As Sarah unfolded the worn map across the hood of her car, she traced the winding red line with her finger. The route from Denver to Moab stretched nearly 350 miles, crossing mountain passes and desert plains. Each inch on the map represented miles of adventure—every curve a hidden vista, every dot a possible detour.
Welcome to Miles & Maps
Life is best measured in memories, not miles—yet here at Miles & Maps, we celebrate both. This blog is a space for curious wanderers, thoughtful planners, and spontaneous adventurers alike. Whether you’re mapping out your first solo trip or chasing down hidden gems off the beaten path, you’ll find stories, tips, and guides to inspire your next journey.
Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about the people you meet, the culture you absorb, and the lessons you learn along the way. From bustling cities to quiet coastlines, I document the real, raw, and sometimes unexpected moments that make travel meaningful.
So grab your backpack (or suitcase), open your map (or app), and let’s explore the world one mile at a time.
🌍 Why Miles & Maps?
I started Miles & Maps to document more than just destinations—I wanted to capture the emotion of travel. The thrill of watching the sunrise from a mountain you’ve never climbed. The awkward but beautiful conversations in a language you barely speak. The way time stretches and compresses when you’re fully present in a new place. Every post here is a piece of that experience, mapped out to help you create your own.
✈️ What You’ll Find Here
This blog is a blend of practical travel tips and personal storytelling. Expect:
Detailed travel guides and itineraries
Honest reviews of places to stay, eat, and explore
Packing lists and planning hacks
Cultural insights and reflections from the road
Photo essays and offbeat destination features
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to dream beyond your hometown, there’s something here for you.
🧭 Travel Philosophy
At Miles & Maps, I believe in slow travel, responsible tourism, and the beauty of getting a little lost. It’s not about ticking boxes or racing through bucket lists—it’s about connecting, learning, and letting places leave their mark on you.
🗺️ Behind the Blog Name
Miles & Maps reflects the two sides of every journey—the distance we travel and the directions we choose. “Miles” are the steps, the flights, the long bus rides and winding paths. “Maps” are the tools, the dreams, and sometimes the plans that change. Together, they represent a mindset: be open to where life leads, but never stop exploring with intention.
📸 Capturing the World, One Frame at a Time
Photography plays a big role in how I tell stories here. Sometimes a single image says what a thousand words can’t: the color of a spice market, the stillness of an early morning street, or the smile of a stranger who became a friend. I hope these visuals make you feel like you’re right there beside me—curious, wide-eyed, and ready for what’s next.
💬 Join the Journey
I don’t want this blog to be a monologue. I’d love for it to become a place where stories are shared and connections are made. Have a favorite hidden gem? A travel tip that saved your trip? A place that changed your life? Drop it in the comments or send me a message—let’s swap miles and maps together.
🧳 Travel Is Personal
Everyone travels for different reasons—escape, healing, curiosity, challenge, joy. I write from my perspective, but I welcome all journeys. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a vacation dreamer, or someone who travels through books and blogs, you’re welcome here.
🧭 How I Travel
I don’t just travel to “see things”—I travel to feel things. I believe in long walks with no destination, trying food I can’t pronounce, and staying long enough to learn a few words in the local language. I book spontaneous side trips. I say yes to slow trains. I find beauty in quiet moments that never make the itinerary.
Travel, to me, is about showing up—with curiosity, respect, and openness.
🌐 Off the Beaten Path
While popular destinations have their charm, Miles & Maps often leans toward the lesser-known. Some of the most memorable places I’ve been didn’t make the top 10 lists—they were tucked behind temples, hidden in alleyways, or waiting at the end of a dusty road. These places teach you to listen more closely, to wander with intention, and to find adventure in the ordinary.
✍️ The Stories Behind the Stamps
Every visa stamp, every worn-out boarding pass tells a story. Here, I share the moments behind the photos—the missed connections, the strangers who became guides, the detours that led to unforgettable experiences. Because it’s not always about the destination. Sometimes, the story lives in the in-between.
📍Featured Destinations
Kyoto, Japan: A city that balances stillness and ceremony with vibrant street culture.
Lisbon, Portugal: Cobblestone hills, golden light, and the hum of Fado echoing through alleyways.
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Where every temple holds a story and every night market a flavor.
Patagonia, Argentina: Raw, vast, and humbling—a place that reminds you how small and alive you are.
(You can expand this into a full “Destinations” page with detailed guides.)
📬 Stay Connected
If you enjoy meaningful travel stories, practical tips, and the occasional dose of wanderlust straight to your inbox, consider subscribing to the Miles & Maps newsletter. No spam—just real stories and fresh guides, sent now and then when I’ve got something worth sharing.
🌄 A Blog for the Curious Soul
Miles & Maps isn’t just about travel—it’s about discovery. Of places, yes, but also of perspectives, people, and even parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. If you’ve ever found clarity while watching the sun rise over a mountain, or felt joy simply wandering through a street market with no plan, you’re in the right place.
🧭 Start Here: Not Sure Where to Begin?
Here are a few posts to get you oriented:
“5 Cities That Surprised Me (In the Best Way)”
“The Art of Traveling Slowly”
“What Travel Teaches You When You’re Not Looking”
“Carry-On Only: My Ultimate Minimalist Packing List”
Whether you’re a long-term explorer or weekend adventurer, start where your curiosity leads you.
💡 Travel Tips I Swear By
A few simple principles guide every trip I take:
Travel light, live large. You don’t need much—just the essentials and an open mind.
Connect before you capture. Take the photo, but first be present.
Every place is someone’s home. Respect, listen, learn.
Plans are just suggestions. Some of the best stories happen when things go “wrong.”
🧳 About Me
Hi, I’m [Your Name], the traveler behind Miles & Maps. I’ve chased sunsets in Bali, gotten wonderfully lost in Istanbul’s backstreets, and shared tea with strangers in the mountains of Morocco. I write this blog to capture the joy and humanity I find on the road—and to help you find your own version of adventure.
When I’m not traveling, I’m probably planning the next trip, editing a backlog of photos, or enjoying a quiet café in a city I never expected to love.
💬 What Readers Are Saying
“Your Chiang Mai post helped me finally take my dream trip!”
“I love how you combine practical advice with heartfelt writing.”
“Reading your blog makes me feel like I’m traveling even when I’m not.”
Want to share your own story or just say hi? I’d love to hear from you.