As I write this from Puerto Peñasco, I am gazing out at the wide beach and calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. This is the seventh winter my husband Ron, and trusty camping dog Gracie have returned with our trailer to camp right next to the beach in Mexico. Every day here is an ahhhh moment, typically filled with sunshine, a sense of total relaxation, and good will. We find it irresistible.

Why do we return to the same destinations over and over again? Most of us do this whether it is to favorite vacation spots, or to visit friends and family. From a personal standpoint I know that I do value new adventures, but also relish returning to much beloved places.

A few observations: as humans we often seek comfort, familiarity, and low stress when we travel. There is also a sense of nostalgia and tradition that we seek out to maintain and relive happy memories. Connection and belonging to a place increase through repeat visits, and there is joy knowing that experiences will be special every time.

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park have been Colorado destinations throughout my lifetime. At the age of nine, my family rented a 2-bedroom cabin at Machin’s Cottages in the Pines just outside Estes Park. This charming, vintage resort is still there, looking much the same. I have such fond memories of this week in the mountains, the scent of the piney woods, crisp mountain air, exploration of mountain trails, and shopping for souvenirs downtown. What more could a kid ask for?

So began my love affair with Colorado. Many family reunions have been celebrated in Estes Park. Early on my mother was the planner of these gatherings of aunts, uncles, and cousins; that happened every few years. Activities always included group hikes, eating, laughter, and endless story-telling. It was the glue that bonded our family ties.

Eventually my sister efficiently took over the planning, and when she passed, this became my job. Now the planning torch has been passed to the next generations of cousins. I’m not complaining, but reunion destinations have moved beyond our splendid mountain state. Ron, Gracie, and I continue to spend time each summer in Estes Park. This warm and friendly little mountain village continues to beckon us to return year after year.

We all have our favorite hometown environs. What are some places I consistently visit in Colorado Springs? The Broadmoor Hotel and neighborhood are at the top of my list. Pretty much weekly you can find me strolling through the nearby streets, wandering around the grounds, or relaxing on a bench reliving the many times I have had the opportunity to be a guest at The Broadmoor.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space or Garden of the Gods? As locals we each have our favorite place. I love a hike any time of year meandering along one of the winding, rocky trails of Red Rocks. Do you have a favorite shopping area or restaurant that you regularly return to? Sometimes it’s great to know exactly where you are going, what to expect, and have no worries about your level of enjoyment.

MacKenzie’s Chop House, and Margarita at Pine Creek consistently deliver for a special occasion meal. For quick and delicious fast food, I head to Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, or Raising Cane’s. For shopping: Kohl’s, Ross, or Dillard’s Clearance Center are my go-to shopping trio.

We have been going to Tucson during winter months for over 20 years, starting when my sister Peggy would organize family gatherings. Eventually we have evolved into camping there for a month every year, while the snow flies at home, and the sun shines in the desert. By now we have our favorite restaurants, hiking and biking trails, and other destinations. Every year I make a solo sojourn to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It’s my thing thanks to my sister Susan, who always gifts me with a ticket for my birthday. No trip to Tucson is complete for me without a visit to Bookmans Entertainment Exchange for used books and magazines.

When we go to Ron’s hometown of St. Louis, a visit to Forest Park and the zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, and Cunetto House of Pasta on “The Hill” are tops on our list of favorites. In Kansas City, my hometown, going to Union Station, Country Club Plaza, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Swope and Loose Parks, Winstead’s Steakburgers, and any bbq joint immediately bring waves of sweet nostalgia from childhood to the present day. Memories of shopping trips with my mother and sisters throughout the years, boarding the train bound for my grandmother’s house in Iowa, school field trips, and family outings fill me with wistful affection for loved ones and days past.

You get it! Go back in time while revisiting places you love, creating and maintaining treasured memories and traditions, and making new memories that will be a balm to your soul.