The Trip That Changed My Life
Last summer, I spent June and July in Brazil with my fiancée, Raquel. Those weeks weren’t just another vacation. They were a defining chapter in my life. Travel has always been more than sightseeing for me; it’s about creating unforgettable memories and living with purpose. But in Bonito, Brazil, I faced a reality I could no longer ignore. This experience became the turning point that pushed me toward transformational travel and a healthy travel lifestyle.
Bonito is famous for its crystal-clear rivers and vibrant ecosystems. As we snorkeled, I watched schools of fish glide effortlessly beneath me in waters so pure they felt unreal. The canyons we hiked left me in awe with every step. Yet, as beautiful as these moments were, they also revealed a hard truth: I was always the last one out of the canyon. At 80 pounds overweight, every incline felt like climbing a mountain. The exhilaration of adventure travel was dulled by exhaustion.
That day in Bonito, Brazil, while Raquel floated effortlessly downriver, I stood on the shore unable to join her because of weight restrictions. The pain of missing out wasn’t just physical; it was emotional. In that moment, I realized I was holding myself back from living the very life I built my travel business to inspire in others.
When Travel and Health Collided
Adventure travel has a way of stripping away excuses. In Brazil, my body made it clear that I wasn’t in alignment with the life I wanted to lead. The struggle wasn’t new. Just a few months earlier, in May, I had been denied access to rides at Universal Studios in Hollywood because of my size. On airplanes, I endured long flights with the seatbelt digging into my stomach and my belly fat spilling over the buckle. Every experience reminded me that I was no longer in control of my health.
These challenges may sound small compared to the thrill of traveling the world, but they cut deep. Missing out on rides, excursions, and shared adventures with Raquel wasn’t just inconvenient; it was heartbreaking. Travel and health are inseparable, and for me, that connection became painfully clear. Without my health, my freedom to explore would always be compromised.
That realization lit a fire within me. I didn’t want to spend another trip watching from the sidelines. I wanted to swim in every river, hike every canyon, and embrace every adventure without hesitation. Most importantly, I wanted to be fully present with Raquel, building memories together that would last a lifetime.
Choosing Health as the Path to Adventure
When I returned from Brazil, I made myself a promise: my health would no longer be optional. To live a life of adventure travel, I had to first choose wellness through travel.
Since July, I’ve worked out every single day. I’ve replaced processed foods with whole, natural meals that fuel my body instead of slowing it down. In just two months, I lost 30 pounds, and I continue to move toward my goal of shedding all excess weight by March 1, 2026. This isn’t about vanity. It’s about freedom, the freedom to say yes to every opportunity, whether it’s snorkeling in Bonito, hiking in Costa Rica, or fitting comfortably into an airplane seat.
For me, this new commitment represents more than fitness. It’s about cultivating a healthy travel lifestyle that keeps me aligned with the life I want. Couples adventure travel is about sharing experiences side by side, not watching from a distance. Every pound I lose, every mile I walk, and every choice to eat clean is a step toward a future where Raquel and I can explore the world together without limits.
This transformation has already made everyday travel easier. Flights are more comfortable. I have more energy during excursions. Even simple things like walking through airports or carrying luggage feel lighter and more enjoyable. My health choices now directly translate into richer, fuller adventures.
Adventures on the Horizon
The trip to Brazil was life-changing, but it was also just the beginning. As my health improves, so do my plans for the future. Each destination on my calendar now represents both an adventure and a milestone in my journey.
In January 2026, Raquel and I will begin the year with a couples adventure travel experience in Costa Rica. From the lush rainforests to the adrenaline of ziplining, every moment will be infused with wellness through travel. We’ll also return to Brazil, where I’ll get to experience the same rivers and canyons with newfound strength and freedom.
In April 2026, I’ll host my first offshore fishing trip in Costa Rica, a dream I’ve carried for years. Sharing the thrill of big-game fishing with others will not only be an adventure but also a way of blending travel and health into a lifestyle that inspires others.
By May 2026, I’ll attend the Travel Agent Forum in Las Vegas, deepening my business connections and strengthening the mission behind my work. Each of these upcoming journeys is more than a date on the calendar. They’re markers of growth, reminders that life-changing trips are possible when we align health, purpose, and passion.
Why Brazil Changed My Life
Brazil taught me more than I ever expected. It wasn’t just about snorkeling in Bonito, Brazil, or hiking through its breathtaking landscapes. It was about confronting the gap between the life I dreamed of and the life I was living. Transformational travel has a way of revealing the truth, and for me, Brazil was that mirror.
It showed me the beauty of the world, but also the barriers I had built against myself. It reminded me that adventure travel is only as fulfilling as the body and mind we bring into it. And it revealed how much more meaningful every moment becomes when shared in health, love, and freedom.
Now, every workout, every healthier meal, and every pound lost is not just about numbers. It’s about unlocking a life where I can be fully present. Travel is no longer about escaping life; it’s about living it fully. Brazil gave me that clarity, and it’s a lesson I carry into every new adventure.
Conclusion
The trip that changed my life was more than a vacation. It was a wake-up call, a challenge, and a promise all at once. Brazil forced me to confront my limits, but it also gave me the clarity and determination to overcome them. It showed me the deep connection between travel and health and how wellness through travel can reshape not just a trip, but an entire life.
Today, I’m building a healthy travel lifestyle rooted in freedom, adventure, and love. The memories of snorkeling in Bonito, Brazil, struggling in the canyons, and missing out on river floats still sting; but they also motivate me every day. Those struggles became the foundation for transformation, fueling a journey that continues with each adventure on the horizon.
If you’ve ever experienced a trip that opened your eyes or challenged you to grow, you know how powerful life-changing trips can be. Travel isn’t just about the places we go; it’s about the people we share it with, the lessons we carry home, and the ways it inspires us to live differently.
For me, that inspiration began in Brazil with Raquel by my side. And it continues every day, as I lace up my shoes, embrace wellness, and prepare for the adventures still to come.
Need a Travel Planner Near You?
Here at Create Memories Thru Travel LLC, we are passionate about turning your travel dreams into unforgettable realities, and we’d love to help you start planning your next adventure! Whether you’re craving a meticulously curated packaged tour or a fully customized vacation tailored to your unique needs and desires, we’ve got you covered. Let us handle the details, from finding the perfect destinations to creating seamless itineraries, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Reach out to us today and let’s start crafting the trip of a lifetime together!