I'M A TRAVELER, CURIOUS ABOUT SEEING NEW PLACES



Hello,
There was a very specific point when my family made an official pact to prioritize experiences over things. But even before then I knew that what lit me up inside were not things like having new flooring in my living room, but instead feeling the empowered adventure in moments of, "Wow, I am really standing here at ________".
​
My short story is that I've seen a decent chunk of this world and I am not done yet.
I'm not special, and it has not been easy making travel experiences be a priority in my life. I've got a full time career, a family, a home mortgage, dogs and bills. I know that it is not easy to find the money or the time for travel and vacations. But for me, travel experiences feed my soul. They make me happy... more than new flooring or a fancy car.
​
I've tried almost every form of travel experience from budget backpacking, to solo travel, family vacations, and multi-generation trips. I've traveled by planes, trains, buses, cars, boats, bike, tuk tuk, moped, and walking. Mostly I've done independent "Plan-it-Myself" trips which I pair with short guided tours, but I've also on occasions treated myself to fully guided destination tours.
​
Throughout the years and places, I've learned a lot both from my (many!) mistakes and from the awesome moments. And, I'm willing to share those experiences and bits of travel advice because I want to help others see the world too. It's not hard. Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it too. And if you're worried or need help with ideas or trusted trip planning, email me at hello@tripsfromseattle.com ... I might be able to find you some good deals and get you closer to your own world adventure.
Laura H.

TRAVEL EXPERIENCES: 31 COUNTRIES I'VE BEEN A TOURIST IN
Europe
Asia
Central America
South America
North America
ITALY (10+)
GERMANY (10+)
NETHERLANDS (10+)
SPAIN (2+)
FRANCE (2+)
ENGLAND* (2+)
VATICAN & SAN MARINO (2+)
GREECE
PORTUGAL
AUSTRIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
ICELAND
IRELAND
SCOTLAND*
CHINA (10+)
THAILAND
VIETNAM
HONG KONG*
JAPAN
SOUTH KOREA
​
COSTA RICA (2+)
NICARAGUA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
GRAND CAYMAN*
CHILE
BRAZIL
ARGENTINA
EASTER ISLAND*
UNITED STATES (10+)
CANADA (10+)
MEXICO (2+)
* Technically, places with an asterisk * are not independent countries, but I'm lumping them in here anyway. You see, England was on a big world domination kick for a bit and while the US fought and won independence, that's not the case elsewhere and they still have many territories abroad. Technically, England and Scotland are currently part of the United Kingdom/Britain. Hong Kong was a territory of UK when I was there (now it is ruled by China), and Grand Cayman Island is also a UK territory. Easter Island is the worlds most remote inhabited island and it's been considered a territory of multiple countries, currently as part of Chile.