I grew up in a small town, but was always determined to live big — adventuring to Asia, Latin America, South Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. I have destination expertise in over 20 countries, a BA in International Studies, an MA in Cultural Sustainability, certification in Sustainable Tourism, and more than a decade of experience designing international programs for adventurous and conscientious travelers.

In addition to being a travel specialist, I'm a freelance writer. You can find my work in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, and elsewhere.

With a compulsion for asking all the questions and an incurable addiction to understanding the lives and landscapes of the world, I am often on the road – pursuing stories overlooked by mainstream media.

1 Week in Thailand - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With a week in Thailand for a family holiday, visit one or two destinations. Hit the highlights of Bangkok and then head to Hua Hin or Phuket for a balance of city and beach. Those traveling with little ones will especially appreciate the kid-friendly activities, including pancake-making in Ko Kret on the Bangkok & the Beach tour, while older kids will enjoy the variety of activities in Khao Yai National Park. Families that enjoy hiking and prefer a slower pace can immerse themselves in the nature and culture of Chiang Mai.

2 Weeks in Norway - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Norway on a family holiday, you can visit at least five locations. Younger children will enjoy the Oslo Open-Air Folk Museum and other kid-friendly activities in Southern Norway, while older kids can try the via ferrata on an active adventure. Families eager to experience the midnight sun should choose a summer itinerary, and those that want a two-country trip can add Denmark. Meanwhile, a winter itinerary is best for families keen on snow and cultural experiences, including an overnight at a Sámi camp.

11 Days in Ireland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 11 days in Ireland, you can visit 5-10 destinations. First-timers can hit popular spots on a self-drive road trip, including the Cliffs of Moher. History buffs will appreciate the sites, including Brú na Bóinne, on the Heritage & Legends itinerary. And hikers can enjoy trekking Northern and east Ireland or the Ring of Kerry, with the latter best suited for those keen on hiking daily. Meanwhile, foodies can taste their way around—from Dublin pubs to seaweed foraging in County Kerry—on the Food & Culture tour.

9 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days in Japan, you can visit three to six destinations. Foodies and first-timers can hit the highlights and taste their way around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nature and culture enthusiasts can visit villages and hike the Nakasendo Trail in Central Japan. The Northern Japan itinerary is suited to travelers interested in Hokkaido and families with little ones that will love kid-friendly activities like Oshino Ninja Village. Active travelers who prefer to venture independently can cycle, kayak, and hike on the self-guided tour.

15 Days in Ireland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With fifteen days in Ireland, you can visit around 10 destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights on a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. Those that prefer to travel on foot can hit the trails instead (with transfers provided in between), stopping at viewpoints like the Cliffs of Moher and historical sites such as Minard's Castle. Or foodies can get a taste of Ireland—sip seawater-infused gin in Beara, sample local eats at English Market, and forage for seaweed in County Kerry—on a culinary adventure.

11 Days in Guatemala - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 11 days in Guatemala, you can visit three to six destinations. First-timers can hit the famous sites of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores, choosing between a faster-paced and slower itinerary. Couples and those keen on culture will enjoy a variety of activities, including Maya rituals, on the Guatemalan Adventure, while outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, cycling, and more on the Essential Guatemala tour. Alternatively, foodies can taste their way around Guatemala on the Culture, Adventure & Cuisine trip.