You’re not alone! Hi, I’m Katie, a social worker at heart, a travel planner by passion, and your guide to crafting meaningful journeys through Mindful Vacations.
Life can be a rollercoaster ride, so why should travel add to the whirlwind? Unless that whirlwind includes me on Hagrid’s Motorbike ride with the wind blowing in my hair after I just chugged a butter beer in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure.;) I totally understand – the planning process can be overwhelming, and the possibilities seem endless. Not to mention, getting to your destination for the first time can feel like A LOT. That’s where I step in. Think of me as your travel fairy godmother (Disney pun intended), sprinkling stress-free itineraries and mindful moments onto your dream vacation.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a newbie with zero clue, I’m here to help you explore the world with ease. My forte lies in planning unforgettable adventures, ranging from lavish all-inclusive escapes (don’t worry we’ll keep that budget in mind!) and sunny cruises to enchanting Disney trips and expert-guided land tours. Honeymoons, romantic retreats, and group adventures are right up my alley!
Let’s get to know each other a bit better, shall we? I’m a 30-year-old social worker from East TN with a passion for people, vacations, and finding ways to de-stress. As an Independent Travel Planner with the 2023 Tri Cities Best – Treadway Travel Company, I’ve merged my love for travel with my social work background to create a space where I not only share amazing destinations but also ways to connect and be MORE PRESENT on your vacation, and manage stress and anxiety that may arise.
Picture this: my husband and I on our first trip out of the country together – our honeymoon, of course. We worked with our amazing travel planner (well my husband did) to narrow our honeymoon stay down to Sandals St. Lucia – La Toc. We had an AMAZING time. But with it being our first time out of the country without adult supervision and our first time at an all-inclusive resort – we didn’t know what all to expect. My husband, the planner, needed every detail mapped out. Me, the go-with-the-flow (but secretly anxious) one, worried about the little things. Needless to say, bickering was bound to happen. But we made it, relaxed (eventually), until our wild dune buggy adventure (story for another time!).
Relaxation isn’t always easy, right? We crave structure, worry about plans, and want everyone happy. But then, those special moments slip away. Or maybe that “dream vacation” your friend raved about leaves you…unimpressed. You find yourself disappointed, realizing this type of vacation was not for you, and struggling to just have fun with your group. Sound familiar?
I’m here to help you plan vacations that truly fit you, stay present even when things go awry (because, hey, they do!), and most importantly, have fun!
Mindful Vacations isn’t just about booking trips; I want to come alongside you and build a community around all things travel and ditching the stress! Forget packing anxiety and frantic sightseeing. I’ll spill the tea on the good and bad of incredible destinations, share de-stressing tips, and help you connect with the present moment, transforming your travels into cherished memories, not just checked-off boxes.
Okay back to the fun stuff. I love to read (Kristin Hannah anyone?!), de-stress in the hot yoga studio, spend time with family and friends, grab an overpriced coffee or a glass of red wine, and have two crazy pups (you’ll hear all about them!). More vacation adventures to come!
So, pack your bags, ditch the stress, and join me on this journey! Let’s explore the world mindfully, one meaningful vacation at a time. Remember, my services are complimentary when you book through me, so let’s craft your dream escape together.
Visit katiemetcalfvacations.com to say hi, check out my latest blog posts, and let’s plan your next adventure!
