Jennifer M. Sparks

Jennifer Sparks is a recovering rocket scientist with a passion for travel. Starting with her first passport in her 20s, she quickly adopted the slow travel philosophy to savor her every travel experience, including by bicycle, car, camper van, backpack, train, bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, bulldozer, ferry, sailboat, and airplane. In 2003, Jen and her husband, Witt, shipped their Land Rover from the US to Southampton, UK. From there they traveled through 23 countries until they reached Cape Town, South Africa, one year later. After returning home, Jen gave birth to their son, Quinn. She was knee-deep in diapers when she realized that she wanted to travel again. So she and Witt planned their next big adventure to travel through the Americas by camper van. After 19 more countries and 2-1/2 fabulous years on the road, this family of three returned home to allow Quinn to grow some roots. They currently reside in Montrose, Colorado, where they can enjoy mountain life to its fullest while planning their next travel adventure. While Jen was initially a nervous traveler, her family’s wonderful experiences have reinforced her love of travel again and again. She appreciates that, with the right preparation, traveling can be as safe as staying at home. She believes that the path to a more peaceful planet is for many of us to realize just how similar we all are, despite any differences in language and culture. She encourages others to venture forth to experience our amazing planet and its people.