In the summer of 1983, I embarked on my first overseas holiday, a simple getaway to Lloret de Mar on Spain’s Costa Brava. Accompanied by my parents, I remember stepping aboard a Monarch Airlines 757, organised by Cosmos Holidays, with a thrill in my heart. It felt as though we were setting off for some great adventure, far from the familiarity of home and school routines. That journey would turn out to be far more than a holiday; it would be the spark that ignited my lifelong passion for travel.
At that time, the world of travel felt like a boundless horizon waiting to be explored. There was a raw, unfiltered sense of wonder that accompanied every moment of that trip. The first sight of Lloret de Mar’s golden beaches, stretching beneath the sun’s warm glow, left me breathless. The turquoise waves lapping against the shore seemed to call to me, inviting me to dive into a world of freedom and possibility I hadn’t known before. For the first time, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom, an awareness that I was standing on the edge of something much larger than myself.
As we walked through the bustling streets of Lloret de Mar, every corner seemed to offer a new discovery. The energy of the town was palpable, locals chatting animatedly, tourists bustling with excitement, and the scent of fresh seafood and traditional Spanish dishes wafting from nearby eateries. For a young boy, it was all a grand mystery, each sight and sound filling me with anticipation. That first exploration into a new culture was transformative, and the colours, sounds, and flavours of Lloret de Mar became etched into my memory.
One of the most enchanting discoveries was the hidden tapas bars tucked away in the quieter alleys of the town. My parents and I would venture off the main streets, guided by friendly locals who seemed delighted to share their town with us. In these tucked-away spots, I experienced authentic Spanish flavours – crispy patatas bravas, fresh calamari, and spicy chorizo. The locals’ warmth and generosity left a profound impression on me. I began to see travel not only as a chance to see new places but as a way to connect with people and learn from their ways of life. These simple but powerful moments would be the foundation for a life philosophy: that travel is about connection and learning, not just sightseeing.
Beyond the bustling town, the coastal views offered a quiet kind of magic. Looking out over the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs, I felt as if I was standing on the edge of the world. The vastness of the sea opened my eyes to the beauty of nature and the sense of being part of something greater than myself. This sense of wonder left a lasting impression, shaping my desire to not only explore the world but to do so with a sense of respect and reverence for the places I visit.
That summer wasn’t just an escape from the ordinary; it was a journey that sparked a profound change within me. Even as a child, I recognised there was more to travel than just taking a holiday. It was a chance to step outside of my comfort zone, to become a learner in new places, and to be open to the unfamiliar. I discovered that travel could make me a better version of myself, helping me to grow, connect, and dream beyond what I thought was possible. Lloret de Mar became more than just a memory; it became a part of who I am.
Years later, that initial spark led me into the travel industry, where I have the privilege of helping others experience the world in ways that are meaningful and transformative. I’ve always carried with me the lessons I learned in Lloret de Mar – that travel can be a powerful force, one that opens our minds, broadens our perspectives, and connects us with people and cultures we might never have otherwise encountered. Working in travel allows me to pass along this gift to inspire others to explore not just as tourists but as learners and dreamers.
Even now, I look back on that summer with immense gratitude. Lloret de Mar holds a special place in my heart, a place that represents both the excitement of new discovery and the comfort of treasured memories. In my mind, it is the golden beaches, the bustling streets, and the warmth of the locals that remind me why I fell in love with travel in the first place. It’s a reminder of how transformative travel can be, how it shapes us in ways we can’t foresee, and how it can lead us on paths we never imagined.
That first trip wasn’t just a holiday; it was the beginning of a journey that continues to this day. Every adventure I’ve taken since then, every culture I’ve immersed myself in, and every connection I’ve made across the world traces back to that summer in Lloret de Mar. It was then that I first understood the power of travel, a power that has driven me forward through my career, my dreams, and my life. Lloret de Mar will forever be a cherished memory, a symbol of that summer when a boy became a traveller, and a traveller became a lifelong explorer.
My travel companies can be found here:
Pure One Travel – https://www.pureonetravel.com
Pure Vacations – https://www.purevacations.com
