Perito Moreno Glacier is one of Patagonia’s most iconic sights, but it’s also far more approachable than it might seem—even with kids. We visited independently and arrived early, before the tour buses, giving us space to move at our own pace and take breaks when we needed them. The cracking ice, the thunder of calving, and the quiet in between made it unforgettable—without ever feeling rushed or overwhelming.

As part of a study abroad course on stress and happiness, we set out to hike Crete’s Samaria Gorge—ten rocky miles with twenty students, most of whom had never hiked before. None of us were fully prepared for how challenging it would be—or how powerful. What began as a physical test became a lesson in resilience, connection, and presence—one that taught us more than any classroom ever could.