Bailey grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has always loved to travel. Her earliest trip was at 6 months old! Her mom instilled the love of exploring and learning in her early, and taught her that experiencing other cultures and ways of life is fundamental to embracing other perspectives. This has shaped her life in many ways, and fostered a deep sense of empathy, open-mindedness and love of history.
Her mother also had her in control of navigating the subway system in NYC as a young girl, and teaching her to do many other things that would ultimately build her confidence, self-reliance and independence – giving her the skills she’d need for all of the solo travel she’d soon be doing as a 20-something.
One of the trips that made the biggest impact on Bailey was at 12 years old. It was a trip to Washington D.C. Bailey already was interested in history, but that trip made it come alive for her. After that, many trips she’d take would be to places that had something to teach her, a story to tell, and a history to learn – even the hard history that it hurts to look at. She has been to almost every historically significant place in the United States, and many overseas, and she still can’t get enough.
As Bailey got into her older teens and early twenties, she began traveling as much as possible, and as cheaply as possible. During this time she became an expert in all things budget travel. Red eyes, hostels, however she could afford to get somewhere new, she did it, even taking a 3 week, 16-state road trip with barely any money!
She also found a love of solo travel, something she’s written about often, and thinks everyone should do at least once. That first trip to Iceland and Italy was such a growing experience for her, and there’s much to be gained from having experiences that are just for you. Even though she’s married now, solo travel is still a big part of her life, just as traveling with her husband Justin is. She’s now been to 25+ countries on 4 continents, with more being added every month!
Justin grew up in South Dakota, and travel was never really on his radar until he met Bailey. After their first trip to Italy and France together, he was hooked!
