20 QUESTIONS: GETTING TO KNOW THE GAL BEHIND ALL THE ADVENTURES

1. What's one adventure that scared you a little but was completely worth it? Would you voluntarily put on a wetsuit at 9:30pm and jump in the pitch-black ocean water to swim up close with 12 foot manta rays? And by up close, I mean: they literally brush up against you—in the dark. I did that.

Hello, curious travelers! Grab your favorite drink of choice and get comfy -- you're in for a sneak peek: a behind the scenes view from the gal who loves all things adventures. I'm here to give you the low down on small towns, famous hikes and possibly what not do to when you're stuck in the desert -- but for now, here are 20 questions and answers about some of my favorite bucket list adventures.

It's easy for me to name an adventure that scared me a little: large manta rays, night lights and cold water made this once in a lifetime experience in Kona, Hawaii off the shoes of Kaeuhou Bay one I'll never forget: the shock and surprise of what may be lurking in water after the sun has gone down is enough to give anyone a moment of sheer panic. This area is famous for the huge manta rays that migrate to this area, and it is one of the few spots in the world where you can encounter these creatures. I did go with a guide and a certified tour company that specialized in keeping everyone safe. There were several trained divers and people on the look out for sharks -- and thankfully, the manta rays were the only big mammals to show up that night.

Phew. 2. Window seat or aisle seat?

Window. Always. I’ll unapologetically pay for the upgrade. I guarantee that by the time I touchdown to my destination, I will have at least snapped 57 photos of my view above the clouds.

Why yes: I paid for the whole flight: I intend to stare dramatically out the window for all of it.

3. What's the most "this only happens to me" travel story you have? I have way too many. Let's talk about that one time I went hiking on a mountain in Arizona surrounded by rattlesnakes and impending darkness and this gal couldn't find the trailhead.

How about that one time I swam solo with sharks on a reef in Key West only to get branded by a deadly jellyfish in the middle of the ocean.

I also got robbed while hiking the northern coast of Maui and was left to island hop with no passport or license -- and almost got swallowed by a mudslide somewhere in the Canadian Rockies. I guarantee these moments will fit perfectly into my soon-to-be travel memoir.

4. What’s always on your camera roll?

Sunsets, waterfalls, trail signs—and way too many photos of the exact same scenic overlook.

5. What city would you move to tomorrow if someone handed you the keys to an apartment? I'm the gal who looks for real estate in each city I travel to, and I can't think of one city I've explored that I would be disappointed to own property in. Sedona will always be top of the list -- and if it's Utah, even better: anywhere near Saint George or Moab would put me within 4 hours or less of some amazing hikes. It would also take zero convincing to hand me the keys to a nice space anywhere in Montana or Colorado. I wouldn't hesitate to become a snowbird with rental property near water during those cold months. I'd blend right in with my bikini on the shores of Okaloosa Island in Florida or be content to gallavant somewhere between Charleston and Saint Augustine. My last real estate search?

Kona, Big Island in Hawaii. I could see myself living there.

6. What trail, view or place still lives rent-free in your mind? Whistler, Canada: mom and I asked a local what was their favorite hike in the area, and it was where a train had gone off the tracks in the middle of the mountains. It's abandoned railcars were left in the forest, tangled upon trees and perched above the roaring river that cut through canyon. I wandered through the remains and knew there had to be a great story here.

7. What’s one thing you’ll never regret spending money on?

Experiences. I’ve never come home from an adventure wishing I’d stayed home to catch up on laundry instead.

TOP FIVE?

• Mother/Daughter trip right before the pandemic to Alaska: every day was an adventure from playing co-pilot via helicopter and landing on a glacier in Valdez, Alaska to white water rafting through Denali National Park.
  

• My first solo trip, I flew via seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park and snorkeled in the bluest water: it took a lot of courage to do something that bold my first time traveling alone-- it set the bar high, and I'm so glad I did it.
  

• Alberta, Canda: wow, just wow. Everything is bigger in Canada, including the risk versus the reward: traveling across the Rocky Mountains to explore Yoho National Park, Banff (Lake Louise & Lake Moraine should definitely be on everyone's list) to Kananaskis down to Waterton Lakes National Park is the ultimate Canadian road trip.
  

• the Pacific Northwest is beyond words: the coast of Washington and Oregon should not be missed. Oregon bought the most magical waterfalls and a coastline dotted with a fog that turned every landscape into something out of a fairytale. I guarantee you could get lost in the forests of Northern Washington: it's full of glaciers, tall trees and lush pockets of ponds, lakes and see-through bodies of water. It’s my go-to trip!
  

• HAWAII: another mother/daughter trip for the books - 12 days, 7 planes, 5 rental cars, 4 islands and a boat. Every single moment felt out of this world and akin to reliving scenes from blockbuster action movies -- the best kind of adventure. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

8. Most likely to…

Talk to the locals. Some of the best traveling moments have only happened because a local suggested the addition to my itinerary. I prefer the non-touristy attractions that are off the beaten path and believe me: all the locals know the best spots.

