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Welcome!

I'm a wanderlust addict always in search of new adventures, tasty food, and culture. Whether the destination is near or far, I jump at the opportunity to experience the world around me. As my list of visited countries and U.S. states grew, I decided to document my first-hand accounts in a creative outlet to assist fellow travelers.

The Spunky Curl is a way for me to share my insights, recommendations, and reviews with others looking for trip inspiration. On this blog you’ll find itineraries covering attractions, restaurants, and accommodations to help you jumpstart the planning process.

My globetrotting style is all about minimalism with a down-to-earth twist. I gear up with only the essentials and a two-week capsule wardrobe in my 40L backpack. If you desire a transparent travel blog with a no-frills attitude, you’ve come to the right place!

Over seven years ago, my husband and I moved from our home state of Wisconsin to Texas in a ten-foot U-Haul. Stepping out of our comfort zone away from family and friends wasn’t easy, but we grew to appreciate our hankering for an unconventional lifestyle. In January 2022, we began a multi-year trip through Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia, South America, and other bucket list countries!

Offline you can find me birdwatching, binging true crime documentaries with a mug of tea, or wrangling these lawless curls. When I'm not soaking up the sun at the beach, I enjoy working out, experimenting with new recipes, and learning Spanish.

Thank you for visiting and following along our nomadic journey!

Sarah's signature
Sarah and Brad in Cappadocia, Turkey

Visited Countries

Bucket List

  1. Hike the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu
  2. Ride a camel at the Great Pyramids of Giza - DONE
  3. Go glacier kayaking in Canada
  4. Spend a day at the Louvre Museum - DONE
  5. Take a selfie with the Moai on Easter Island
  6. Hop around the islands of Thailand - DONE
  7. Try to spot the Loch Ness monster in Scotland
  8. Traverse the countryside of New Zealand
  9. Climb the steps of the Maya ruins of Tikal - DONE
  10. Go vodka tasting in Moscow near the Red Square
  11. Scuba dive in the Galapagos Islands
  12. Sample gelato in front of the Colosseum in Rome
  13. Climb the 533 south tower steps of Cologne Cathedral - DONE
  14. Float in the Dead Sea
  15. Sip mint tea in the markets of Morocco
  16. Hike up to the Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps - DONE
  17. Be a spectator at the Running of the Bulls in Spain
  18. See wild baby sloths in Costa Rica - DONE
  19. Sample fresh sushi in Japan
  20. Ride a red double-decker bus in London
  21. Tour Albrecht Durer’s studio in Nuremburg - DONE
  22. Visit The Hague to see Girl with a Pearl Earring
  23. Feel the mist at Iguazu Falls in Brazil - DONE
  24. Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives
  25. Sip coffee in a Viennese café - DONE
  1. Explore the temples of Angkor Wat - DONE
  2. Marvel at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
  3. Soak in the Szechenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest - DONE
  4. Admire the sandstone sites in Petra
  5. Say a prayer inside of the Sistine Chapel
  6. Visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum - DONE
  7. Discover shipwrecks in The Bahamas
  8. Zipline into a Mexican cenote - DONE
  9. Take a gondola ride in Venice
  10. Meditate in Bali
  11. Go whitewater rafting - DONE
  12. Visit the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge
  13. Go on a wild safari in Africa
  14. Sail along the Nile River and visit ancient Egyptian temples - DONE
  15. See a wild toco toucan in the Atlantic Forest - DONE
  16. Visit Dracula’s castle in Transylvania
  17. Experience a sunrise hot air balloon ride - DONE
  18. Taste street food in Penang - DONE
  19. Enjoy a picnic in a park nearby the Eiffel Tower
  20. Go snorkeling with sharks - DONE
  21. Explore the Acropolis in Athens
  22. Walk barefoot on countryside grass in Ireland
  23. See the Northern Lights
  24. Find a souvenir at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul - DONE
  25. Visit 100 countries (currently at 33)