I’ve sped down a runway into the moment the plane lifts from ground to air 20 times over the past year, but I haven’t thought much about how fun that is until taking my son on his first flight in memory. Greyson will be three in a few weeks and demands 24/7 coverage of all that’s happening around him. “What’s she doing?” “What’s that?” “Why is he wearing a vest?” and so on. Explaining air travel in detail reminded me how wild it is. “Look at all the cars and houses down there!” “We’re drinking apple juice in the clouds!” “Do you need to use the potty? Yes, you can use the potty while going 500 miles per hour.”

Flight attendant with beverage cart: “Would you like anything?”
Me: “Coffee with cream please.”
Greyson: “Chicken, please.”

Shoutout, Southwest Airlines attendant for your graciousness about that.

Though I was flying for personal reasons, re-acknowledging the wonder of travel is exactly how I needed to kick off my summer professionally. This industry supports experiences! How great is that? I also recognize I travel for work sometimes, while many of you travel constantly. How many flights have you taken this year? How many nights have you spent in a hotel? Seriously, let me know.

Apart from Tours a la Toddler, other ways to get inspired about your career and the industry include attending Women Leading Travel & Hospitality’s in-person Roundtable for executive-level women, taking place July 14 in Chicago, or signing up for our August 25 Virtual Exchange, which is complimentary and open to all.

On this longest day of the year, I hope you take a moment to think about what reinvigorates you.

Cheers!