About

Hey it's Jen!

After living in 3 states, visiting 22 countries, 44 U.S. States, and 27 national parks plus state parks, public lands, and campgrounds, my Google Maps is overflowing with saved pins. Being in nature brings me so much joy, and I hope to inspire you to get outside and explore.

This blog is where I compile my travel experiences, share itinerary ideas, and organize research on visas and dual citizenship. I've been using Google’s 'My Maps' to plan trips for myself and friends, and now I’m sharing them here! Whether you're planning a big adventure, searching for an escape, or looking for budget-friendly travel tips, I’ve got you covered.

Home Town

"MKE" "Brew City" "Custard Capital of the World" "the 414"

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is definitely an underrated city! With music festivals, sports events, and breweries, they know how to have a good time. Past its tailgate culture, MKE has a vibrant art and cultural scene, with fairs and festivals almost every weekend. Whether you're a local or you're just looking to explore somewhere new, I’ve got some recommendations for you!

For more on Wisconsin

On my Radar

Studying Abroad
Backpacking hiking trips
Science field work trips
Seattle, WA / Vancouver, CA
Thailand
Indonesia
Mongolia

Maps Coming Soon

UK
California
Nevada
Ireland
Greece
Japan
Spain
More National Parks!

Revisit List

Switzerland -Mountains
Netherlands -Tulips and quaint villages
Italy -Food, prices, climate
Portugal -Porto and Sintra cities
Panama -Nature & culture
Bosnia -Nature & culture
Seattle -Restaurants
Upper Michigan - Backpacking & biking
Prauge, Czechia -Culture & shows

Favorite Travel Days Intineraries

Murren, Switzerland

Loved the mountain views, swiss chalets, and exploring small villages

Interlaken- Stayed at the Iconic Balmer's party hostel & ate at the Bäckerei-Konditorei cafe
Grindelwald- Took a train from Interlaken and had some fondu at Bebbis
Lauterbrunnen - Took a train from Grindelwald, got hot cocoa and dinner at Restaurant Oberland (Fun fact! This valley was inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings)
Murren - Took a vernicular, a train on top of the mountain side and a very steep gondola lift. Murren also has a view of Jungfrau, the tallest peak in Europe, and is a very quaint village.
Interlaken - Got a train back from Lauterbrunnen and enjoyed a local band playing at the Balmer's hostel bar and Balmer's hot tub!

Lake Como, Italy

Best part of the day was the sunny weather and the Botanical Gardens

Como- Took a 2 hour bus to Menaggio from Como
Menaggio -Spent time at the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi with local singers and a market, explored the area with gelato in hand at all times
Verenna - Took a ferry ride from Menaggio and walked to a Botanical garden, Villa Monastero, explored the city, got some wine while we waited for the fast ferry back to Como
Como- Got dinner at Vintage Jazz Food & Wine

*Bellagio- Missed out on this place but booking a ferry from Como was surprisingly difficult. I think I would stay overnight in one of the cities in the middle of Lago di Como next time

Prague, Czechia

Best part was the Medieval Show and the view from Terasa U Prince

1. Night before we went to three clubs
2. Did a walking food and brewery tour with our Contiki tour group
3. Drinks at Terasa U Prince rooftop bar with a view of the Old Town Hall
4. Explored shops and walked around Prague's iconic 14th century bridges
5. Walked around the Jewish quarter and food markets
6. Went to a Medieval Dinner Experience at 'Pavouka' with pirates, dancers and fire breathers and musicians
7. Took a train back to our hostel with a train pass