One common theme has echoed throughout my life: a deep, unrelenting sense of adventure. Relationships come and go, friendships shift, kids grow up, but that inner calling—the desire to explore, discover, and embrace the unknown—has always been my constant, my inner compass.
I’m not entirely sure when this thirst for adventure began. Maybe it started when I moved from Belarus to the United States at the age of 19, with little more than a suitcase and a dream, knowing not a single soul. Or perhaps it was when I leapt headfirst into marriage after knowing my future husband for just over a month. It could have been the whirlwind years of being a young mom or the unique challenges of being a military spouse. Or maybe it was after my divorce, when I truly began to discover who I was, what excited me, and what I was capable of.
What I do know is that this calling has shaped my life in extraordinary ways. As of the time of this post, it’s taken me to 23 countries, 37 U.S. states, and 21 national parks. While my accomplishments may not rival those of full-time travelers, my goals are no less spectacular: to visit all 50 states by the time I turn 50 and set foot in at least 100 countries on all 7 continents before my journey is done.
But for me, adventure isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list—it’s about experiencing something new. Whether it’s zorbing down a hill in New Zealand or Tennessee, scaling a via ferrata in Norway or West Virginia, parasailing over the ocean in Hawaii, or floating peacefully in a hot air balloon over Shenandoah Valley, I want to try it all. Life, after all, is meant to be lived.
Through years of trial and error, I’ve learned more than a few travel tips, tricks, and invaluable lessons. I’ve figured out what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of every trip—whether it’s an afternoon hike or a multi-day trek across countries (think Tour du Mont Blanc).
This blog is my way of sharing those experiences with you. It’s a space for dreamers, doers, and explorers of all levels. Together, we’ll navigate the practical side of travel while stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown.
So, here’s to the thrill of new horizons and the stories waiting to be written. Thank you for being here, and welcome to the adventure. Let’s explore together.