The Beginning: An Introdcution to Travel Further

Hello everyone! In introducing my new business venture, I really wanted to make sure you got to really know me, Shannon. That little girl in the pink over to the right, that was me on my first big trip to visit an awesome pen pal in the Bahamas. That was my first day in Nassau and if you look into my eyes, you can see that I was already infected by awe and inspiration at seeing this different world where people like you and me lived their everyday lives. That was all it took to hook me on travel for the rest of my life. I have been lucky enough to see some amazing places, and I cannot wait to see even more, but most importantly, I want to help you get to where you need go, see what you need to see, and make your extraordinary travel ordinary!

Siesta Key, FL and rose :)

This to the left, is me now. Growing up, I luckily got to travel the country playing volleyball and basketball. It has given me experiences and amazing life lessons, but most importantly, the confidence to wander and wonder. The wondering part was easy, I loved my University experience so much, I went back for more and received my Master of Arts in History in 2011. With my background in research, geopolitical awareness, and passion to see the world, getting into the travel industry was really a no brain-er, so, here we are today. After spending the summer taking courses with Travel Leaders of Tomorrow and passing the Travel Agency Proficiency test, I am starting my own business, Travel Further. Additionally, I hope my blog posts provide ideas for your own travel and helps you make decisions about upcoming trips, or gives advice on how to make travel easier. You should always travel on your own terms and I would love to make that a possibility.

Ed and Laina Lake, MI

I hope that my own adventures show that not only is travel possible, but I truly believe travel is such an important part of our lives, I want to show you that I live by the principles I preach. The guy on the right is my husband and primary travel partner. I know, he looks scary in the picture, but the guy swimming to the left is his more natural state. That dog is my best friend, she is also a very trusted travel partner, whether on boats or across the country. But, I do venture out and leave them at home. I love traveling with friends, family, and solo. I especially enjoy going on trips with friends. I LOVE meeting new people and having connections all over the world. It is as Maya Angelou said about traveling, "Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends." It is in that spirit in which I start this new adventure.

Travel Further will offer custom tailored travel itineraries to those looking for unique experiences or getaways. Many people do not have time to research and find not only the right place, but also a trip that truly fits their needs.

Cage the Elephant, Franklin, TN

Molly and I riding in Western Ireland

Traveling and travel planning can be daunting. It takes time to plan and research which can sometimes overwhelm our desire to travel. Especially when taking solo trips, or just trips to a new destination. My goal is to add a layer of confidence by becoming a source who can not only help travelers decide on a destination, but will provide either first-hand experience or extensively researched knowledge for each travelers’ needs. In today’s world, with an ever changing global landscape, knowing that you have a partner invested in your travel plans can bring peace of mind. I enjoy helping people design their custom travel itineraries. Figuring out what makes each traveler tick and how their own trips can be planned, not just with a sense of an adventure, but with the added goal of meeting their desired experience is a main goal of Travel Further.

Offering curated itineraries or the right suggestions for resorts, family getaways, or a girls’ weekend is important for the company’s overall goal in promoting travel.

Seascape Crews, Star Island, NH

Some of my own adventures include sailing at Antigua Sailing Week, racing in Key West Race Week, racing at our boats nationals in Lake Dillon, CO, and during a hurricane in Solomons, Maryland. I have also participated in the Gosport Regatta in New Hampshire during the fall, which was absolutely beautiful. Come on New England in the fall is a must do, Boston and Salem were at their finest! My first trip abroad as an adult was to Ireland and I haven't stopped. Since then Ed and I have been to France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. We have visited Australia for an extended period of time, and have been to Mexico many times with friends. Some of my favorite girls trips was Dublin for St. Patrick's day in 2012 and to Montego Bay for a quick getaway and visiting my cousin in England, visiting Liverpool, Paris, and Amsterdam. My music loving neighbors and I have been to New Orleans Jazz Festival, as well as The Pilgrimage in Franklin, TN for some pretty great music. And last November I took my first solo trip to Scotland, which was an amazing experience. I hope you follow along on this new adventure and take some new journeys of your own.