❤️ Red Means Go: Why I’ve Always Been Drawn to the Color That Inspires My Travels
From childhood memories to Virgin Voyages’ iconic Scarlet Night—and ultimately the heart behind Open Heart Travel Co.
There are thousands of colors in the world.
Yet somehow, I always end up choosing…
red.
Let me rewind. A few weeks ago, I booked a Virgin Voyages cruise for myself and my family (we are beyond excited to visit Bermuda as a family for the first time!). As I was looking through photos of the ship—the glowing red lighting, the Scarlet Lady, the famous Scarlet Night celebration—it hit me.
I’ve apparently been following the color red my entire life.
And maybe that’s why Virgin Voyages has always felt so magnetic to me.
Why Red Captures Our Attention
Red isn’t subtle.
It’s bold.
It’s energetic.
It’s passionate.
It’s impossible to ignore.
Color psychologists1 often associate red with:
- ❤️ Love
- 🔥 Fire and adventure
- 💃 Confidence
- ⚡ Energy
- 👠 Passion
- 🚨 Excitement
- 💪 Strength
- 🫀 The human heart itself
It’s the color of first impressions.
The color that says, “Something exciting is about to happen.”
Isn’t that exactly what travel should feel like?
Virgin Voyages Understood the Assignment
If there were ever a cruise line that mastered branding through color psychology, it’s Virgin Voyages.
Everything about the experience embraces red.
The ships are known as the Lady Ships, beginning with the iconic Scarlet Lady.
The brand’s signature lighting glows in dramatic shades of crimson.
Crew uniforms feature striking red accents.
And then there’s Scarlet Night—the onboard celebration guests talk about long after they return home.
Scarlet Night isn’t just another themed party.
It’s an immersive celebration filled with music, dancing, performances, glowing red outfits, and an atmosphere that encourages everyone to let loose and embrace spontaneity.
The color isn’t decoration.
It’s an emotion.
Virgin wants you to feel adventurous before you even unpack your suitcase.
That’s smart marketing.
Because people rarely remember colors.
They remember how those colors made them feel.
Would you wear all red for Scarlet Night? Tell me in the comments!
My Lifetime Love Affair with Red
Long before I knew anything about branding or color psychology…
I was the kid who always reached for the red crayon.
Actually…
The scarlet crayon.
It was always my favorite.
I picked red shirts whenever I could.
Whenever my family played board games, I always claimed the red game piece before anyone else could.
Every time.
Looking back, it’s funny how consistent we’ve all been with the colors that feel like “us.”
Mine has always been red.
Then Red Took on a New Meaning
Years later, red became much more than my favorite color.
It became deeply personal.
After undergoing open-heart surgery, the heart stopped being just a symbol.
It became a reminder of resilience.
Of second chances.
Of gratitude.
That’s ultimately what inspired the name Open Heart Travel Co.
Because travel has never been just about checking destinations off a bucket list.
It’s about saying yes to life.
It’s about celebrating the ability to explore this incredible world.
It’s about creating memories with the people you love while you can.
The heart represents all of that.
And fittingly…
The heart is red.
Why I Believe Travel Should Make Your Heart Race
Some people chase luxury.
Others chase relaxation.
Others chase adrenaline.
I think the best vacations do something even more important.
They make you feel alive.
Whether that’s:
- Sailing into a Caribbean sunset
- Watching glaciers drift by in Alaska
- Wandering through Italy with a gelato in hand
- Dancing Scarlet Night away on Virgin Voyages
The best trips stay with us because they create emotion.
That’s exactly what red represents.
Ready to Travel Boldly?
Whether you’re dreaming about your first Virgin Voyages sailing, planning a honeymoon, celebrating a milestone birthday, or finally taking that bucket-list trip you’ve been putting off…
I’d love to help you plan something unforgettable.
❤️ Let’s plan a vacation that gets your heart racing—for all the right reasons.
Book your complimentary travel consultation today. Send me an email and let’s get booking!
Open Heart Travel Co. 
Leave a comment