Travel is what makes me happy. And not just any ‘ol kind of traveling, it’s got to have a hook or a purpose to it. Finding a new hot spring, learning about indigenous people in the region I’m visiting, checking out a $5 ceviche place behind a car wash. This is what makes travel exciting to me. I’m just not the type to sit by a hotel pool and call that a vacation.

If this sounds like you, then you’re going to love this blog.

I call this blog “open mind adventure” because honestly, that’s exactly what you need to travel as an explorer, not a vacationer. And doing it cost efficiently is always a priority for me. My travel habit started as a 20-something backpacking in Europe and is still going strong as a 60-something traversing Mexico on a motorcycle. In between, I’ve done lots of home exchanges (and I’ll show you how to do this), brought a group of women with me to raft in Costa Rica, fished for halibut in Alaska and lots more.

Finding amazing food along the way is also super important. I’ve spent most of my career in the nutrition and culinary field so food is a big deal to me. That, plus I’m Italian.

I split my time between Key West and Oaxaca City, MX when I’m not gallivanting somewhere else with my partner in crime, Gary. Because I moved to Key West in 1985, I’ve got the local’s perspective on what to see and do outside of the typical tourist highlights. So, I have the good fortune to know firsthand both Key West and Oaxaca; I’ll be showing you around both those places.

So much to see, so much to do. I seem to be constantly curious. If you’re curious too, step out of your comfort zone with an open mind and come along on my adventures.

I want to help you plan some of the most fantastic trips you’re ever going to take.