Jennifer
Harrison

My favorite personal travel experience is the one that sparked my passion for travel long before I knew it would become my career. It wasn’t the most luxurious or far-flung journey, but it was the one that transformed how I understand immersion, authenticity, and connection.

At 15, I set off on my first study-abroad program, imagining scenic backdrops, new cuisines, and — if I’m honest — the thrill of a few weeks without parental supervision. But what truly stayed with me wasn’t the sightseeing. It was the privilege of being welcomed into a local family’s home, sharing meals around their table, joining in their daily rhythms, and experiencing traditions entirely new to me yet deeply grounding.

That early experience shaped the way I view travel to this day: even in the world of exceptional hotels and curated itineraries, the most memorable moments often come from genuine human connection. It’s a reminder that luxury isn’t only about where you stay, but how deeply you engage — and how travel has a way of making the world feel larger and more intimate all at once.