Hey, We’re Katie And Joe!
We’re full-time travelers, adventure seekers, and passionate storytellers who traded the corporate grind for a life on the road. Since hitting the road, we’ve explored 44 of the 63 US National Parks, traveled to 40+ countries, and even spent a few years living in Germany! Our journey started with a dream to experience more—more freedom, more adventure, and more time outdoors. So in 2023, we packed up our lives, converted a van into our home on wheels, and set out to explore. From road-tripping across the USA to flying to new international destinations, we’re always on the lookout for the next great adventure.
Get To Know Us!
Joey Burtoni
What Sparked Your Passion For Travel?
Growing up, most of my travels were close to home—road-tripping through the Four Corners region and California with my family. I had never really thought about venturing beyond the U.S. until one day in high school when my teacher mentioned a study abroad program in Costa Rica. The idea of traveling to a foreign country, not knowing the language, and stepping into an entirely new culture felt both thrilling and intimidating—in the best possible way. I came home that day and told my family, “I want to go.”
That experience changed everything. It opened my eyes to just how big and diverse the world is and ignited a passion for stepping outside my comfort zone. After that, I knew I wanted to travel and live internationally. The moment I graduated college, Katie and I took a whirlwind trip through Greece, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, and England, and I was completely hooked. I started planning my life around finding a way to move abroad.
That dream became a reality when I got the chance to move to Berlin, Germany, still chasing that same thrill of the unknown. I had never been to Northern Germany, didn’t speak the language, and had no idea what to expect—but that was exactly what made it so exciting. That first trip to Costa Rica set everything in motion, and now, Katie and I have built a life around travel, constantly seeking out new adventures and embracing the unfamiliar.
Fun Facts!
- I have an irrational fear of fish. Not eating them—but them swimming near me. So if we’re by the ocean or a lake, you’ll usually find me above the water, not in it.
- I spent over a decade in advertising. Before full-time travel, I worked as a Director of Social Media Strategy, helping brands like Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Ram, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo connect with audiences worldwide.
- I’m obsessed with motorcycles and cars. I grew up in a family with a passion for Italian vehicles, and that love has never faded. You can even find me on YouTube talking about the industry and my personal collection.
- Audiobooks are my thing. Whether I’m driving, walking the dog, or cleaning the house, I almost always have an audiobook playing in the background.
- I have a sensitive stomach but love everything that ruins it. Spicy food? Yes. Ice cream? Absolutely. Do I regret it later? Also yes.
Katie Rowan
What Sparked Your Passion For Travel?
Growing up, most of my travels were close to home—road-tripping through the Four Corners region and California with my family. I had never really thought about venturing beyond the U.S. until one day in high school when my teacher mentioned a study abroad program in Costa Rica. The idea of traveling to a foreign country, not knowing the language, and stepping into an entirely new culture felt both thrilling and intimidating—in the best possible way. I came home that day and told my family, “I want to go.”
That experience changed everything. It opened my eyes to just how big and diverse the world is and ignited a passion for stepping outside my comfort zone. After that, I knew I wanted to travel and live internationally. The moment I graduated college, Katie and I took a whirlwind trip through Greece, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, and England, and I was completely hooked. I started planning my life around finding a way to move abroad.
That dream became a reality when I got the chance to move to Berlin, Germany, still chasing that same thrill of the unknown. I had never been to Northern Germany, didn’t speak the language, and had no idea what to expect—but that was exactly what made it so exciting. That first trip to Costa Rica set everything in motion, and now, Katie and I have built a life around travel, constantly seeking out new adventures and embracing the unfamiliar.
Fun Facts!
- I have an irrational fear of fish. Not eating them—but them swimming near me. So if we’re by the ocean or a lake, you’ll usually find me above the water, not in it.
- I spent over a decade in advertising. Before full-time travel, I worked as a Director of Social Media Strategy, helping brands like Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Ram, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo connect with audiences worldwide.
- I’m obsessed with motorcycles and cars. I grew up in a family with a passion for Italian vehicles, and that love has never faded. You can even find me on YouTube talking about the industry and my personal collection.
- Audiobooks are my thing. Whether I’m driving, walking the dog, or cleaning the house, I almost always have an audiobook playing in the background.
- I have a sensitive stomach but love everything that ruins it. Spicy food? Yes. Ice cream? Absolutely. Do I regret it later? Also yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where have we been?
Over the years, we’ve traveled both together and individually, experiencing some of the most incredible places the world has to offer. Between us, we’ve explored 40+ countries, 44 U.S. National Parks, and nearly every U.S. state (we should probably sit down and count!).
We’ve road-tripped from Colorado to Alaska and back, trekked with gorillas in Uganda, and watched the sunrise over Mount Fuji in Japan. Each adventure has only fueled our desire to see more, do more, and embrace the unexpected.
Our list of dream destinations is constantly growing, and if there’s one thing we know for sure—it’s that we don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. The world is too big, and there’s always something new to explore!
Why Are We Here?
We believe that travel isn’t as scary, complicated, or out of reach as it might seem. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to a new city or an international adventure across the world, every trip has the power to change your perspective, push you outside your comfort zone, and connect you to something bigger.
Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about learning, growing, and becoming a global citizen. We’re here to show you that you don’t need unlimited time or money to experience the world. No matter your budget, schedule, or comfort level, you can travel—and we’re here to help you make it happen.
How Did We Meet?
We met at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where we were both part of the Greek system. Funny enough, we even have photos of us in the same room before we actually knew each other!
How Do We Afford To Travel?
Before leaving the corporate world, we made a plan—including saving as much as possible to fund our travels. Our first year on the road (building the van and traveling full-time) burned through a big chunk of those savings, but over time, we’ve started making money through content creation and our social media channels. While we’re not as financially set as we once were, we’re growing every year—all while getting to explore the world!
Why Did We Decide To Visit All The U.S. National Parks?
When we started planning for life outside the corporate world in 2021/2022, the world was still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and international travel was off the table. So, we decided to explore our own backyard—and what better way than by visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks? It was the perfect way to see parts of the country we had never explored together.
What Camera Gear Do We Use?
We’re huge gear nerds, and we love talking about it! From vlogging and photography gear to camping and hiking essentials, we’ve put together a detailed gear page where you can check out everything we use. Check it out here!
