Travel_Gives (2024)

13/03/2023

Everywhere I travel I’m gravitated towards the water, especially the ocean. I’m thinking of it more now because I’m no longer living a block from the beach … but I also want to experience what it would be like to spend an extended period of time out on the ocean!

[Photo: throwback to Spain 2018]

11/03/2023

I’m ready for another big adventure … and I want it to be out at sea… just putting this out there into the travel universe ✨ [this picture is a throwback to New Zealand circa 2017]

19/09/2022

It’s only fitting that I get back on Instagram, after a short hiatus, to share about this AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL organization - Kurandza!

[Swipe to see my photos over the years & the beautiful girls of Kurandza]

As I’ve now traveled to Africa and I’ve seen first hand how education is one of the most empowering tools you can equip one with… especially girls. Supporting this organization has become even more important to me.

“Kurandza has been providing holistic schooling for over 250 girls who wouldn’t have access otherwise. As our team and community continue to grow each year, so does our impact.”
- Kurandza Website

I’ve been supporting this organization for 4 years now, ever since I heard about them in 2019. Now that I work in a school, the high school I went to, I see how education provides more than just textbook learning. It allows a young person to be a part of a community, to experience integral social interactions, and learn how to be a positive neighbor for others.

“The education of 1 girl will impact 100 people in her lifetime.”

Kurandza means to love & LOVE is certainly at the core of this mission!

JOIN ME in Kurandza’s yearly campaign! Take a photo with a sign that says and help spread the word.

Kurandza is on a mission this month to raise $125,000. 100% of the donations will go toward funding their educational programs and life-changing initiatives in Mozambique, Africa!

11/08/2022

Guess where this photo was taken?
Peep my sister and me, babies... this was 6 years ago 🙀

04/08/2022

Do you know where this photo was taken?
Hint: it's in the middle of a busy city.

03/08/2022

This summer I got to spend some time in the woods which I don't do often since I live in the coastal sunshine state of the East Coast. Something I've learned about myself over the past few years is that I feel hugely energized and rejuvenated after wandering in a forest!
Whether it's Georgia, North Carolina, or my favorite State; Oregon... I feel I can never get enough of the nature when I'm in these places!

21/07/2022

Where have you studied abroad? 🌍

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was not on my mind when I started college wayyy back in 2010 🫣 (I’m really aging myself here)

I played soccer in college and had not traveled outside the U.S. besides on a few cruises before the age of 20.

But then I took a spring break trip through my college business program to Costa Rica.

After that I started to learn more about all the programs offered to students who wanted to study/intern abroad.

Since I wanted to graduate early I found a program I could participate in after graduating … which led me to spending a month in Italy in 2014.

I was a recent college graduate.
I got to live with other students.
I took a month long course while there.
… all experiences that added value to my resume and education… of life.

Now nearly 10 years later I’ve met people who have…
1. interned abroad for the summer
2. took 6 month trips to study & work
3. worked on farms for room & board
4. … and many other forms & fashions of “study abroad”.

Recently I’ve learned there are many scholarships out there for students and recent students to apply for.

It’s also cheaper for students to travel abroad given the many student discounts in European cities.

Now… that I work at a school and have the opportunity to share this information with high school and soon to be college students … I want your help!

Have you studied abroad?

Did you get a scholarship?

What age/grade were you?

Did you go through your school or a separate program?

Would love to hear from so I can pass along this information to more students!

18/06/2022

“Put me in nature and my heart sings, my breath slows, and I remember why… I remember why.” - unknown

12/06/2022

(This is a month delayed… but finally I have had time to fully digest this experience)

My time in Masaka, Uganda 🇺🇬

As a collective whole these are the warmest and kindest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet … out of all the places I’ve been, they are welcoming, friendly, and very giving.

The Okoa team is made up of 160 locals and these individuals are all so passionate about the work they do for their community and fellow Ugandans. They are the leaders in this organization.

I was worried about going on this vision trip for my church. This was my first mission trip style trip. I was concerned we’d be walking into situations as white saviors. I DID NOT want that…

However, everywhere we went we were guests following the direction of the local Okoa leaders.

We were greeted with open arms & big beautiful smiles!

Needless to say I got teary eyed everywhere we went and every time I was embraced in a big hug.

You’ve heard it before … people living with little, in less than ideal conditions … appear to be very “happy” people!

I admire their focus on family, their intention on greeting one another with deep connection not just small talk, and how they go above & beyond for their neighbor.

