Hi my fellow travelers drooling over endless wanderlust instagram profiles and dreamy Pinterest pins… Welcome to the club!
I started off just like you, with an innate desire to explore far-flung places where I could experience the authentic culture. Then I took that big leap to finally journey abroad and saw all my fantasies come wildly true beyond belief. I never let go of that passion and when the time was right, I let it carry me forward to start Creative Edge Travel where I now lead immersive trips in Italy to help people connect with locals on a deeper level and have a more meaningful travel experience.
Want to get to know me a bit better? Your wish is my command!
Read below and let me know your additional questions in the comments!
First trip to Italy?
In 2011, I went to Cortona to study art and teach 2nd graders (stepping inside the classroom is definitely an immersive experience!). Some of the partners featured in our itineraries are local friends I met on that first trip!
Favorite experience in Italy?
Picking cherries in the countryside with an 87 year old couple and their son- it was so simple but so special to take part in that age-old tradition!
Favorite Italian dish?
There is SO much variety. I’m always trying something new, but a go-to classic is homemade spaghetti with a spicy garlic-tomato sauce and fresh parmesan! Then there’s ricotta and spinach ravioli with a walnut cream sauce…& the tortellini in a cream and prosciutto sauce with peas…ok so I can’t pick just one!
Where do you want to go next?
Gargano, the “spur” of the boot, is a little-known natural area full of unique traditions and white cliffs that fall dramatically into the Adriatic Sea. I’m actually going in the spring to scout for our upcoming 2019 trips there! (Update: I went to Gargano and fell in love with it! You’ll find it featured on our Secrets of Southern Italy small group tour!)
What do you care about..what’s your mission?
What is at the forefront of my mind is sustainable travel- both in terms of the environment and keeping amazing places authentic. I’m exploring ways we can travel that positively impact the local community and considers the long-term effect of our presence. I’m not sure there’s a perfect solution but I know for a start, we can talk with locals to understand their perspective! Other ways the trip supports sustainable tourism is by working with individuals, supporting artisans, and delivering quality opportunities to connect deeply with the culture rather than skimming the surface.
My mission is to help people have more meaningful travel experiences through more immersive interactions with locals.
What activity on an upcoming trip are you most excited about?
There are so many incredible moments..I’m really excited about this gorgeous village we’ll visit in an area of Tuscany that few people make it to. While we’re there, we’ll hang out with an artisan who is one of the last masters of wood inlay (basically “painting” using different colors of wood). Another beautiful moment is a dinner party with locals at a Tuscan cottage overlooking the whole city of Florence!
Dreaming of an immersive trip in Italy? Take a look at our upcoming trips or drop us a note to let us know what you’re looking for!