Hi there – we’re the Ozark Wanderers!
We call the Ozark Mountains home — a place that feels like a vacation spot in itself, but wanderlust always has us looking to the horizon.
Travel has been part of our story from the very beginning. My first cruise was way back in 1987 on the NCL Seaward as a high school senior. The spark came from my parents, who were avid cruisers and taught me that travel is more than just a vacation — it’s a way of life.
Fast forward a few years, and my husband and I set sail on our honeymoon with Royal Caribbean. That trip hooked us both, and except for a few “flings” with other lines, we’ve been loyal RCL fans ever since. Over the decades, we’ve climbed the loyalty ladder, figured out how to stretch our dollars further, and found ways to keep travel front and center in our lives — even while juggling work and family.
Around 2010, I stumbled into the world of points and miles. Before I knew it, I was turning credit card bonuses into bucket-list vacations for a fraction of the cost. Once I realized we could make “dream trips” affordable, there was no going back.
Family has always been part of our travel story too. Our daughter spent her high school years as a Rotary Exchange student, collecting passport stamps faster than we could keep up. (She still has more than us, but we’re working on it!)
These days, I jokingly call myself the “Navigator” and my husband the “Pilot” — I handle the plans, safely getting us there. We once owned a 40 foot 5th wheel and loved the freedom it gave us, but life got busy, and we didn’t get to use it as much as we’d hoped. Now, as we look toward retirement, the RV life is calling us again. Until then, you’ll find us maximizing our casino rewards and cruise perks to keep exploring the world — without breaking the bank.
This blog is our way of sharing everything we’ve learned: the hacks, the mistakes, the wins, and the incredible experiences along the way. Whether you’re here for cruising tips, RV dreams, or just a spark of wanderlust, we’re glad you’ve found us.
So grab a cup of coffee (or a fruity drink with an umbrella) and let’s wander around this beautiful planet together. 🚐⚓✨