We could learn a lot from the Ugandan people. I know I sure did in the 8 days I spent there.

I’m so grateful for all I learned from this experience. Going in with open eyes and an open heart allowed me to connect deeper with God and these incredible people.

As always travel gives … and these travels have again taught me a little bit more about myself and what it means to be human.

Thank you to everyone I met!

15/05/2022

It’s going to take me awhile to fully process this experience.

From building a mud home (traditional home that last 15+ years) for an elderly man to assisting in a medical clinic and seeing how the remarkable local leaders of OKOA Refuge are transforming their community through empowerment & education.

I’ve never seen more kind, generous, hard working, selfless people before.

WOW… the people I was fortunate enough to meet in Masaka, Uganda were ALL so incredible.

Welcoming us in with open arms and big smiles.

God has truly humbled me and at the very least reminded me, yet again, how blessed I am.

I’m so thankful for this trip and everything I was able to experience and learn.

09/05/2022

We’ve been here 4 days now… and I still can not fully comprehend the magnitude of love that is all around this community and these beautiful people.

03/05/2022

Welp … it’s already time for the next adventure and this one is going to be VERY UNIQUE

Unlike any other travels I’ve taken …
Because of where I’m going 🇺🇬 but also because of what I’ll be doing

I created this platform to help people travel deeper, take more meaningful trips, while giving back … because that’s how I want to serve others.

Like many, the continent of Africa has been high on my list for awhile

So when my church invited me to go to Uganda for a Partner Engagement trip …where we would be serving with a partner organization … I didn’t hesitate to say YES

OKOA Refuge is a Ministry that is fully immersed in the Ugandan community and has been since 2008

OKOA employees 100 local Ugandan’s
& their work includes:
- care for vulnerable children
- supporting community transformation
- providing healthcare assistance
… AND so much more

I’m looking forward to lending a hand alongside an organization that has built and fostered relationships in this Ugandan community.

I won’t be documenting that much but will certainly share once I return from the trip!

Now time to finish packing and prep for 22 hours in the air ✈️ and almost 30 hours in transit 😳😂

25/04/2022

Oh my gosh… these travels were beyond what I could have dreamed for.

Have you ever taken a trip and loved every single minute of it…?
… yeah, me neither until now.

And that is in large part due to these two humans!

Fun fact… this was only the second time I met Sarah in person and the first time Bianca and I met in real life.

We first met volunteering remotely for back in 2020.

When we decided to plan a trip together … I knew it would be good … but I didn’t realize it would be this amazing and that we’d have so much fun together.

Couldn’t have imagined a better group of humans to explore Austria with!

From Vienna to Salzburg, to wandering historic streets, to eating lots of chocolate, to runs with tea breaks, and to classical music to 90s references, long deep conversations about everything (I mean everything), to hiking the most beautiful mountain, to Steve, and so much more I can’t put into words.

Sarah was the BEST host and our expert navigator … opening her home to us and her city!
“Thank youuuu” 💛

You won’t meet a more emotionally connected human than Bianca… I learned SO MUCH from her!
You’re my favorite sailor :)

THESE WOMEN
💃🏼💃🏻💃🏻

I’m filled with so much gratitude! Looking forward to more travels together! 🤍🤍🤍

23/04/2022

Vienna is beautiful from just about every angle … but I may have rose colored glasses on because I am head over heels in love!

Have you ever fallen in love with a city before?

I can’t fully put it into words … why I love it so much … to state simply it’s one classy beautiful city full of history and historical architecture.

I want to visit so many places but I do hope I make it back to this city one day soon!

These gorgeous views are from the top of the church at the center of the city - St. Stephen's Cathedral

*TRAVEL TIP*

Walk inside and take a look around and then head to the left side to take the elevator up or the right side to climb the stairs to the top.

More posts to come on Austria … for awhile cause I’m obsessed … clearly :)

15/04/2022

This is a fairytale… picturesque… stunningly beautiful city!
I’m so in awe … I could walk around all day and not tire of the views and history that is seeping out of these historical buildings. I love love love it here!

15/04/2022

Dreamy ✨ This first picture is of course of a beautiful church. Oddly enough, these views are from the rooftop of an IKEA. This city has so many gorgeous views from every angel.

13/04/2022

Wanders from Vienna’s City center … I adore the historical architecture and the uniqueness of each building.
Can’t get over the fact that I’m finally back in a country that is older than 200 years!

12/04/2022

Vienna you are stunning … From gorgeous views to historic castles to great food … I’m hooked and it’s only day 3.

