My foray into travel blossomed when the world was ending– both collectively and personally. It was mid-COVID when my anxiety transitioned into Panic Disorder. I was confined to the house.

Since my youth, I’ve struggled with oft-times crippling levels of depression and anxiety. Despite that, I’ve held a deep respect for the beauty and diversity of our world and a strong yearning to witness it. When I was 13, I saw a photo of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park and knew I had to go in person.

But Panic Disorder made travel feel impossible– if I couldn’t walk down my own driveway, how could I ever board a 15-hour flight, stranded over the open ocean? Or any flight at all? 

Ironically, these were the thoughts that fueled my recovery. Using travel as a form of exposure therapy was my way back to freedom. Combined with a sprinkle of mental health support, I learned how to embrace the world again in small increments. A year and a half later, I was on that flight to New Zealand. 

In 2024, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. But I still scheduled more travel in 2025 than ever before. Though my instinct to isolate is strong in the face of health challenges, exposure to the world fills me with hope, gratitude, and a desire to care for myself and others in ways I never could before.

What I Do

Coupling my love of extensive research, detailed planning, and meaningful travel, I create itineraries to help you explore the world without sacrificing your wellbeing. Our mind/body limitations don’t need to hold us back, but simply be part of the conversation. 

I also curate personalized itineraries based on your desires, needs, and necessary adaptations. Please reach out to ellewelltraveled@gmail.com for more information!