sense of gratitude, and a determination to move forward. And here's the part of this story that still amazes me. Just a few months later, that experience helped inspire me to start my very first travel business.

Imagine that! A woman who had lost her job, was questioning her abilities, and was feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges took a solo road trip to Maine. And somewhere along those winding coastal roads, through quiet moments in nature and conversations with strangers, she began to rediscover her confidence and sense of purpose. That experience helped change the direction of my life. And I haven't looked back since.

Even today, I can close my eyes and picture those little coastal villages and the incredible beauty of Acadia National Park. But what I remember most isn't just the scenery. It's the woman who came home from that trip. A little stronger. A little wiser. A whole lot more grateful. And ready to begin again.

💜 Three Different Journeys, One Beautiful Lesson

As I reflect on these three experiences, I realize they each came at a different time in my life, when I needed something a little different. My mountain getaway reminded me of the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with my husband. My Hawaii adventure reminded me how laughter, friendship, and simply being together can lift our spirits when life feels overwhelming. And my solo journey through Maine reminded me that even during our most challenging seasons, there is still beauty, kindness, hope, and opportunity waiting to be discovered.

Three very different trips. Three very different experiences. But each gave me something I didn't realize I needed quite so much at the time. And that's what I find so meaningful about travel. It's not always about how far we go, how much we spend, or how many places we check off our bucket list. Sometimes it's simply about creating space in our lives for rest, reflection, connection, and joy.

A Gentle Reminder on World Mental Health Day

I also want to acknowledge something important. Mental health challenges are real, and everyone's experience is different.

While travel has helped me through some difficult times, I recognize that a getaway isn't a cure for depression, anxiety, grief, or other mental health conditions. Sometimes caring for ourselves means seeking professional guidance, talking openly with someone we trust, asking for help, or simply allowing ourselves the time and support we need. And there should never be pressure to take a vacation or expect a trip to make everything better.

But when it's possible, I do believe that stepping away from our everyday routines, spending time in nature, connecting with people we love, or experiencing something new can be a wonderful part of caring for our emotional well-being. Because our mental health deserves the same attention and compassion we give to our physical health. And taking care of ourselves isn't selfish. It's necessary.

On this World Mental Health Day, I hope you'll take a moment to ask yourself:

What would bring a little more peace, joy, or connection into my life right now?

As a travel advisor, I love helping people discover beautiful destinations and create memorable experiences. But after all these years, and through my own personal journeys, I've come to appreciate something even more meaningful about travel. It's not just about the places we visit. It's about the memories we make, the relationships we nurture, the perspectives we gain, and sometimes, the strength we discover within ourselves.

And if there's one thought I'd love to leave you with, it's this:

"Sometimes the greatest gift of travel isn't discovering a new place. It's rediscovering the joy, confidence, and hope within ourselves." 💜

Here's to taking care of ourselves, cherishing the people we love, and making room for more of those beautiful, meaningful moments along the way.

With love, gratitude, and a heart full of wander and curiosity —

Rose Snyder
The Walrus Travel Company
Helping you discover not just beautiful places, but meaningful experiences along the way.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, please remember that support is available.
In the United States, you can call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10.
Learn more through the World Health Organization.