Meet Lesley and Everyday Explorers Travel
Hey there — I’m Lesley. I live in Columbus, Indiana with my husband Chris and our puppers Ellie. Travel has been the thread through my life: I’ve lived across the U.S. from Ohio and Michigan to New York, Florida, California, and even Hawaii before putting down roots here in Indiana. I met Chris at a gaming convention in 2012, and between our love of gaming, building Lego, trying new recipes, and exploring the world, life’s never short on stories. Lately we’ve been training for 5Ks with the goal of a half-marathon — true proof that small adventures add up.
Everyday Explorers Travel grew out of that same spirit: curiosity, delight in small things, and the conviction that travel should be accessible, joyful, and deeply personal.
Why I started Everyday Explorers Travel
I spent years in the corporate world, learning how to manage projects, coordinate logistics, and listen to what people really want. Along the way I found myself helping friends and family plan trips, smoothing the rough edges, and turning ordinary itineraries into memorable stories. Giving back to my community and helping others experience travel has always been core to me, and creating Everyday Explorers Travel felt like the natural next step — a way to combine professional discipline with the kind of warmth and care you’d expect from a friend planning your getaway.
What I believe about travel
Travel is for everyone. There are meaningful adventures at every budget level.
Small trips matter. Weekend escapes, road trips, and local discoveries are worthy of design and delight.
Travel should feel like you. The best itineraries reflect your rhythms, tastes, and energy — not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
Memories beat stamps on a passport. I design trips so you come home with stories you’ll tell again and again.
How I work with you
Tailored itineraries: thoughtful pacing, logistical clarity, and local recommendations that match your style.
Practical planning: bookings, transfers, value hunting, and contingency planning so you can enjoy the day-to-day.
Collaborative process: I ask the right questions, listen closely, and craft options — then we pick what fits.
For any scale: from solo weekend resets to immersive multi-week escapes, and everything in between.
What to expect from this blog
I’ll share travel ideas you can actually use:
Road-trip routes and pit-stop favorites
Budget-friendly ways to stretch a trip further
Packing tips that actually save space and sanity
Local food and craft finds that turn a day into a memory
Real itineraries and behind-the-scenes planning notes
Highlights of adventures I’ve taken - to inspire you in yours
If there’s a topic you want covered, leave a comment — I’ll add it to the queue and we’ll tackle it in an upcoming post.
Let’s plan your next memory
I’d love to help design a trip that fits your life, your budget, and your sense of wonder. Pop over to my social channels to say hi, or reach out through the website to start a conversation. Travel doesn’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment — let’s make something memorable today.
