Hi! I’m Makenna!
Welcome to The Life Long Tourist! I’m Makenna, a healthcare professional by day and a passionate traveler yearning for full-time exploration. I’m thrilled to have you join me on this journey!
Have you ever lost yourself in the same place you found yourself? Had the feeling that
you’re home in a place that you’ve never been? I get that feeling whenever I travel. I
grew up in the Shenandoah Valley among mountains, farmland, and a comical amount
of apple trees. I spent my childhood climbing trees and dreaming of places bigger than
Winchester, Virginia. After college, I set out to find what I’ve always searched for and
along the way, I realized that I don’t think there’s an end in sight, but an everlasting
adventure.
It’s on these travels that I’m able to feel most like myself as I lose myself screaming
Taylor Swift songs alongside my college sweetheart, Jake, searching for my next
postcard to collect, and readying my stories to share with my oh-so-eagerly awaiting
cats, Spook and Remi when I get home.
My favorite adventures are the ones that I’m able to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a
hike in a national forest or an all-inclusive cruise, I want to be outside seeing more of
what this world has to offer. As I tell my husband often, he married a traveler, not a
vacationer, and I can’t wait to continue my travels.
When I’m not traversing new landscapes, you’ll find me at home with my husband and our feline companions. Despite my love for travel, I’m also a devoted homebody. I enjoy various crafts, with cross-stitching being my favorite pastime. Additionally, I relish reading, indulging in re-runs of Friends, and soaking up the sun at the beach.
Destinations
With a mother who worked as a travel consultant, I was fortunate to embark on various travel adventures from a young age, igniting my love for exploration. Having visited 27 states, 11 countries, indulged in numerous cruises, and explored 14 national parks (so far!), my appetite for travel knows no bounds. My bucket list is extensive, and I’m committed to turning every travel dream into a reality. Whether it’s nearby destinations or far-flung corners of the globe, I aim to experience it all!
My Vision for This Blog
Through this blog, my aim is to inspire you to embrace travel, empower you to venture far and wide, and demonstrate how to explore on a budget. I believe in complete transparency, so each post will delve into why I selected a particular destination, our mode of transportation, our activities, and a breakdown of expenses. I often describe myself as a “bougie traveler on a budget,” leveraging credit card points and miles to offset many travel costs. While I’m not an expert in this realm, I’m always eager to share my insights or direct you to those who are.
So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to embark on your own adventures? I love connecting with fellow travel enthusiasts, so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or share your own travel tales. Let’s create unforgettable memories together!
