From Travel Newbie to Adventure Pro
Hey there!
I’m Jolayne
In 2012, my husband, Chris, scheduled a work trip to London that spanned a two-week period. To my delight, he asked if I wanted to join him over a weekend.
As a first-time international traveler, I was NERVOUS.
The thought of going was thrilling but terrifying at the same time as I would be boarding planes, flying, and taking the subway in London ALL BY MYSELF!
To ease my mind, Chris planned very detailed instructions of where I should go at the airport, what to expect, which subway line to take, and when I should get off the subway.
I noted in my journal:
“I exited the blue line at the Hammersmith stop and switched to the green line to Upminster. I thought that I would be riding all the way to Upminster which would be at least another hour.
Fortunately when they announced the Tower Stop after half, and I listened to all of the tourist sites at this stop, I realized that this was probably where I needed to get off.
I only had seconds to make the decision. I carried my luggage up the stairs and out into a fresh London morning. I made it!” (September 21, 2012)
For many of you, the thought of traveling—traveling overseas especially—gives you that same feeling of trepidation.
It can be overwhelming—enough to keep you grounded.
To be fair, I still get butterflies when traveling overseas alone; however, I have learned from Chris’ example as a traveler extraordinaire.
Both of us have collected tips and tricks along the way to make travel easier.
Just Travel More is full of exactly the practical information I share when giving advice to my parents, family members, or friends who have never traveled before.
My goal is to inspire YOU to live out your travel dreams, instill confidence as you begin your adventures, and encourage you to explore the world.
The world is full of adventures… Discover yours!
You Can Be an Adventure and Travel Pro Too!
Just Travel More is a resource for travelers and travel wannabes: YOU!
Just Travel More is designed to help YOU get past the travel jitters with tips and resources that follow the adventures my husband and I take as a couple and with our daughters.
Chris and I started traveling with our girls when they were infants and have since instilled within them a love adventure, mad airport and travel skillz, and a lifelong desire to explore the world.
My husband and I are either dreaming of amazing destinations, planning our next trip together, or having the time of our lives experiencing it!
Chris and I are planners, so we each spend loads of time researching our trips, discovering once-in-a-lifetime adventures, finding hidden gems, and sharing our extensive knowledge here. At Just Travel More you will find:
- Inspiration for first time travelers
- Amazing destinations and must-see sites to add to YOUR bucket list
- Travel products that I love and recommend
- Travel tips
- Planning advice
As a travel professional and adventure enthusiast offering destination reviews, itineraries, and recommendations as well as tips, tools, and resources, I will help you jump from having newbie travel jitters to being a confident traveler with a high travel IQ!
My goal is to boost your travel confidence, encourage YOU to live out your travel dreams, motivate you to begin your travel adventures, and inspire you to explore the world!
Tapping into 25+ years of domestic and international travel experience, I also share insights into family travel, romantic couples getaways, cruising, and adding a lot of pizzazz to your vacations with photography tips and Instagram-worthy snapshots.
You can develop your own travel planning skills, adopt an adventuresome mindset, and create travel habits to help you achieve your travel goals.
Check out my TRAVEL RESOURCES to help with your planning!
Where We’ve Been
Canada – I grew up in Southern Alberta, so it has been fun introducing my family to some of the favorite places I visited as a young child. Chris and I visited Montreal together for the first time in 2022, and we loved visiting Vancouver Island and British Columbia a couple of years ago.
Europe – Europe is my happy place. We have loved our adventures in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Malta, the Netherlands, Belgium, Czechia, and Spain.
South Korea – Even quick day trips during an airport layover can give glimpses into local life.
New Zealand & Australia – We explored around Melbourne. I loved the beach boxes in Brighton Beach. While Wellington, NZ might be known as Windy Wellington, it has a lot to offer. Have you ever rafted on the Rangitikei River?
Philippines – Our girls’ first international trip included discovering new friends, a humanitarian trip to an orphanage, swimming in the South China Sea, and relaxing on the beach in Boracay.
Tahiti – Chris and I recently enjoyed a relaxing beach vacation at the Hilton in Moorea and Papeete, Tahiti. Usually our trips are go go go, but this was a big change of pace for us and we LOVED it.
Thailand – We visited family in Bangkok, saw Wats in Ayutthaya, took an overnight train to Chiang Mai, and ziplined through the jungle.
United Kingdom – London is a must-see on everyone’s list, but you really need to add a few days in Bristol, Bath, Cambridge, and the Cotswolds.
United States – We are working our way through the US, one state and one National Park at a time. We call Colorado home and do a lot of exploring, hiking, and adventuring in our favorite state and Rocky Mountain National Park.
What If There Was a SUPER EASY
Way to Learn About Travel?
Are you dreaming of sunbathing on the beach in the Tahiti? How about sightseeing in Venice? Does your bucket list include US National Parks, Florida, Colorado, Thailand, Switzerland, Austria, or Italy?
Get your bags ready!
Ready to discover the MAGIC of TRAVEL?
You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers. Let’s get started on getting past your travel hurdles by learning all of the key travel tips, strategies and tools for beginners… and even for you seasoned travelers too!
