This summer, join us in exploring how big and beautiful this world is. Get in touch with your inner Kerouac and go adventure. Whether it be a weekend road trip or a global trek, we want you to experience just how inspiring travel can be.
Now, the question remains – where to? Good thing we’ve enlisted some of our favorite globetrotters to share their bucket list picks for off-the-beaten-path destinations. One look at their wild adventures, and you’ll be booking the next flight…
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KARA MERCER
“Much of the journey is unexpected and beautiful.
We are all intertwined even if we don’t see it every day.”
Travel impacts my world view, and in today’s society, it is important to appreciate different people. Even something as simple as having a cup of tea with a stranger can change minds and impact your world view. To me, travel asks us to stop listening to a television or radio news source, and instead invites us into the company of others in these places we hear about or read about.
"OFF THE BEATEN PATH" PICK: JORDAN
So far, going to Jordan has been the most unexpected and incredible journey I have experienced. The people are hospitable, full of rich tradition, and will follow up just to say hello months later.
My time there is something I will never forget, especially Wadi Rum. I explored miles of sand and orange desert formations, and ended the day with campfire conversations and falling asleep under the stars only to awake to a stunning view of the moon and the sun.
Follow along with Kara Mercer.
LAUREN WELLS
"It is important for people to experience more than what surrounds
them and to find themselves in a culture unlike their own."
Whether across the globe or someplace new in our own backyard, travel is the most inspirational and impactful piece of my life. Creating new memories with those most special to me, exploring new places all over the world, getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people... all of it is so rich and fulfilling, on every level.
I think it is important for people to experience more than what surrounds them, and to find themselves in a culture unlike their own. Whether it is the language, the food, the history, the landscape, the markets, the climate... there is so much beauty to see and taste and feel.
"OFF THE BEATEN PATH" PICK: PATAGONIA, CHILE
It takes quite a bit of flying and driving to get to Patagonia, but it is one of the most incredibly beautiful spots we have ever been. A snow globe of wildlife, with breathtaking hikes and outdoor adventures at every corner. If you love nature, this is the trip for you.
Follow along with Lauren Wells.
JON TAYLOR SWEET
“Travel forces you to learn and exist in an uncommon space.
To get beyond our scope and see a new way of life. To be inspired.”
Travel is a way to not just get away but to learn how different people from different places do things. [Traveling] to destinations that are unfamiliar and where no one speaks your language, it forces you to learn and exist in an uncommon space. To get beyond our scope and see a new way of life. To be inspired.
"OFF THE BEATEN PATH" PICK: THE FAROE ISLANDS
So many memories from the Faroes. It was off the plane and straight to adventure which was awesome for me! I was by myself on a set of islands in the middle of the Atlantic where the only natural resource they can grow is rhubarb.
One day I went with my dear friend Kirsten out for a quick “wonder” walk through the rain to a cliff that overhangs a lake that sits above the ocean. It was a long, wet walk that was so cold, but the view was unreal.
We went to her grandparents’ house that was in the village across from the lake and had homemade biscuits with rhubarb jam and got the chance to warm up before heading back. The special thing about the meal was that I was invited into their culture. I couldn’t speak Faroese, I don’t own wool socks straight off a sheep (literally), and I was a stranger, but I was welcomed with the biggest smiles and hospitality!
Follow along with Jon Taylor Sweet.
ESTHER HAVENS
"There is breathtaking beauty out there
and the most incredible people. I think traveling broadens
our perspectives on life in general."
My mom is from Holland so I grew up traveling as a child. I think this has a lot to do with the “travel bug” that I have felt over the years. Since I was a little girl I have always wanted to see the world, experience new cultures and learn from people who are different than myself.
There is breathtaking beauty out there and the most incredible people. I think traveling broadens our perspectives on life in general. The world is so much bigger than just America. There is so much we can learn from other cultures about the way they live their lives.
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH PICK: SIBERIA
I traveled to Siberia in the dead of winter a few years ago. It was -29 degrees outside and I decided to take a stroll and photograph the frozen terrain and men who were ice fishing on the frozen river. Within 30 minutes the glass on camera lens started to freeze, and so did my eyelashes! I took a selfie of the moment and couldn’t believe it.
Follow along with Esther Havens.
MINDY JOHNSON
"Seeing what a big place the world is puts everything into perspective."
The opportunity to have authentic experiences with sound, food, energy, and people. All of it enriches our lives, and you can take little pieces of these places home every time you travel somewhere. [Seeing] what a big place the world is puts everything into perspective for us, allowing us to appreciate the ways we are different and the ways we are the same.
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH PICK: SAYULITA, MEXICO
If you have the chance to travel by yourself... do it! I did this in Mexico and met some of the most beautiful people who treated me like family. I was able to cook with them, learn from them, and create memories that I never would have if I had been with my own people.
Follow along with Mindy Johnson.
