Melissa Jean

I believe in the power of travel to help us connect with nature, build cross-cultural relationships and become immersed in a new place through encounters with people, art, cuisine and landscapes. My ideal trip is one that enhances my sense of wellness through lots of time spent outside, nourishing food and achieving the right balance between activity and rest. When I'm planning a trip for myself, I spend hours researching the quirkiest things to do in the place I'm visiting, as I love a surprising hidden gem more than anything.

I'm currently based in Nashville. I grew up in Salt Lake City and have also lived in Massachusetts, Brazil, Mozambique, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands and Russia. I speak fluent Portuguese and passable Spanish, and my current travel dream is to show my teenagers as much of the world as I can before they go off to college.

I'm interested in green/sustainable travel, socially-responsible travel and plant-based travel. I also have experience traveling with kids of all different ages--currently with highly-active teens who like adventures--and love planning romantic travel, too. I've spent most of my life doing budget travel, but I can appreciate an indulgence when the moment calls for it.