MANISTEE, MICH. - I've lived in Manistee all my life. 21 years to be exact. Growing up, I always thought I wanted to move away— far away.  Now, I work with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, where I witness and am part of many of the developments happening here in Manistee County, every day. I’ve come to see a whole new perspective on the small town I’ve grown up in. Ironically, this appreciation is all thanks to the chance I had to travel to Spain and Portugal for three months.

I think the best thing you can do in life is to go out and experience something new. Move away from your hometown for a while, travel, and get out to experience a new place. It will provide you with a fresh mindset. Going a step further, I think everyone should embark on a solo travel experience at least once. Traveling solo pushes you past your comfort zone and forces you into new situations. You have to navigate a new place, meet new people, and find a way to operate life strictly on your own. I believe that if you can travel by yourself, you can do anything.

Relying solely on yourself builds skills that benefit you in all aspects of life. Communication skills become stronger because you meet new people every day, developing friendships and connections everywhere you go. You learn to trust your instincts, navigating new places and situations, building confidence in your abilities. Experiencing new places expands your mindset and provides a broader perspective on the world.

Traveling solo teaches you how to adapt and pivot. Plans may not always work out as expected, and challenges may arise. I had to adapt to new environments and solve problems independently. This experience was even more challenging when there was a language barrier. From rearranging transportation and accommodation to planning activities, I constantly had to problem-solve and adjust my plans. It taught me flexibility and resilience.

One of the rewards of traveling is the newfound appreciation you gain for where you’re from. Sometimes it takes moving away to realize just how great Manistee is. As much as I loved traveling and seeing new things, nothing quite compares to coming back home to what’s familiar. Manistee County, and Michigan in general, have some spectacular sights. There is nothing like Lake Michigan anywhere else in the world. We have such beauty in our own backyard that we sometimes forget. Being away from it for a while makes you realize just how much you appreciate and miss it. It often takes being away and meeting people who don’t see sights like these every day to remind us how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. Whether it's down to Magoon Creek, First Street Beach, Baldy Trailhead in Arcadia, or the Big M trailhead, there is beauty here wherever you go; it is footsteps away. 

Traveling the world has shown me that there is so much the world has to offer. I truly feel that everyone should go out and travel: discover what make those places extraordinary! Because when you come back to your hometown, not only do you bring new ideas back with you, you learn that the place you call home is just as extraordinary in its own unique way. 

I am so grateful for my time in Spain and Portugal; it was the chance of a lifetime. Now, I can't wait to see how I apply my experience overseas right here in Manistee.

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Nicole Kaminski is the Programs Specialist for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501 C (6) organization. Our mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact Kaminski at 231-299-5358 or programs@manisteechamber.com