How it all started
I think I was born with itchy feet. For as long as I can remember, my years have been planned out around holidays. Counting down the days to the next trip, researching and investigating, listening to other people’s travels, stockpiling ideas. I always have a few in the pipeline. The year ahead is already booked in.
Have you ever felt the thrill of stepping into a completely foreign land, not knowing what to expect? My first solo travel adventure was on a student exchange halfway across the world from my home in Australia to the USA. During the summer break, my boyfriend (now husband) and I bought a beat-up old Chevy and spent three blissful months driving around the US and Canada. Each morning, we’d unravel our map of the states and pick a random city that was in the general direction of travel and, well, just drive. So many experiences that are still vivid memories – from hiding under the overpass to dodge a tornado in Kansas, to sipping footlong margaritas covered in bead necklaces on Bourbon St, to marvelling at the expanse of New York City from the top of the Empire State Building. What I’d give to go back to that time of no responsibilities.
Two and a half decades, a couple of kids, and experience living in four countries later, I’ve learned a thing or two about successful travel. With every trip taken, there are lessons learned for next time. Whether it’s how many days you need for a particular location, making sure you get your train ticket validated in Europe, or figuring out how many outfits you really need to pack. Packing for a trip is always a challenge. Do I really need five pairs of shoes? Probably not, but sometimes I still pack them anyway.
I started this blog to help other people learn from my years of experience making epic itineraries and to not repeat the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Vacations are something to look forward to, something to enjoy in the moment, and something to remember afterward. It’s rare to have the opportunity for carefree, unlimited travel.
Most of us only get a handful of precious vacation days per year. I want to help people make the most of that time, whether that’s through saving time on creating the ultimate itinerary or packing right so you’re not lugging a huge suitcase around on your trip.
There’s so much to see and do on this planet. Let’s adventure together!
