So I decided to start a blog….
Honestly, that's kind of funny because I've never considered myself a writer. I've always been much more of a talker. I can talk all day. But sometimes stories and experiences deserve a little more space than a quick conversation or a photo caption. I've been traveling and spending time outdoors for about 15 years now. Along the way, I've shared plenty of adventures through photos, videos, and conversations. But at 35 years old, I found myself wanting a place to share more. Not just the highlight reel, but the stories behind it all.
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "How do you travel so much?"
People ask if I make a lot of money. They ask how I afford trips, how I save for them, and how I find the time. The truth is, there's no secret formula. I've never made a huge salary. I've simply made enough to live comfortably. Nearly every trip I've taken has been funded the old-fashioned way through saving money, planning ahead, and occasionally making some questionable credit card decisions that probably weren't recommended by financial experts. Thankfully, I don't regret any of them.
When people ask how I've managed to see so much of the world, my answer is usually pretty simple: I prioritize it.
Travel and the outdoors have always been important to me. I want to live a life that feels true to who I am, and I never wanted to settle for waiting until "someday" to start experiencing the things that matter most to me. That doesn't make me special. If anything, I think it makes me pretty normal.
Most of us have dreams, goals, and experiences we'd love to have. The challenge is deciding what we're willing to prioritize in order to make them happen. Of course, everyone's circumstances are different. No two people are navigating the exact same situation. But a big reason I've been able to experience so much over the years comes down to intention.
I've worked multiple jobs at the same time more times than I can count. I've skipped going out for dinners, passed on shopping trips, and said no to plenty of little luxuries because I'd rather put that money toward a plane ticket. I've negotiated salaries and PTO because I knew flexibility mattered to me. I've changed jobs searching for a lifestyle that allowed me to travel more.
And at 34 years old, I found myself in a financial situation that forced me to move back home and rebuild.
None of these adventures happened without sacrifice. They happened because I was willing to make choices that aligned with what mattered most to me. That's part of what I hope to share here. I want this space to be a reminder that you don't have to be wealthy, win the lottery, or have everything perfectly figured out to start exploring. You don't need a glamorous career or unlimited vacation days. You certainly don't need to live someone else's version of a dream life. You can create your own.
For years, I paid for nearly every trip completely out of pocket. I didn't know much about travel points, airline miles, or credit card rewards until recently. Looking back, I probably could have traveled even more if I'd figured those things out sooner. My point is that I've done all of this while earning a very average salary and living a very normal life. I just wanted it badly enough to make room for it.
So that's why this blog exists.
To share stories. To share lessons. To talk about the adventures, the mistakes, the challenges, and the moments that made it all worth it. Most of all, I hope it inspires someone reading this to chase the life they want, whether that means booking a trip, sleeping under the stars for the first time, or simply saying yes to an experience they've been putting off. I have some exciting adventures coming up this summer, and I can't wait to share them with you.
If you've made it this far, thank you for being here.
Now let's get outside.
Dolomites, Italy
