Christopher's First Travel Memory

Chris's first real travel memory is a trip to the Smoky Mountains with his family when he was very young. This trip stood out because it was his dad's first paid vacation ever. His mom emphasized how special it was, which opened up his love of travel and realizing how special it can be. He also remembers his mom making him practice walking a lot for the hiking they would do. This instilled a lifelong love of walking in Chris.

Christopher's First Backpacking Trip

Christopher chooses a week-long backpacking trip in the Porcupine Mountains in 2002 to represent his early travels. This was his first multi-day "in the woods" experience of hiking and camping. It led to many similar trips and defined his main travel style in his late teens and twenties. He remembers how remote and rugged it was, having to carry everything and cook all your own food. The park is beautiful and started his love of travel via hiking and camping.

Ashleigh's First Trip To Europe

In high school, Ashleigh went on a summer exchange program and visited four countries and six cities in Europe over three weeks. This showed her she loves traveling to multiple places and not just sitting in one spot. After the trip, a host family asked if she'd come back to Europe soon. She said she wanted to see more of the U.S. first, naming places like the Grand Canyon and California she hoped to visit. This inspired her to see more of America before going back overseas.

Maine Inspires a Career Change

On a 2019 trip to Maine, Christopher had a pivotal moment while hiking alone on the coast as the rain poured down. He realized he was unhappy with his career and wanted more freedom and flexibility. This travel moment sparked major career changes just two years later, proving to Christopher the clarity travel can provide. He wishes to return to Maine  to complete the full circle.

Finger Lakes Wine Adventure

Ashleigh shares a late 2019 trip to the Finger Lakes region of New York. They visited wineries, bought a lot of wine, and really got into learning about small production, boutique wines. After COVID hit, those same wineries they discovered started offering great deals. Wine became a bigger part of their life and travels after this trip.

Yellowstone National Park Workcation

In 2021, Ashleigh and Christopher took their first "workcation" with an extended 3-week trip. A highlight was managing to get a room at the famous Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone with just a couple weeks notice. Being able to watch the sunset and Old Faithful erupt right from their balcony was a memorable moment only possible because Christopher could work remotely.

Christopher's Clarity in Naples

On a summer 2022 trip to Italy, Christopher had a pivotal moment while looking out over Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Despite stresses earlier that week, taking in the incredible view gave him perspective that his problems were small in the grand scheme of things. This Neapolitan clarity has stuck with him through challenges since and reminds him what's important.

Ashleigh's Return to Europe

For her last pick, Ashleigh chooses their 2023 transatlantic cruise because it represented a return to Europe after many years. She loved getting back to the continent in such an unusual way - by cruise ship! It was an amazing three weeks at sea and exploring Portugal, showing Ashleigh's love of non-traditional travel.

The Wine Break

Christopher and Ashleigh enjoy a glass of white port from Vieira de Sousa winery which they visited on their trip to Portugal. They reminisce about the floral flavors and woman-owned winery. While slightly oxidized after a year, the balanced sweetness still shines through.