Hello, I'm Sam,
the heart behind Wander Within Travel.
My story is one of love, loss, and the quiet, powerful art of finding myself. I’ve turned that journey into a life dedicated to helping women like you explore the world and, more importantly, explore themselves.
I fell in love young, with a love so deep it became both a compass and a crucible. I became a teen mom, navigated a tumultuous relationship with an addict, faced grief that seemed endless, and wrestled with my own struggles with addiction and self-worth. I’ve made mistakes that I still cringe at, stayed in situations too long out of fear, and felt the sharp edge of disappointment more times than I can count. But here’s the thing: every scar, every heartbreak, every “what the hell am I even doing?” moment has been part of the road to this life I’m living now.
Through it all, I realized a truth that doesn’t get said enough. Healing doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. It happens in the unknown, in the scary, in the places that feel like a leap off a cliff. It happens when you decide, over and over, to show up for yourself even when the path isn’t clear and even when you’re terrified.
Travel became my teacher, my refuge, and my mirror. I’ve traveled alone to foreign countries, moved and crossed the country while pregnant with a toddler in tow—driving a 26-foot U-Haul with a car trailer and no prior experience—and faced the gut-wrenching decision to leave the man I thought I would grow old with—the love of my life. Through it all, I learned to love myself the way I once loved him.
I’ve gotten lost on tiny cobblestone streets in Greece, juggled a stroller, baggage, and a nursing baby while navigating the chaos of the airport in Boston, and backpacked across the Yucatán Peninsula with my teenager. I’ve played on the beach with my three kids, watched the sunset, sat by our fire, and realized that this is what life is meant to be, this is the way I want to feel forever. Why would I settle for less?
And yes, I’m a single mom who’s brave—and maybe a little crazy—enough to travel solo and to take my three children with me on soul-filled adventures that leave us more connected, humbled, and stronger than before. I want other moms, especially single moms, to know that having children doesn’t mean giving up the world, your dreams, or your sense of wonder. You can travel on your own, you can travel with your kids, and you can do it in a way that feeds your soul and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Wander Within Travel was born from that messy, beautiful, honest journey. I create travel experiences that nourish the soul, awaken joy, and help women—especially moms and first-time solo travelers—reclaim themselves. I’m not here to pretend travel will fix your life. It won’t. But it will remind you of your own resilience, your capacity for joy, and your ability to show up fully for yourself. I’ll be your guide, your cheerleader, and your safe place in the unknown. Together, we’ll craft trips that aren’t just vacations but awakenings, opportunities to reconnect with your heart and embrace the freedom, courage, and joy travel can bring.
Whether it’s feeling the sand beneath your feet on a quiet beach, wandering streets in a city where you don’t speak the language, or finding clarity in the stillness of nature, I’ll help you discover what I’ve learned the hard way. The most transformative journeys happen when you dare to Wander Within, no matter where life finds you.
The world is beautiful, and so are you. It’s time to stop holding back, stop doubting yourself, and start chasing the life you actually want. No filters, no excuses, no bullshit. You can do this, and I’ll show you how to step into your dreams, face the unknown, and own your power—whether you’re traveling solo or taking your kids along for the ride.
—Sam
