We’re JD and Karen — and we’ve been chasing the world together since the ‘90s.

It all started with a blind date, a spark, and a shared love for maps, stamps, and the thrill of going someplace new. Our first trip was a long weekend in St. Augustine, Florida — just a taste of the life we didn’t yet know we’d build together. From there, the adventures got bigger, bolder, and far from home. Over the decades we’ve backpacked through more than 70 countries across six continents, living out of our packs, chasing stories, and saying “yes” to the unexpected.

When our kids, Enzo and Finn, came along, we slowed down a little but we've never stopped. They’ve sweated it out in Central America, wandered cobblestone streets in Europe, and joined us in searching out the perfect street food at midnight. Our family albums aren’t just photos — they’re proof that curiosity is contagious.

We like to think of ourselves as “itinerary-light.” We're research and planning nerds but we know the real adventures happen when you hand the rest over to the travel gods. Because the truth is, the best memories — the ones that stick — are the ones you don’t see coming. The wrong turn that leads to the perfect beach. The train delay that turns into dinner with strangers. The day you cancel the plan and follow the music down the street instead.

We’ve explored in temples in Cambodia, scuba-ed the islands of Thailand (our forever favorite), pitched a tent in the Syrian desert, taken the 5 day hike to Machu Picchu and sipped coffee in tiny cafes from Istanbul to Hanoi. Antarctica is still on the list — and when we get there, you’ll be the first to hear about it.

Travel Geek is our scrapbook, our journal, and our way of sharing the ride. It’s not just the polished moments — it’s the messy, funny, beautiful, sometimes-chaotic reality of traveling for three decades… and counting.

Whether you’re here for inspiration, tips, or just to live vicariously from your couch — welcome to our little corner of the map.