Wanderlust - (noun) a very strong or irresistible impulse to travel.

My wanderlust started at 12 when I visited the Philippines. However, I spent much of my adult life not going anywhere! But once I had the right tools, I quickly became a jet-setting travel-junkie, now clocking in at over 20 countries! I want everyone to have the opportunity to see the world, so I provide everything you need to get where you want to go.

I'm so lucky to have the adventurous, travel-loving husband that I do. Traveling with a loved one is an amazing bonding experience. Matt's knowledge of history and art means that I have my own personal museum guide! Together, we've kept a personal travel blog since 2011 found here. 

During our first big trip in Europe, we spent a month traveling through Italy, France, and Spain. Even though I had traveled at a younger age, and even though Matt and I had already visited Hawaii together, this trip was different. It required planning and research that at times felt overwhelming. I remember getting completely stuck on my transportation options through southern France. I couldn't find any good train routes and I didn't know what to do. So, I booked a session with a travel consultant. As soon as I explained my predicament, the consultant looked at me and said, "Why don't you just rent a car?" 

BOOM! Why had I never thought of this? I could just rent a car! We spent the rest of the hour working out a few other details, and I left feeling calm and confident with our plans. 

There is something scary about planning a trip. You don't want to make mistakes because you want to get the most bang for your buck in your limited time. And I felt that pressure. I still feel that pressure when I'm planning my trips. I spend hours researching, weighing my options, and organizing my plans.

It takes a lot of time. 

As someone who loves researching and planning trips, I myself have hired a total of three consultants at different times when I have felt stuck. Once when I wanted affirmation of my transportation choices in Switzerland, and one to help me pack a perfect travel wardrobe into a backpack. She went shopping with me, and we accomplished more in one afternoon that I would have accomplished in months. Each time I worked with someone, I learned new tricks and had new insights.

The more I started to travel, the more I started to talk about travel and research about travel. In fact, my podcasts on my phone are mostly travel podcasts, which is a little embarrassing. I started giving advice to friends and coworkers, and even strangers! I started mapping out people's entire itineraries! 

If want to travel, but feel too busy and indecisive to do it all yourself, contact me for a Consultation. 

So, why do I obsess about travel so much?  Well, there are many reasons. Here are just a few...

The food. My god, the food.

As a food lover, one of the best aspects of travel is trying new regional foods. Markets like this one, Campo de Fiore in Rome, have beautiful displays of what is in season. Every meal is a special experience! That is why I shamelessly take pictures of every plate...

beauty

 When I'm trying to decide where to go, I look at tons of pictures. The more beautiful a place is, the higher it gets on my list. Here is Bruges, quite possibly the most beautiful little town I have ever spent time in!

adventure

 Travel brings out the adventurous in all of us. New opportunities will arrive, and I suggest saying "yes" as often as you can. Here we were hanging out on the beach in Playa del Carmen, watching parasailers, when we decided that we too wanted to fly! You will love letting go, and the memories will stay with you forever!

Don't forget to visit my Travel Tips page for helpful information and interesting interviews.