Woman enjoying a drink at a cozy restaurant table near a fireplace, with glasses of water and beer on the table, surrounded by rustic brick and wooden décor in a warmly lit setting.
Woman standing in shallow clear water with a backdrop of green island and cloudy sky.
A woman walking on a grassy path surrounded by trees, carrying a woven bag and wearing denim shorts and a sleeveless top.
A woman in a warm coat and beanie stands behind a black and white striped pillar, holding a shopping bag and a drink, in the courtyard of Palais Royal, Paris.
Person standing on basalt stone formations at Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, with ocean backdrop.
Person wearing a snow suit and helmet standing on snowy terrain with a white SUV in the background.
Woman sitting on a stone bollard in front of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
Woman in blue dress standing on a sidewalk, with a park and palm trees in the background.
Woman smiling in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris on a sunny day, wearing a textured sweater.
Woman standing on rocky cliff overlooking ocean waves.
Woman in a striped dress posing in front of a scenic ocean view with hills and palm trees, next to a sign. Clear blue sky and water in the background.

The Girl Behind Traveling Tessie

Hi friend, I’m Tess, and I’m so happy you’re here. I started Traveling Tessie back in 2019 as a creative outlet while balancing my full-time job, but it quickly turned into something much bigger. Over the years, it’s become a place where I share my favorite adventures, boutique stays, and the hidden gems that most travelers miss. I love exploring places at a slower pace, tasting my way through a destination, and finding those lesser-known spots that make a trip feel extra special.

If you’re someone who wants adventure without giving up comfort, who loves discovering unique stays, or who wants to avoid the crowds and explore deeper than the typical guidebook route, you’re in the right place. I create itineraries and travel guides for the “middle traveler”, which means you won’t find luxury-only recommendations or backpacker-style tips here. Instead, you’ll get thoughtful suggestions rooted in my real experiences that help you travel smarter, stretch your vacation days, and make room for unforgettable moments.

My goal is to help travelers uncover hidden gems that fit naturally into the trips they’re already planning. That means showing you lesser-known towns near big international hubs, highlighting off-season destinations where you can skip the crowds, and sharing local tours, stays, and small businesses that deserve more attention. Together, we’ll make it easier for you to see more without going farther and help you plan trips that feel meaningful, comfortable, and exciting all at once!

If you’re ready to explore but overwhelmed with where to start, I can help you take the stress out of planning. Through my custom trip planning service, I’ll build a personalized itinerary based on your travel style and interests so you can show up confident and ready to explore. I also host small-group trips designed for travelers who want connection, boutique comfort, and approachable adventure without feeling rushed or over-scheduled.

Whether you’re here for travel inspiration, a full itinerary, or to join one of my group trips, I’m so glad you’ve found this corner of the internet. Grab a coffee, get comfy, and start exploring. And don’t forget to join my newsletter so you never miss new guides, insider tips, or upcoming group trip announcements!

Let’s explore the world in a way that feels a little cozier, a little slower, and a whole lot more memorable.

Happy travels!

-Tess 

  • The Bahamas

  • Canada

  • France

  • Greece

  • Iceland

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Jamaica

  • Mexico

Countries I’ve Visited:

  • Monaco

  • Portugal

  • Spain

  • United Kingdom

  • United States

  • Vatican City

States & Territories I’ve Visited:

Young woman walking through a field of tall grass and purple flowers, surrounded by a countryside landscape.

  • Minnesota

  • Montana

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • New York

  • Oregon

  • Pennsylvania

  • Puerto Rico

  • Rhode Island

  • Alaska

  • Arizona

  • California

  • Connecticut

  • Florida

  • Idaho

  • Illinois

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Michigan

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Vermont

  • Washington

  • Wisconsin

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While everyone else is navigating the tourist scene, you're kayaking glassy waters with mountain reflections, paddleboarding on actual glaciers, and exploring Hatcher Pass without fighting for parking. Here's your comprehensive Palmer guide: KAYAKI

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