Hi! I’m Sam.
My love for travel started over a decade ago when I went to Africa with one of my best friends, John. At the time, I’d only been to a handful of countries and didn’t quite get what all the hype was about seeing the world. Then I landed in Johannesburg and everything changed.
I remember looking out the window and thinking, holy shit, this is a city? Everything I thought I knew about Africa was wrong. I’d grown up picturing one endless safari scene straight out of a movie, and suddenly I was surrounded by vibrant streets, modern architecture, and people with stories that shattered every assumption I had.
Those three weeks in Africa opened my eyes more than anything else ever had. I saw the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the heartbreaking — and I loved all of it. It completely changed how I viewed the world, and myself.
THE EXACT MOMENT I FELL IN LOVE WITH TRAVELING
When I got home, something in me had shifted. I couldn’t stop thinking about travel. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to visit 40 countries, often planning my next adventure before I’d even unpacked from the last. But over time, travel has evolved for me, and I’ve evolved with it. These days, I don’t travel as often, and I’ve traded my backpack for a roller bag most trips. I still love the freedom and reflection that comes with traveling solo, but I also love exploring with my husband, meeting up with girlfriends, discovering great food and wine pairings, and slowing down enough to truly savor a place instead of just checking off another stop.
What hasn’t changed is my love for honest, mindful, and practical travel. I still believe in connecting with locals, learning about culture, and finding depth in each experience — but I also believe in being upfront about what it really costs to take a trip like this. Travel can be both inspiring and realistic, and I think sharing that helps others plan better and dream bigger.
I started this blog years ago to share the stories that left me speechless and to capture what I was learning along the way. Over time, the way I travel has changed, but the heart behind it remains the same. I’ll always write about travel because it brings me so much joy, and I love watching how that joy continues to evolve.
These days, this space is more of a hobby blog than an active travel guide, so posts aren’t updated as often. If you’re planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to double check that details are still current.
Whether you’ve been following since my solo travel days or you’re just discovering this space, welcome. I hope what you find here inspires you to explore—in whatever way travel fits into your life right now.
