I’m Monica, a soulful traveler, explorer of everyday magic, and longtime lover of wandering wherever my heart leads.

I spent years traveling the country during my corporate career, visiting 46 of the 50 U.S. states (Nebraska, North Carolina, Alaska, and Vermont — I’m coming for you!).

These days, I travel with my amazing husband Dave and sometimes with our family, savoring slow moments, meaningful places, and the little bits of magic hidden along the way.

Here you’ll find elegant escapes, mindful travel practices, and soulful inspiration for creating a beautiful life.

I also share my wanderings around my hometown of Portland, Oregon: a place full of cozy coffee shops, lush forests, and everyday magic waiting to be found.

Whether it’s across the world or just across town, I believe travel is a journey back to your soul.

I’m so glad you’re here to wander with me. ✈️

Our values

At the heart of Wander With Monica is a belief in slow, intentional living. I travel not to check boxes but to connect—to a place, to its people, and to the quiet whispers of my own intuition.

Whether I’m strolling a sun-drenched plaza in Spain or savoring a quiet morning in the Oregon woods, I’m always seeking the kind of presence that brings life into sharper, softer focus.

Supporting local is a value close to my heart. I love discovering small businesses with big spirit, chatting with artists and baristas, and leaving kind reviews to help others find them too. Travel, for me, is about connection and reciprocity, not just escape.

And at the center of it all is a commitment to finding magic in everyday moments—because beauty isn’t reserved for faraway places. It’s in the way the light moves through trees, the comfort of a warm chai, and the serendipity of a well-timed smile. These are the moments I treasure and share, and I hope they inspire your own wanderings, wherever they may lead.