I recently returned from a trip to Ireland that I won through a raffle ticket. I have been buying raffle tickets from this non-profit for a long time—years of those $10 tickets paid off! This year, my dad actually purchased a handful of tickets and my name got put on them (thanks dad!) 

Of course, since most of the trip was paid for, I decided to add on some extra days and see a few more sites and meet more people from places other than Dublin. One thing I know is that travel and getting away is important. It provides perspective and insight that we don’t get in other ways. I realize that not everyone will be going overseas, but travel can literally mean going down the road to a new site or experiencing something in a different way.

I want to share a few of the insights I gained through this recent experience:

• The “way of being” in Ireland suits me. People we encountered focused on relationships and hospitality towards others. We experienced generosity on new levels. 
• Genuine conversations were taking place. Other than seeing visitors pull out a phone to grab a photo, there were no phones at the eating table. Quite inspiring. 
• People focused on each other. 
• Public transportation was efficient and effective. We could get to where we needed to be without a car, which was nice as a tourist. 
• Genuine care for homes, flowers and landscape. Outside of a few spots in Dublin, very little trash was seen. 
• People recycled. 
• Appreciation of art and culture, including music. 
• A reminder to myself that there is so much to be explored and understood. 
• Business owners and workers genuinely happy to be serving—no expectation of a tip in service areas, but SO grateful when one was given.
• Restored hope in humanity. 
• No matter where we are, there is a deep-seated piece of our being that wants to be seen, loved, accepted and connected. 
• Food. I simply feel better eating non-processed, non “fake” foods. I notice this every time I go overseas. 

In case you are wondering—yes, I am already planning my next trip. I love meeting people, exploring new places, gaining new insights and renewing my hope in humanity. Where is your next destination? What are the ways traveling restores your hope in humanity?