Hello, my name is JJ Schmidt.

It seems like I have been traveling and exploring forever.  As a kid, I had National Geographic maps on the walls of my room.  I think that they served as some sort of inspiration for future journeys.  When I was in 5th grade - we took a school trip to Mexico.  That was probably the starting point of what became a quest to see and explore.

At this point, I have been to almost 50 different countries and 49 states.  Alaska is waiting for me!  I love to share my stories and tips with others.  I think that travel is a great way to bring people together.  It helps to learn how our differences are often not all that different.  Travel opens your mind.  I look back on many of my trips as gifts.  Each trip gave me some unique memory or experience that I carry with me to this day.  I hope this site helps to encourage others to venture out and learn.

And as Margaret Schlegel said...only connect.