About Me – Meet Sandi: The Heart Behind Explore with Alma & Pearl

Hi there! I’m Sandi—a proud wife to a firefighter, mom to two boys, and a devoted soccer mom who loves cheering from the sidelines. Life is full, busy, and wonderfully messy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way (most days, anyway). It’s the moments I’ve shared with my family and friends that sparked my love for authentic travel.

But my journey to loving travel wasn’t straightforward. Growing up, my family rarely traveled. We took just two vacations during my entire childhood, one camping at Stone Mountain and one to Florida. I didn’t come from a family that packed suitcases or planned road trips. We spent our days (and nights) on softball fields. After seeing some of my friends travel, I first felt the itch to explore, but I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to start, where to go, what to pack, what to do, or how to budget for these experiences.

That’s why I created Explore with Alma & Pearl. My mission is to inspire families—average families like mine—to explore the country, or even the world together, create meaningful memories, and find joy in both big adventures and everyday moments. And most importantly, I want to show you that travel doesn’t have to break the bank.

I share because I’ve been where you are. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the idea of planning your first family trip. Maybe you want to create lasting memories but don’t know where to start. I’m here to help, not just with inspiration, but with practical tools that make it all feel doable.

What You’ll Find Here

  • Practical Guidance:
    Whether it’s detailed itineraries, packing lists, or road trip tips, I share step-by-step guides to make planning easier. Think: “What should I pack for the Grand Canyon?” or “How do I navigate the shuttle system at the South Rim?” You’ll leave with answers that take the guesswork out of travel.
  • Inspiration for Family Bonding:
    I share honest, relatable stories about how travel has brought my family closer. From watching a breathtaking sunset at the Grand Canyon to spotting a road runner in Sedona, these moments are about connection, laughter, and discovering the world together.
  • Authentic Stories:
    My reflections on family life, travel mishaps, and parenting wins are real and, for the most part, unfiltered. Because let’s face it—traveling with kids isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s always worth it. I want you to know you’re not alone in the chaos, sometime frustration, but also the joy.
  • A Mix of Expertise and Relatability:
    Listen, I’m not a travel agent—I’m a mom who’s been there, who’s right there in the trenches with you. You can trust my tips because I’ve tested them with my family, but I’m also learning alongside you. Together, we’ll explore smarter, easier, and more meaningful ways to travel.
  • Cocktail Enthusiasts Welcome:
    Let’s face it: travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s also about the moments you savor. I love creating craft cocktails that feel like “travel in a glass.” You’ll find recipes, infusion ideas, and plenty of inspiration to bring a taste of your adventures home.

Where We’ve Traveled

Travel has taken my family to so many incredible places:

  • International: Jamaica (Ochos Rios), Germany (Düsseldorf, Münster, Havixbeck), England (London), Ireland (Doolin, Dingle, Portmagee, Skellig Islands, Killarney, Dublin).
  • United States: California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., Iowa, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Puerto Rico.

Each destination has added to our story, whether it’s hiking the Skellig Islands in Ireland, spotting condors at the Grand Canyon, or enjoying street food in London.

Why I Do This

At its core, Explore with Alma & Pearl is about helping families like mine see what’s possible. It’s about giving you the tools, inspiration, and confidence to plan adventures that fit your life and your budget. I want you to find the joy in exploring new places, the beauty in creating family memories, and the magic in experiencing life together.

If I can help even one family take that first step—to pack up the car, board the plane, or walk the trail—I’ll know this space has made a difference.

Cheers, friends! Let’s wander far, sip deeply, and live fully—together. ✨

Family holding hands walking through a field