Seven weeks. Six cities. Over 15,000 miles. It wasn’t just a trip—it was an experiment in surrender, adaptability, and pushing my own limits. I worked full-time, explored nonstop, got sick twice, and still came back with more energy than I left with.
The places were stunning. The experiences were unforgettable. But what really changed me was how I let go—trusting that I could handle whatever came next.
Madrid – Jumping In
Madrid doesn’t ease you in. It pulls you into its history, energy, and endless movement. It was the perfect place to start—I walked everywhere, absorbed the art and culture, and found my rhythm. Between tapas, the Royal Palace, and the effortless sophistication of the locals, I realized something:
💡 Lesson: Growth happens when you fully step in. Sometimes you need to throw yourself into a new environment and trust you’ll find your footing.
Seville – Slowing Down
Seville was a shift. Warmer, slower, more romantic. I took my time—watching flamenco, admiring the intricate tilework of the Alcázar, and discovering a newfound love for sherry (which, yes, tastes better in Seville). My only regret? Not staying longer.
💡 Lesson: Some moments deserve more time than we give them.
Tenerife – The Power of a Full Stop
I planned for Tenerife to be my reset, and I needed it. Black sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and the quiet luxury of stillness. It reminded me that even the most driven people need to stop and recharge.
💡 Lesson: Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy.
Málaga – Seeing Beyond the Surface
Málaga doesn’t shout for attention like Madrid or Barcelona, but that’s what made it special. I had to look deeper to find its magic—from hidden city corners to the breathtaking Caminito del Rey hike.
💡 Lesson: The best things aren’t always the loudest. Pay attention to what’s quietly exceptional.
Valencia – Expectation vs. Reality
Valencia was… different. The “Sistine Chapel of Spain” and the market were highlights, but overall? It wasn’t for me. It was dirty, chaotic, and hard to navigate. I wished I had the flexibility to leave sooner. And yet—that was a lesson in itself.
💡 Lesson: Not every place (or situation) will be a fit, and that’s okay. Move on.
Barcelona – The Joy of Shared Experience
Barcelona was vibrant, touristy, and full of life. But the best part? I wasn’t alone. Having my friend Carolyn Lodge there made everything better—seeing the city, resting, and talking shop for hours.
💡 Lesson: The best trips aren’t about places. They’re about the people you share them with.
The Bigger Lessons: Leadership Growth Through Travel
This trip wasn’t just about travel. It was a crash course in adaptability, leadership, and self-awareness. Here’s what I took away:
🌍 Every transition is an opportunity. Each city required me to adapt fast—settle in, explore, work, and move on without attachment. That skill is invaluable in leadership and life.
✈️ You don’t have to move fast to move forward. Some of my biggest insights came from slowing down. Hustle is great, but clarity often comes when you pause.
🍽 Preplanning priorities makes all the difference. Months ago, I committed to three things:
1️⃣ Health & Strength – Every stop had a gym, and I prioritized good nutrition.
2️⃣ Growth & Experience – I didn’t just visit; I immersed.
3️⃣ Work & Leadership – I managed a full-time job while traveling. I proved to myself I could.
📖 Surrendering to change is a game-changer. Inspired by The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer, I let go of control and embraced what showed up. That changed everything.
Numbers Breakdown
📍 Planes: 14,185 miles
🚆 Trains: 536 miles
🚗 Bus/Auto/Metro: 300+ miles
🚶♀️ Walking: 300 miles (basically, I walked across a country)
🏡 Lodging: 7 Airbnbs + 4 hotels
Thinking of a Long Trip? Here’s My Advice:
✅ Preplan your non-negotiables. Know what keeps you grounded (for me, it was gym access & nutrition).
🚆 Trains > Planes when possible. Less stress, more space, better views.
📍 Give yourself time. City-hopping every two days sounds fun—until you realize you’ve spent more time packing than experiencing.
🍷 Always order the local wine. Trust me.
Final Thought: What’s Next?
I’m leaving Spain feeling full—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Next stop: London for some real R&R before heading home.
Huge thanks to my team and to Jay Feitlinger for supporting me through this. Having a company that encourages exploration, growth, and balance? That’s rare. And that’s why StringCan isn’t just another agency—it’s a team that believes in people first.
If you’ve taken a trip that changed you—whether a weekend away or a year abroad—I’d love to hear:
👉 What did you bring back that wasn’t in your suitcase?
Need a partner that understands growth, leadership, and balance? Let’s talk. StringCan Interactive helps businesses scale while prioritizing what truly matters. Let’s build something great together.
Work Habits & Productivity
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As StringCan's Chief Operating Officer, Sarah is a solutionist who loves to implement and enhance efficiencies for herself and the team. She strives to support and help people be their best self in and outside of work. Sarah also gets her best ideas by lounging in a body of water. Cocktail is optional. But not really.
Jay, the CEO of StringCan, oversees strategy and vision, building culture that makes going into work something he looks forward to, recruiting additional awesome team members to help exceed clients goals, leading the team and allocating where StringCan invests time and money.
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