Hello beautiful and welcome!
I’m a Travel Blogger, Adventurer, and Sassy Optimist!
This blog as an expression of my passions in life. My friends have always come to me for advice, and I simply love helping others with their travel goals.
Along with travel, I love adventure, meeting new people, learning about other cultures, cooking and dancing!
Welcome to a World of Adventure, Flavor, and Connection!
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping espresso in a hidden café in Italy, dancing to the rhythm of a local festival, or savoring the spices of a bustling street market, you’re in the right place. I’m so glad you’re here!
I’m a lifelong traveler, storyteller, and adventurer at heart. With over 25 countries under my belt, two mountains climbed, and years of experience curating unforgettable experiences, I’ve learned that travel is more than just a passport stamp—it’s a gateway to new perspectives, deeper connections, and moments that stay with you forever.
So, why should you trust me to guide you on this journey?
For 15 years, I worked as an educator, honing my ability to break down complex ideas, share insights, and inspire curiosity. Then, I shifted gears to the nonprofit world, leading efforts that brought clean water to rural villages in East Africa. I’ve seen firsthand how travel can change lives—both our own and those of the people we meet along the way.
But this blog? This is my passion project. It’s where I blend my love for food, drink, adventure, and dance into a vibrant space where we can explore the world together.
What Makes This Blog Unique?
There’s no cookie-cutter travel advice here. Instead, you’ll find:
✅ Authentic, immersive experiences – Forget the tourist traps! I seek out local gems, cultural traditions, and hidden treasures that make a destination truly special. I’ll share my adventures and uh, hmmm misadventures because the mishaps make the best stories.
✅ A community of like-minded travelers – Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a foodie, or someone looking to shake up their routine, this is a place to connect, share, and get inspired.
✅ Travel with heart – I believe in meaningful travel—supporting local businesses, giving back, and finding ways to make a positive impact wherever we go.
What You Can Expect
By being part of this community, you’ll get:
🌍 Insider travel tips & guides – From the best wine bars to unique dance experiences, I’ll help you travel deeper.
🍽️ Curated food & drink experiences – Because the best way to understand a culture is through its flavors!
💃 Inspiration to embrace adventure – Whether it’s trying a new cuisine, stepping onto a dance floor, or hiking to a breathtaking view, I’ll encourage you to say “yes” to unforgettable moments.
Most importantly, this blog is about YOU—your dreams, your wanderlust, and your desire to experience the world in a way that feels meaningful and exciting.
So, let’s embark on this journey together. Ready to explore? Let’s go! 🚀🌎✨
My Journey: From Free Lunch to the Top of the Mountain
My journey has taken me from teacher to fitness trainer to nonprofit executive building wells in Africa. That’s where the mountain comes in.
I never dreamt that I would spend time traveling in rural villages in Africa. During my entire childhood, my family only took one vacation, to Look Out Mountain Tennessee, and Ruby Falls which was just one state away. I grew up poor but decided I was going to travel to faraway places…somehow, someway.
After finding myself in Africa, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro was a bucket list item. I decided to make the climb a fundraising event and invited others along. Altogether, we raised $25,000.
Honestly, it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but truly an experience of a lifetime.
This blog is part of my dream to tie my passion for travel and adventure to helping others live life without regrets because who doesn’t want to see more of the World? In fact, travel is the top of the list of what people want to do in retirement.
This blog also ties to my value of giving back and continuing to support water projects and helping others, especially women and children. So whatever income I generate from this blog, I will share it with those in need.
I would love to hear from you. Sign up now and I’ll send you my __________
In the future, you’ll receive other juicy guides along with my blog posts as soon as they are released.
xoxoxo
Susanne
Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro
My Inspiration
Joe Nell Wilson. My mother instilled in me wonder and self worth. She saw beauty in every day things and believe that I could accomplish anything.
It was her love of learning, history, culture, and travel that set me on a course of wanting to see the World.
By the way, thanks mom.
Fun Facts About Me
I’m uber-positive and laugh every day! Life is precious and I want to make sure I’ve lived it on the edge. Because, if you aren’t, you’re taking up too much space.
Where I’ve Been so Far…..
- Italy – 7 times because what’s not to love? The food, wine, art, architecture, language, history, fashion (Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pisa, Sorrento, Cinque Terre, Naples, Siena, Ravenna, Padua, Verona, San Gimignano)
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
- France
- England
- Spain
- Canada
- Mexico (Merida, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Tijuana, Cozumel)
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador – Nonprofit work
- Nicaragua
- Peru – Climbed Machu Picchu
- Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
- Cayman Islands
- Bahamas
- Cameroon – Month stay as part of an international grant project with Indiana University for educators
- Togo
- Nigeria – Six Weeks as part of Rotary Group Study Exchange Program
- Ethiopia – Worked building water wells for ten years
- Uganda – Building water wells, gorilla trek
- Tanzania (Zanzibar) – More water wells, Safari, Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
- South Korea
- China
Social Entrepreneur
My motivation for having this blog relates to my passions in life – to make an impact and travel the world. I’ve been involved with nonprofit work for over 25 years.
I know that I am blessed and want to give back. When our journey is done, I believe we all want to be able to look back and know that our life meant something. I want to know that at least one person’s life has been better because I was in it.
The services and products I provide on this blog are to help others. I’ve always been the kind of person who loves motivating, helping, and doing for others. Whatever income I make from this blog will be shared with those in need.
Currently, I support water projects in Africa. Water is vital to everything else, but over 663 million people don’t have access to clean, drinking water. Giving just $10 provides water to one person and my goal is to personally give the gift of water to an entire village this year.
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