PLUS, the best host in all the lands! _ 💙

02/04/2022

The last time I traveled out of the U.S. was in 2019…. can you guess where this is taken 👆

For about 10 years leading up to 2019 I left the country at least once every year

I was obsessed with exploring new countries and learning as much as I could about them!

In one week I will be landing in Austria … after 2 years of no international travel

I’m so stoked to be able to:

1️⃣ Explore a new country

2️⃣ Experience a new culture

3️⃣ See a new European city

4️⃣ But MOST importantly… the amazing women I get to travel with ._

😀🥰🤩🥳

08/03/2022

Life is all about connections … and Women’s Travel Fest gave us just that. I’m beyond grateful for how this awe-inspiring weekend turned out.

Met so many amazing, hard-working, talented humans and can’t wait to continue to foster these relationships and support them in all they are doing in the world of travel 🌎

Thank you to for a memorable weekend!

04/03/2022

I don’t have the words to describe what it was like walking around New York City again after it being 5 years since I lived there … but I loved it. Short trip and all it was great!

24/02/2022

Have you seen the latest update about the new requirement for U.S. citizens to travel to Europe?

Here is the breakdown of what will be required from U.S. citizens along with about 60 other countries to enter the Schengen regions. (26 countries in Europe)

Starting in 2023 it will be required that you register yourself on the European Travel Information and Authorization System

Here is what is required on the registration:

1. Submit basic personal information:
- Name, Date of Birth, Address, Contact details.

2. Citizenship Status

3. Education Background

4. Work History

5. Travel Plans: Where you are going, why you are going there, and how long will you be staying.

6. Previous travel history

***Note: This is similar to the system non-U.S. citizens register on before traveling to the United States.

❓Cost: 7 Euros | $8 USD

❓Duration: Apply if you are going for a short visit - less than 90 days

❓Begins: 2023

❓Approval Time: should be approved within minutes unless you are flagged for some reason.

Leave a comment if you have more information on this topic or have a questions! 👇

[New Blog Post]

24/02/2022

Stay tuned for how you can do the same!

Turn on post notifications to get alerted for travel tips!

20/02/2022

sunshine & blue skies … are more appreciated everyday … as the years go by it’s these little moments I find myself loving more & more 💙🤍💚

08/02/2022

$90 flight ✈️ to Austria 🇦🇹 is booked !!!

Here’s how I got a round trip ticket 🎫 for less than $100 dollars:

1. I used my travel credit card points

2. I booked the flight directly on the United website

3. (It may have helped to book on a Tuesday but doubt it because I saw the same price for 2 weeks)

But really … it was that “simple” to book a flight to Europe for that low of a price.

What you’re probably wondering is the WHOLE travel credit card points thing… right?

I’ll save that explanation for another post.

** if I did not use points this flight would have been about $550 **

07/02/2022

We don’t want to overwhelm the destinations and communities travelers are visiting with the desire to give back to make us feel good …

We want people to seek out understanding, learning, and experiences that are authentic to the culture … fully immersing one's self in the surroundings and giving back in a quiet respectful way.

Then … to take home this new awareness and continue to share, give, and cultivate community around us wherever we are.

The goal is to become global citizens while uniting our worlds.

🌏 Travel Gives Mission

06/02/2022

It's a big big world out there...
how can we do small acts today to make it better tomorrow?

05/02/2022

Everyone should get to experience this... the stillness that travels give us.

Adventure slows down time ...

Allowing us to take in more of our surroundings & giving us that heightened sense of awareness we all need more of.

What do your travels give you that you need more of?

04/02/2022

This is so important!

Bali is re-opening to travelers!

This warms my heart 💙... Bali was the first stop on my 5 month sabbatical I took after leaving everything behind in 🍎 New York City and setting off on a new path.

I then visited again 2 years later and of course loved it just as much and learned even more about this beautiful one-of-kind place.

it seems like everyone and their mom (my mom 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼 did actually come with me to Bali the second time) want to go to Bali. But its for good reason ... and I'd have to say don't let that stop you from going! It really is magical there!

🎉 Great news for those of us wanting to get back to this magical place but also great news for the tourism industry of Indonesia as a whole!

Find out more at travelawaits.com

03/02/2022

Why have your life mapped out...
And know all of the answers

You don’t want to know the end of the story when you finish the first chapter.

Right ...

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21/07/2022

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15/05/2022

09/05/2022

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25/04/2022

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