I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that prioritized travel. Most summers, we would hope into our car and head up to the shores of Lake Superior. Whenever we weren't up north, we would be off on some other adventure: road tripping around the United States, exploring Iceland, wandering around Hawaii, or hiking in Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, etc. Those experiences have shaped me in ways that I am still trying to understand. I do know this, however, they made me realize that expanding my perspectives through travel is always a worthwhile opportunity. Little did I know that experiential education would become my life's focus.

Since beginning my own professional career as an educator, I have continued to focus on providing experiences that push people just beyond their comfort zones. From leading sea kayaking trips on Lake Superior to picking coffee in Guatemala, there have been more than a few times when things got uncomfortable. I can't speak for all of my students and clients over the years, but I know I have grown with each expedition and each experience.

From my travels abroad to my years of outdoor guiding, I have made more than a few mistakes and tried to learn from them along the way. Figuring out my systems has been a process of trial and error, one that I continue to fine tune to this day. Even when I am traveling, I try to do so with intentionality. I try to bring my core beliefs with me and allow them to shape the way that I move through the world. I know that the way I travel isn't necessarily for everyone, but the goal is not for everyone to travel like I do. Instead, I hope that people will realize they can travel in whatever way feels most true to their own values. I am also hoping that the time that my time in the field might prove useful to any person planning their own adventure. Each of the sections below contains reviews, insights, and thoughts on food, gear, and mindfulness along the journey.