Hello!
My name is Meghan, a self-proclaimed workaholic that lives by the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra! As you can imagine, travel offers a welcome escape from the daily grind. It is a chance to unwind, refocus and make new memories. In short, that is why I love to travel.
I wish that I could say that I was a world traveler from a young age, but that just isn’t the case. However, it is the primary reason why I wanted to experience new places and learn about other cultures. I swore to myself that when I turned 18, I would travel as much as I possibly could - which is exactly what I did!
While a student at Virginia Tech, I studied abroad in London, England for an International Relations program. It was the experience of a lifetime, and it was the first time that I traveled solo outside of the US. I moved to the Washington, DC area after graduation, and accepted a federal job that offered a decent amount of travel opportunities. It was exactly what I needed to fuel (and fund) my passion for travel.
In 2021, I fulfilled my ambition to visit all 50 states before age 40! It was a huge accomplishment, and I am proud that I have been to so many unique places and met some truly amazing people. New Mexico was the last state that I needed to check off of my bucket list, so I celebrated that exciting milestone at the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. What an incredible way to commemorate my induction to the ‘All Fifty Club!’
When I am not planning my next adventure, I am probably at a concert, rocking out to my favorite band! As a longtime space enthusiast, I love viewing rocket launches, stargazing, the Northern Lights and other celestial events. I am also an avid storm chaser, always watching the skies and waiting for the perfect storm.
Howdy, fellow traveler!
I'm Mike, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to our corner of the internet where we share our passion for globetrotting and travel experiences. I've always believed that life's greatest classroom is out there, beyond our comfort zones, amidst the diverse cultures, landscapes, and stories that make up our world.
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”
-T.S. Eliot
From the moment I took my first journey, I knew there was no turning back. The rush of anticipation as I step onto a new place, the thrill of unfamiliar new sights and scents filling the air, and the warm hospitality of strangers-turned-friends – these are the moments that fuel my adventurous spirit. My first real adventure was a week-long trip to Grand Cayman with high school friends of SCUBA and shenanigans. Packing a bag and heading out into the world was a seed planted early that has given perspective to virtually any time I get behind the wheel of a car…. Where can I go next?
“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
-John Muir
My journey isn't just about ticking off destinations; it's about embracing the unknown and immersing myself in the heart of each place I visit. When visiting each of our 50 United States, I met people at each stop, I enjoyed the freshness of a locally cooked meal, the detour that turned into a memorable experience that made the whole trip, or a campfire with the right neighbor at a campsite… each experience added value to my life and helped shape my story. I am anxiously awaiting to see where my future travels take that story.
“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”
-Jimmy Buffet
Through our blog, We aim to inspire you to seize an opportunity for own adventures, no matter how big or small they may be. A staycation to explore your own town, a local concert and a new venue or with a new artist, or a grand adventure across the continent each have unique and specific value in our lives. I believe that travel has the power to open minds, foster understanding, and promote positive change in our lives. As a firm believer in responsible and sustainable travel, we strive to tread lightly, leaving behind only footprints of respect and admiration for the places I explore, and treating each relationship we develop with a restaurant, store, or accommodation as an addition to our greater circle of friends.
“A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step.”
-Lao Tzu
Beyond the breathtaking landscapes and awe-inspiring architecture, our journey is a quest for personal growth and connection to those that we travel with, and the world we travel into. It's about breaking down barriers, both external and internal, and discovering the shared humanity that binds us all. Finding the summit, eating a bite or two of ‘that’ thing that I never thought I would eat, or staying up late to see the Northern Lights, or even a sunrise over the Blue Ridge are all experiences that add to this book of life that we’re all writing.
“It’s A Big World Out There, It Would Be A Shame Not To Experience It.”
-J.D. Andrews
So, if you're ready to embark on this virtual journey with us, full of tales that we hope evoke wanderlust and moments that inspire change and reflection, then you're in the right place. Join us as we continue to traverse our world, one mile at a time, and let's uncover the beauty and diversity that make our grand community truly remarkable.
“Oh The Places You Will Go”
-Dr. Seuss
enjoy your travels. learn from ours.
Happy trails,
Mike