Who We Are

Welcome to our corner of the travel world!
We’re the Donovans—a family of five who can’t sit still for long. Our story began almost 30 years ago with two broke college grads (hi, that’s Bryan and me!) stashing away pennies for road trips and weekend escapes. We learned early how to stretch a dollar, sniff out hidden gems, and never say no to a cozy mom-and-pop café.

Fast-forward to 2004, when kids entered the picture, and we made a pact: the adventures don’t end—they just get bigger (and louder, and occasionally stickier). Since then, we’ve trekked through 30+ states and 13 countries, showing our kids that the best lessons don’t always come from textbooks.

Now we’re here to share the wins, the mishaps, and all the tips we’ve learned along the way—because family travel isn’t just possible, it’s unforgettable. Thanks for tagging along… our next adventure is already calling!

Family of five standing in Tuscany, Italy vineyard. They are smiling, holding glasses of wine, dressed casually, enjoying a sunny day.

Meet the Tribe

Woman taking selfie in Swiss Alp with mountainous landscape with snow patches, green hills, rocky slopes, and distant snow-capped peaks under cloudy sky.

HEIDI

Hi, I’m Heidi—clinical psychologist turned travel storyteller. By day, I help people find their inner calm; by weekend (or whenever wanderlust calls), I’m chasing mine—usually somewhere outdoors with my husband and our three kids in tow.

There’s nothing quite like watching the world unfold through your children’s eyes—whether it’s their first bite of street food, a muddy hike gone sideways, or standing slack-jawed at a view no textbook could do justice. For over twenty years I’ve been plotting and planning our family adventures across the globe, with plenty more pins on the map still waiting for us.

We’re thrilled to share our journeys, misadventures, and hard-earned travel hacks with you. Here’s to finding joy, wonder, and maybe a little chaos in every trip!

A man in outdoor clothing squats on snow with a smile, surrounded by a snowy landscape and ski lift poles in the background.

BRYAN

I’m Bryan—retired Marine Corps pilot, golf addict, and a made-man in the Buffalo Bills mafia. During my years in the military, I crisscrossed the globe, but nothing compares to the adventures I get to have with my wife and kids.

These days, my cockpit looks a little different—sometimes it’s a kayak in Hawaii, sometimes a paraglider over the Swiss Alps, and occasionally just the family SUV packed to the roof. No matter the ride, our travels are filled with laughter, tall tales, a few nerves, and plenty of memories we’ll be retelling for decades.

For me, that’s the magic of family travel—it challenges you, bonds you, and gives you stories better than any souvenir. Can’t wait to share a few of ours with you.

Smiling young woman with long hair standing outdoors, wearing a sleeveless blue top and jeans.

CALLAN

Hi, I’m Callan—college senior, Psych major, and med school applicant. I definitely caught the travel bug from my parents, though our styles don’t always match up. They’re “let’s see it all, do it all, and stick to the itinerary” adventurers… while I’m more of a “soak it all in and let the day unfold” kind of traveler.

This past summer I took that to the next level by spending six weeks at Newcastle University in England—doing research, sipping tea, and getting fully immersed in British culture. It was eye-opening to see how people around the world approach everything from climate change to global conflict, and it left me with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of perspectives out there.

For me, travel is more than just stamps in a passport—it’s a way to learn, grow, and see the world through new eyes. I’m excited to share some of those insights (and adventures) with you!

A young man sitting among rocks, wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers, with brown hair and light skin.

JAKE

Hey, I’m Jake—college sophomore, business management major, health enthusiast, and founder of my college weightlifting team. When I’m not hitting the books or the weights you’ll probably find me researching the stock market or world of regenerative medicine.

Life’s busy, but travel is always on my priority list. My parents have a knack for cooking up wild family adventures, and I’ve loved every second of them—so much so that I’ve started planning trips of my own. Think Phillies games in Philly (bonus: meeting Saquon Barkley at his restaurant), summer days at the Jersey Shore, and cliff diving and snorkeling in Puerto Rico with my college buddies.

I can’t wait to share the chaos, the laughs, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments from my travels—because adventure doesn’t wait for graduation.

Young man with dark curly hair and fair skin standing in front of a lake with a fountain and trees, under a clear blue sky.

MAX

Hey, I’m Max—high school junior, dual-enrolled college student, and proud member of my school’s weightlifting team. This year I’m chasing a big goal: placing at the state weightlifting championship. When I’m not in the gym, you’ll catch me on the tennis court, pickleball court, or golf course. Rainy day? No problem—I’ll be shooting pool, battling it out at ping pong, or working on my juggling skills (currently trying to master five balls).

I’ve been globe-trotting with my family since day one, and I’m grateful for every trip that’s shown me new landscapes, cultures, and traditions. Whether tubing down the snow-covered slopes in Quebec, reeling in halibut in Alaska, or flying down an Alpine coaster in Germany, travel has taught me a lot—but most importantly, it’s given me unforgettable memories with my family.

Contact us

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