ABOUT ME
My Mission
Welcome to my travelogue blog! I’m Jen, and I’m thrilled to have you join me on this visual journey of exploration. Through captivating photos and engaging stories, I aim to transport you to the unique destinations I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.
As an avid traveler, I have a penchant for taking the roads less traveled. I believe that the true beauty of travel lies not only in reaching the destination but also in embracing the adventure along the way. That’s why I strive to uncover hidden gems and share my personal insights and observations with you.
This website is the culmination of countless hours spent researching, meticulously planning trips, and curating content. I take pride in financing my own travels, ensuring that my adventures remain genuine and untainted by sponsored trips or AI-generated content. What you’ll find here are my personal reflections and authentic accounts of the places I’ve visited.
When I’m not exploring the world, I lead a full-time career and find joy in the company of my adorable dog, Mikey, as well as my cherished family and friends. So, join me as we embark on a virtual voyage together, where curiosity knows no bounds and wanderlust knows no limits. Let’s uncover the hidden treasures that await us!
My Travel Style
Everyone has their own preferred way of traveling, shaped by their personality, budget, and life circumstances. Some gravitate towards cruises or all-inclusive resorts, while others immerse themselves in a single destination.
As for me, I am a road tripper. Exploring the vastness of our country, reveling in the beauty of National Parks and the history of National Monuments, and traversing scenic highways and byways is what ignites my wanderlust. I delight in venturing off the beaten path, discovering hidden gems that may not be mainstream but are truly remarkable in their own right. Many describe my trips as ‘epic’, amazed at how much can be seen and accomplished in just a week or two by car.
While most of my trips start from my home in Texas, there are destinations in the far corners of our country (and perhaps someday beyond our borders) that demand a flight and rental car. Whether its the rugged beauty of Alaska or the enchanting allure of Hawaii (planned for 2026), I am willing to take to the skies and hit the road when I arrive to experience the wonders that lie beyond the more local routes.
Future Travel Plans
As I’ve grown and my travel style has evolved, I’ve come to realize that there is an endless array of places I still yearn to explore. While many enthusiasts dedicate their travels to visiting all 63 National Parks or the 429 units operated by the National Park Service, I have incorporated these majestic sites into my journeys whenever possible. However, I’ve also recognized the allure of destinations beyond the realm of the NPS. It was a friend’s Facebook post about checking off states they’ve visited that sparked my desire to embark on a personal quest. After discovering I had only eight states left to explore, I set a goal to visit all 50 states by the time I turn 50, aptly named “50 by 50”. In 2023, I conquered Alaska, and I have plans to explore the far Northeast in 2025 and Hawaii in 2026, which will mark the fulfillment of my goal.
- Route 66 – Chicago to Midpoint completed June 2024. Second half is TBD.
- Corvette Caravan to Bowling Green, KY and return on Natchez Trace National Parkway, MS – August 2024
- Coronado Trail National Scenic Byway, Canyon de Chelly Nat’l Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ – tentative spring 2025
- Far Northeast: Acadia National Park, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island -Fall 2025
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde National Parks, Colorado – tentative spring 2026
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Hawaii – 2026
There will be a few short trips sprinkled amongst the big ones. I hope you follow along and join me virtually on these adventures!
Travel Companions
Adventures are truly at their best when shared with like-minded individuals who revel in the same excitement and joy. I am incredibly grateful to have a few reliable sidekicks who not only give me the freedom to plan thrilling escapades but also eagerly join me on these unforgettable expeditions. (And let’s not forget the perfect opportunity to sneak in a picture of Mikey, my adorable companion who adds an extra touch of delight to my life!) Together, we create cherished memories and embark on journeys that will be etched in our hearts forever.
Road Trip Rides
In 2018, I had the joy of fulfilling one of my childhood dreams – owning a Corvette. My quest for the perfect car led me to a 2009 Convertible with under 25,000 miles on the odometer. Affectionately dubbed “Smurf-vette,” this beauty never fails to put a smile on my face every time I take the wheel. I’ve embarked on numerous trips with her, racking up nearly 50,000 miles. Surprisingly, Smurf-vette proves to be an excellent companion for road trips, effortlessly maneuvering through twisty scenic byways while providing a comfortable ride and surprisingly reasonable gas mileage. Though packing for two weeks can present a challenge, I’ve mastered the art after a few trips. And when Smurf-vette isn’t the ideal choice for a particular journey, I do have my trusty “daily driver” SUV, which also excels in travel adventures.
“The journey, not the arrival, matters.”
– T.S. Eliot
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– Saint Augustine
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