I wanted to meet other people who love travel and approach it with a responsible mindset.

All of the above. While I repeatedly return to Ecuador and Peru, I love traveling almost anywhere. It is less about the destination and more about the way I choose to meet it. My least favorite places are those experiencing mass tourism, often failing their residents from poor tourism management.

There is a tiny hummingbird in Southern Ecuador calling my name. And an entire birding route in Bolivia I would love to experience. And a chance to sail with artisanal fisherman in Northern Peru. And maybe the night sky of the Atacama Desert. Then there are those places closer to home - someone suggested Lost Lake to me yesterday. So many dreams!

My first travel job was my own blog, NotYourAverageAmerican.com. I was working as a freelance writer for lifestyle magazines and the occasionally piece magazines like Modern Farmer (article on raising guinea pig for American markets). I attempted pitching travel pieces. I couldn't make a break beyond listicle type articles for Culture Trip. So I started putting everything on our own website instead.

I am always wanting to learn more about the real needs of small family run and community operated businesses. I feel many of them get taken for a ride by travel agencies and would do far better selling direct to tourists.

Appreciate other people.