My mom and I transported ourselves to Krakow, Poland. Exactly. A place few have heard of. Not one of the top 10 travel destinations in the world. Not something you would pick from in a list of options. But it was magical. We were there with a kind, informative and engaging guide who knew the city like the back of her hand. 

It was mid January at dusk. Snow was falling, holiday decorations lined the streets. 700 year old churches illuminated the dark space. Locals walking the streets and diners found their way into quaint bistros. 

There is something beyond what words can describe when you are transplanted into a city where spontaneity and everything unplanned and unpredictable can happen. You watch it differently, you inch up closer to the screen. You learn facts and tidbits you had no idea would be of interest. You gaze in awe. You get to ask questions about anything you want. You talk! That was the difference. Whatever you or a group wants to learn about determines how the tour can go. You are in control even though you are literally thousands of miles away.

But it does not end there. There is a carryover effect. There are ongoing conversations. There are thoughts about other places you want to see and learn. There is immediate research looking online at maps, locations, history, facts, culture, you name it. I did not physically go to Poland, but I feel like I have been there, on the streets, immersed in their beautiful culture and architecture.