9. Favorite souvenir?

A story. Though a National Park Passport stamp is usually a close second.

10. What’s your hiking personality? Half trail guide. Half “oh my gosh, look at this flower!” The truth? I'm the gal who says hello to every person I meet on the trail and although I'm probably carrying water, chances are I will have forgotten to drink it. Did I download the trail on AllTrails before beginning the hike? Why yes. I learned that lesson the hard way. I'm also the one in charge of carrying bear spray and the satellite phone, for believe me: I have already imagined the worst-case scenario. Those boy scouts have nothing on this middle school teacher: we're prepared for everything.

10. What destination surprised you the most?

The one I almost skipped. Those seem to become my favorites every time.

The best surprise this year? Edisto Island. I perfected the art of land-snorkeling here. There were so many shells, and if the tide wouldn't have been coming in, I could have stayed for hours on end. It was in this spot that I got lost -- but the good kind of lost -- the perfect hidden beach, tucked outside of the woods somewhere between Charleston and Beaufort. Another local legend and 100% worth the detour.

11. Biggest travel lesson?

Things don’t always go according to plan. Part of traveling is rolling with the punches -- it's the perfect blend of spontaneity, courage and flexibility. You really find out who you are in those moments. 12. Best travel wisdom that you hear over and over that you shouldn't ignore? REAL TALK: If you're gong to travel with both your license and your passport, make sure to always carry one of those items with you and never leave those items in the same location together: I know we all know this -- and yet, when you're packing your car for a 24 hour day in various locations, this can get forgotten or easily overlooked in the moment: especially when you decide to pull off on the side of the road to hike to that amazing waterfall or enjoy the scenic overlook. My biggest travel mistake involved both of those items -- and I knew better. Rookie move.

13. Favorite happy accident while traveling? My last trip was to Hawaii, and I had packed the itinerary to the brim: I only had 2-3 days on each island and wanted to really get a taste of each island offered; they're all so different from each other. I'm the National Park fan, so, of course, I had to get to Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island.

Mom and I were only miles from the entrance when we ran across a ranger who told us he thought the volcano was going to erupt that evening. We got into the park before it was over-run with tourists and walked down this trail in the dark: as soon as we turned the corner, we could see the lava flowing! It was the coolest thing -- and the timing could not have been more perfect.

14. What’s something people are surprised to learn about you?

I genuinely enjoy traveling solo. There’s something empowering about realizing you can navigate an unfamiliar city, solve problems, and create an amazing experience all on your own. For me -- when I travel alone, I find that I become very in tune with my surroundings -- I have to be. I find myself noticing more and really paying attention to that inner voice for guidance. I really enjoy that mind-body-soul connection.

15. What is the hike that you are so glad you did but you would never do again? Easy: Angel's Landing. It was one for the bucket list, and I'm glad I did it -- but it is not for the faint of heart. Located in Zion National Park, there is a reason why this is ranked the most dangerous hike in the United States. I literally ran and hugged my mom when I got back to solid ground after finishing 'the spine': people die on this hike, and it's no joke.

No guardrails, a slick sandstone path slightly larger than the width of your shoes with 1,200 sheer drop offs on each side of you. One small slip can cost you your life -- and your worst enemy are the other people on the hike with you.

16. What’s something travel has taught you about yourself? Traveling solo reminds me that I can actually do hard things. It takes a lot of courage to plan the trip and physically board the plane solo -- but when there is no one else to depend upon or help make decisions, you realize how much you can do by yourself. Once you relax, the freedom of facing your fears and thriving is the biggest dopamine kick. 17. Best mindset when traveling the world?

A beautiful mixture of gratefulness and curiosity.

Seeing the world reminds me of how much I have—and I've been given so much. I’m convinced that a thankful heart and a curious mind are the two best traits to carry. If you ever feel like you need a dose of reality or your faith in humanity restored, traveling really opens your eyes. Every day you have a running water, a safe place to sleep and food in your stomach is a good day -- and honestly, that is more than what most have on a daily basis.

I never want to forget the blessings I have been given: travel keeps my heart in check.

18. What is one thing you're always packing? My satellite phone. Seriously: get a satellite phone and activate it, even if you don't think you'll need it. Carry this with you at all times: I'm amazed at how many places I visit in the United States that do not have cell phone service.

Also, take your hiking boats. ..and a bikini.

19. What are you usually chasing?

Sunsets. Hidden gems.

The scenic route -- ALL THE WATERFALL HIKES.

...and a good story worth telling.

20. Why did you start this blog?

Because somewhere between the hiking trails, road trips, airport terminals, and unexpected detours, I realized I had a lot of stories to tell. If those stories inspire someone else to take the trip, try something new, or even say yes to their own adventure -- I'm totally here for it.

Life is short -- make sure to take the scenic route!