plan exceptional travel experiences

10 reasons

✔️   Just Me, Nichole!

Every Enriching Pursuits Itinerary, Guide, and Review is written from my personal firsthand experience. There are no other writers for this blog.

✔️   Meticulous Experience Seekers

Weird title I know, but that’s the best way I can describe it.

I love scoping out the most exceptional outdoor experiences (snorkeling, day hikes, scenic bike rides) and foodie experiences (local eats, wine tours, Michelin-starred restaurants). That means we have packed itineraries, and I love every second of it!

My husband always jokes we need a vacation from our vacation when we get back from a trip.

 ✔️   Personal Photos

All of the photos are my own. I rarely use a stock image. If I do, it’s to illustrate a point, which will be noted.

✔️   Comment Section

Most of my blog posts feature a comments section, allowing you to connect with me directly if you have questions about any of our adventures.

I’m the kind of person who keeps saying “Customer Representative” on automated calls until I reach a human. I totally get it. It’s nice to talk to an actual person!

✔️   Honest Reviews 

I pride myself on providing honest reviews. If I didn’t enjoy something, I’ll tell you why. That said, I generally only write about experiences and products I truly love, or in rare cases, ones I genuinely didn’t enjoy.

The latter is uncommon because I invest a lot of time in research (think Page 20 of Google, forums, Facebook groups, and asking plenty of direct questions) before committing to any travel experience.

✔️   Discerning Traveler Perspective

I’m a discerning traveler who truly values getting the most out of every dollar spent.

One moment, I’m savoring $2 street tacos on a curb in Mexico City; the next, I’m dressed up and enjoying an exceptional three Michelin-starred meal at Hisa Franko in Slovenia.

I’m happy to splurge when the experience is worth it. This approach shapes every aspect of my travels from tours and hotels to personal products.

That said, experiences, like wine, are personal. What I value may be different than what you value.

✔️   Personal Boutique Hotel Picks

We are super picky about our accommodations.

My husband and I do stay at Hilton and Marriott properties around the world when it makes sense (like booking on points in the Maldives). But I will always gravitate to the small, intimate boutique hotel that’s loaded with charm and character.

These smaller properties really cater to the discerning traveler who values exceptional service.

I write pretty detailed reviews showcasing these boutique hotel gems, which can only come from personal experience.

✔️   Travel Resume 

My husband and I have explored 6 continents and 36 countries together, and he’s had the chance to visit even more through work.

If I ever leave my day job, I might finally have the time to share all of my travel experiences. For now, here’s where I’ve been and the places I can share insights about.

The more I travel, the deeper my appreciation grows for the similarities and differences in cultures, cuisines, and religions. It’s both exciting and humbling, and I truly believe that travel helps us become kinder human beings and more open to understanding different perspectives.

✔️   Snorkeling Experts

My husband and I love to day hike, bike, and snorkel.

But the area I really consider ourselves experts in is snorkeling. We love snorkeling and to date have snorkeled 87 sites around the world! We have seen reef sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, whale sharks, turtles, eels, so many fish, and even a great white shark!

Here is my Snorkel Resume.

✔️   Wine Travelers

We are wine travelers, not wine experts.

My husband and I love learning about wine and have been to quite a few wine regions either exploring on our own or going on some fantastic tours. We have been all over from Burgundy, France to Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa!

Here is my Wine Tasting Resume.