Salutations Reader,

It's that time of year when many people feel obligated to give thanks, even if they're not feeling particularly grateful.

Truth be told, I used to be one of them. I never understood what gratitude was supposed to feel like.

This year, though, I have experienced profound gratitude again and again. So it is with a genuine heart that I express thanks for the bountiful blessings I've received.

I'm especially excited that the National Geographic book The Traveler's Atlas of the World was released earlier this month.

The book was written by several contributing authors, including me, who traveled to the countries they wrote about.

Even though it's not my book, it still feels pretty darn cool to call myself a National Geographic writer. My 9-year-old geography-nerd self would be so proud!

Heads up: this newsletter is getting a new home!

Starting next month, I'll be switching from ConvertKit (now Kit) to Sender.net.

You won't notice much of a change. Everything will look and feel the same, except for the footer. Goodbye Seattle address!

That said, you may find that the newsletter ends up in your spam folder so pretty please add me to your favorites.

Now, here's your monthly dose of curiosity and inspiration!

Enough Gratitude

This month marks a hibernation period for me, as I stay home to focus, plan for next year, and maybe clean my messy office.

It's also the last quarter of a year-long program called Spirited devoted to inner work, personal growth, breathwork, and mindfulness.

While I haven't talked much about it here, I felt it was important to share my theme for this quarter: enoughness.

Despite being grateful for a wonderful year filled with friends and travels, I had been dwelling on how I'm not traveling right now, not saving enough money, not walking as much as I should, etc.

It's a lack-focused mentality, and in reality it's an inaccurate depiction of a privileged life.

Gratitude and enoughness are deeply connected. Beyond simply being grateful for our blessings, we need to see them as enough.

Accepting praise for our accomplishments and acknowledging our own talents means allowing ourselves to feel that, for now, we have done enough and that we are enough.

We have enough of everything we need in this moment.

And enough really is enough.

Out of Curiosity...

While I've been at home, several friends who travel a lot more than I do went to the Most Traveled People Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a little FOMO, but I also found enjoyment being on this side of the screen observing and cheering them on.

Having the National Geographic book come out allowed me to relive my travel experiences in Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia—the chapters I wrote in the book—as well as Ethiopia.

A lot of good stuff to reflect on and appreciate as I head towards another birthday later this week.

The buffet of life is rich, but sometimes you realize you're satisfied and don't need any more. Oh, it's like having enough!

So, out of curiosity...

Where have you experienced a wanting for more, but then realized you had just enough in that moment?

The Teal Spotlight

This month, as we reflect on gratitude and thankfulness, I'm shining the teal spotlight on someone who has profoundly shaped my life: Travis "Trav" Sherry.

From teaching English in Japan and becoming a points-and-miles expert to running an adult summer camp for entrepreneurs and diving into real estate, there's very little Trav hasn't done!

And then there is the podcast, Extra Pack of Peanuts, which he co-hosts with his wife Heather. It's a lively mix of travel stories, practical advice, and inspiration.

When I first learned of the community he created with Jason Moore (featured in the September issue), Location Indie, I knew I had to join.

Not long after, I signed up for my first in-person event in Querétaro, Mexico in early 2019 and have been moving forward ever since.

Trav is an alumnus of the World Domination Summit community and co-founder of the transformational Camp Indie. I'm a proud "graduate" of the first cohort of the Lifestyle Launch Academy, their six-week coaching program designed to help budding entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

While these projects have since wrapped up, they were foundational in my own journey and in the community Trav helped build.

He later teamed up with Sensophy founder Jacob Sokol to co-create a six-day retreat in the mountains of central Mexico—an experience that has helped me do deep inner work, explore my spiritual side, and reconnect with my desire to make an impactful difference.

I’ll be attending my third retreat with the group in January. Trav co-organizes it, but he also participates right alongside us.

Trav is, above all, a connector. Over the past eight years, I've watched him bring together an incredible number of people from all walks of life.

As we close out 2025, he's working on a new set of hospitality projects. Once links are available, I'll share them in the Tools 4 Travel section.

In the meantime, follow Extra Pack of Peanuts on Instagram. If you are looking for a seaside escape, check out his North Carolina beach properties at Beach Haven Bungalows.

Tools 4 Travel

The holidays are coming up fast! If you're looking for a little more privacy when visiting family, treat yo'self and book a room. I use Booking.com all the time because they have such a variety of options. From hotels to apartments, they also have a wide range of budget levels. Be curious and find a fun new experience while you're at it.

Airfare these days is insanely expensive. Pay yourself back by using Going to score your next travel deal. I just saw Saint Lucia for under $300! An Elite membership easily pays for itself with one good deal. Whether you're visiting family back home or escaping the winter blues, Going helps you find a cheap flight that rewards you with savings and curiosity.

There is still time to join us for the CuriosiTrip in Mexico City, January 15-20, 2026. If you're looking for a group of curious travelers who are more interested in exploring and community than checklists and schedules, come discover the hidden gems of one of the world's most captivating cities. Use discount code PUTTY at check out for $100 off!

Disclaimer: This section contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

Thank you for reading. I am sincerely grateful.

Be curious! Happy Thanksgiving!
John

​JohnTheTraveler.com​

​​​​​