A Journey Awaits
Are you ready to go on an adventure with me?
Welcome to a space where dreams take flight, the spirit of adventure beckons and the whispers of far-off lands inspire us. I’m Marielle—an anthropologist, poet, and your fellow travel addict. From the forests of Sweden where I grew up to the beaches of Barcelona where I now live, I have had a long and winding journey through a range of cultures and landscapes, and this is just the beginning.
Why Join This Adventure?
On an earth brimming with possibilities for memorable adventures, where do we begin? How do we transform the overwhelming choice of destinations into a tapestry of experiences that satisfies the growth and connection we seek? This is where our journey begins, and why I invite you to join me in this adventure.
Find Your Purpose with a Plan
You are standing on a beach on the outskirts of Barcelona, looking out at the Mediterranean horizon, where the sky meets the land and opportunity swells within you. That’s what a carefully crafted itinerary offers—a roadmap for your wanderlust, a guide to transform nerves into exhilaration, and the confidence to turn a dream into reality. Each itinerary I create not only captures my own experience, but is a heartfelt invitation to you to explore:
New Paths: Day-by-day guidance that weaves through stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures that you might not have considered visiting before.
Local Flavors: A taste of the culinary delights that nourish not just the body but enriches your mind with deeper appreciation for other cultures.
Hidden gems: Stories and places that help us understand what makes each destination unique and uncover truly local experiences.
Widen Your Horizons
I was peering at a volcano perfectly reflected in a Patagonian lake as the moon rose behind its shoulder, when I was reminded how every journey is a mirror, reflecting back the richness of our shared humanity. As I’ve wandered through 60 countries, my anthropological lens has revealed the extraordinary in the ordinary. Together, we’ll uncover:
Lesser-Known Gems: The hidden nooks and crannies that stay on our minds often much longer than those famous sights.
Cultural Threads: The traditions and customs that connect us across continents, enriching our understanding of the world.
Unexpected Encounters: Stories from fellow travelers that have inspired me and given me a deeper appreciation of the journey we are all on.
Learn from My Missteps
Traveling is a mosaic of triumphs and trials, a dance of magical moments and momentary missteps. From partying until dawn at the Carnival de Oruro in Bolivia to being stranded on a mountaintop on the border of Poland and Slovakia, each step I’ve taken has taught me valuable lessons that I’m eager to share—lessons of resilience, humor, and gratitude. Through my stories, you will discover:
Moments of Clarity: What worked beautifully and what became a lesson learned.
Honest Reflections: The realities of travel, unfiltered and real, guiding you to embrace every moment.
Practical Wisdom: Tips that come not just from books, but from following one’s intuition and adding a dose of (at times reckless, often wonderful) spontaneity.
Our Upcoming Adventures
Let me take you by the hand and guide you through our first three exciting itineraries, the first one being released already on Tuesday and the following published every two weeks on Monday. Each itinerary is a tapestry woven from my experiences, waiting for you to step into the narrative.
1. Two Weeks on the Camino de Santiago
Picture yourself walking along the ancient paths of the Camino de Santiago, where every step resonates with the stories of those who came before. This two-week journey isn’t just about the destination; it’s a pilgrimage of the spirit, an embrace of nature and community.
Scenic Paths: On the toughest physical challenge of our lives, my mother and I traverse landscapes that sing with beauty, from “the cemetery of ancient beaches” to tranquil Eucalyptus forests.
Culinary Journeys: Delight in the flavors of Portugal and Galicia, reflecting so much of the landscapes we passed through.
Cultural Insights: We will share a handful of the stories and history lessons that breathe life into this sacred route.
Preparation Tips: Practical advice that transforms your worries into readiness, ensuring you’re well-equipped for this transformative experience.
2. 48 Hours in Prague
Ah, Prague—a city where fairy tales come alive and history whispers through every cobblestone. In this enchanting city, I’ll share how I spent my 30th birthday over whirlwind 48 hours that demonstrated both the old and new that Prague has to offer.
Iconic Sights: I’ll take you on a meander through the iconic sites of this timeless city.
Culinary Delights: I delighted in some of the best restaurants in the city, thanks to a handful of locals’ recommendations that did not disappoint.
Cultural Engagement: From opera to art to clubs, this city has it all and I did not want to miss a single thing.
Hidden Corners: Discover the lesser-known treasures that give Prague its unique charm, revealing the soul of the city.
3. A Long Weekend in Ireland
Ireland, a land of myths and music, where rolling green hills meet the rugged coastline. For my 32nd birthday I spent a long weekend reveling in the magic of the Emerald Isle.
Breathtaking Landscapes: Follow me from bustling and historic Dublin to the wild and mystical Aran Islands on the west coast of Ireland.
Historical Depth: Connect with the ancient stories that echo through the pages of medieval books and the stones of Iron Age forts.
Local Pubs and Traditions: Experience the vibrant spirit of Ireland in its lively pubs, where music and community warm the soul even on the rainiest evenings in October.
Culinary Discoveries: The food scene in Dublin and Galway is more diverse—and much tastier—than I expected.
What Lies Ahead
Each post will be a blend of storytelling of my own experience following the itinerary, and my honest tips on the highlights and the lowlights of the destination. I envision a community where we exchange stories, tips, and dreams—a collective journey that deepens our understanding of the world.
Subscription Tiers
As you consider joining this adventure, here’s how you can be part of our journey:
Free Subscribers: You’ll receive biweekly travel inspiration, sneak peeks into upcoming itineraries, and access to a growing archive of stories and tips.
Paid Subscribers: Along with all the benefits for free subscribers, you’ll gain monthly exclusive inspiration for your bucket list (e.g. my favorite museums in Europe, top 5 National Parks I visited in South America, best rooftop bars around the world), and tips on travel gear and other resources (books, movies, shows I recommend) for particular itineraries I’ve published.
Annual Paid Subscribers: If you go for a full annual subscription off the bat, beyond all the above, I will also make you a travel itinerary tailored just for you for a trip you have coming up!
Embrace the Adventure
Travel is more than mere movement; it’s a dance with the unknown, a celebration of connection, and the best education I could have gifted myself. Together, let’s embrace the beauty that surrounds us, step beyond the familiar, and forge memories that linger long after we return home.
I can’t wait to share these itineraries with you and embark on this journey together. If you’re ready to leap into the adventure, to explore the world with open hearts and curious minds, then I invite you to subscribe!
Here’s to the incredible moments we’ll create, the stories we’ll share, and the adventures that await.
With wanderlust and warmth,
Marielle 🌍✈️
Tell me in the comments: what destination would you like me to cover next?
Having seen your travel planning in action many times as your travel companion, most recently our mother-daughter experience of hiking the Camino de Santiago that we serialized in my newsletter Living in 3D, I know what dream itineraries you're capable of cooking up. You've had wanderlust since you were a little girl and single-handedly planned our first vacation to Malta when you were 14! I am thrilled to see you bring all your travel passion and knowledge, your insights as an anthropologist, and experience as a travel advisor to readers here in the Substack community. And how cool to offer annual paid subscribers a travel itinerary tailored just for them for an upcoming trip!
Hi Marielle, congratulations on starting this Substack. I'm very excited for your new adventure on this digital landscape, sharing your vast and deep traveling experiences with all the wunderlusts out there! Wishing you fulfillment and joy in what you do!