Travel can be more than a getaway. For Patricia Willis, it is also an act of self-care, a source of inspiration and a way to create meaningful experiences with family and friends.
Willis, who was featured on Traveling With the Turners, shared how her passion for travel developed over time and how that passion is now shaping a new chapter in her life. With more than three decades of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Willis is expanding her career as a lifestyle and travel content creator, focusing on the intersection of self-care, skincare and travel.
During the interview, Willis said her love for travel was not formed through lavish childhood vacations, but through family visits that introduced her to life beyond her hometown in South Georgia. As an adult, that curiosity grew into a deeper appreciation for other places, cultures and experiences.
“So I wasn’t necessarily introduced to it as a child,” Willis said. “As I became an adult, I’ve always had a fascination of other places, just going to other places and just had a lot of curiosity about other cultures, how other people live, just the overall experience of travel.”
That curiosity has taken Willis across the United States and abroad. One of the standout trips she discussed was a girls trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, a journey she had wanted to take for years. Rather than rushing through the route, Willis and her travel companions turned it into a 12-day experience, making stops along the way and enjoying the towns, culture and scenery from San Francisco to San Diego.
She also reflected on the importance of traveling with loved ones, including her son. Willis said mother-son trips have become a special tradition for them, creating lasting memories while also exposing him to new environments and opportunities. Their travels have included destinations such as New Orleans, New York City, Scottsdale, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon.
Willis also discussed international travel, naming South Africa, Hong Kong and London among her memorable destinations. While celebrating the beauty and richness of global travel, she also stressed the importance of preparation and awareness before heading overseas.
“I just wanted to add with that, you know, there’s so many things that we take for granted,” Willis said. “We really need to start paying attention to that and know what those phone numbers are, how we would communicate with someone if we’re in a situation like that.”
Her advice included reviewing travel insurance details carefully, understanding emergency procedures, keeping electronic copies of passports and making sure loved ones know how to reach travelers if problems arise. Those practical steps, she said, are just as important as booking flights and choosing destinations.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.