For years, I believed my brain was broken and tried everything I could to fix it. What I’ve discovered instead is this: knowledge really is power. ADHD could very well be my superpower—and I’d love to help other neurodivergent friends discover theirs, too.

My entire life, I have had trouble sitting still and keeping my thoughts to myself. I am one of the most loyal friends you’ll ever have, but I am also the friend who forgets plans, laughs too loud, over shares everything and says yes, when I should probably say no. I forget to call. I forget birthdays and anniversaries. I am always tired, but often feel like I haven’t accomplished enough. And, like many of us with ADHD, I often worry that others are upset with me even when they aren’t. These are just a few of the “joys” of dealing with ADHD and a brain that feels like it never stops.

Along the way, I have had to make some extremely difficult choices, including walking away from people I genuinely loved and believed would be in my life forever.

I am here for you and can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us. ✈️

Welcome to the ever changing, often squirrely, endlessly amazing world of living and traveling with ADHD.

I started Squirrely Girl Travels after the pandemic reminded me just how short life can be.

It was the wake-up call I needed to finally start seeing the places I had always dreamed about—but kept putting off. I also wanted other neurodivergent travelers to know they are not alone.

Together, we can face the anxiety that holds us back.
Together, we can take the trip we keep postponing.
Together, we can experience things we once only imagined.

Travel didn’t just change my location. It changed my life.
And I want that for you too, my friends. ✈️🌎

This blog is for you if:

✈️ You have always wanted to travel—but stop mid-research because it suddenly feels too overwhelming.

🕦 You spend hours scrolling through friends’ social media thinking Why don’t I have any pictures like this? or TAKE ME WITH YOU!

⁇📆 You have ADHD and need tips to help you plan, schedule and actually enjoy travel–at any age.

** You love researching and/or planning almost as much as taking the actual vacation (or if you hate this part and want my help).

✈️🚙🏨 You reserve the airfare, the rental car, and the hotel (with travel insurance, of course)… only to talk yourself out of the trip two weeks later and cancel everything.

Then comes the guilt.
The regret.
And the non-refundable travel insurance reminder sitting in your inbox.

But here’s the important part:

It’s okay.

Give yourself some grace. Baby steps count. And maybe next time—you WILL get on that plane or behind the wheel for that epic road trip.

Here at SGT, even baby steps count as real adventures. ✈️🐿️

What will you find here?

Here at Squirrely Girl Travels, you’ll find:

🐿️ Real ADHD travel tips that have worked for me.

🐿️ Honest stories about my own travels–the good, the bad, the ugly and of course, the Squirrely!

🐿️ Encouragement without pressure (because there is no “right” way to travel.)

🐿️ Inspirational pictures, thoughts and a few quotes from people who have overcome their fear in favor of experiencing all life has to offer. (OK…sometimes they’re just things I’ve said to inspire and encourage myself 😁)

I want you to find the courage to overcome your fears and finally take the trip. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

Sometimes, it starts with one extra browser tab. You’ve taken that first step.✈️🌏

I’m so proud of you! 🥳

I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until I was 49.

For most of my life, I felt like I was “too much”, “too sensitive” or “too SQUIRRELY”.

For years, I felt like these things were negatives. I felt like an outsider no matter where I went. Because of that, there were times when I struggled with intense depression.

Recently I have begun to see myself differently.

My brain is just wired differently.

I AM too much.
I AM too sensitive.
And,I am definitely squirrely.

This Is all OK!

I AM ME!

The right friends, travel partners and new acquaintances not only accept, but appreciate these qualities.

They’re part of what makes me FUN!

Every trip is a little different. And every trip is a little easier.

With every new adventure, I find more things I love. I have met some amazing people who understand what it’s like to live with these same thoughts.

And with each new friend, I feel just a little more “normal”, a little more accepted, and a little more at home–no matter where I am.

THE SHIFT:

The pandemic that overtook the world in 2020 was a huge turning point for me.

I watched loved ones and friends stop doing things they loved. I watched them lose their joy. I watched them become afraid–of everything.

I made an intentional decision not to let this thing we didn’t understand take over my life.

I still research things for weeks (sometimes months), but I now see them with a new sense of optimism. Travel has exposed me to experiences I never imagined having. It keeps me grounded, while at the same time, opening new doors to places and experiences that I can’t imagine NOT exploring.

Travel has helped me grow. It has helped me embrace the uniqueness that is me.

We are all different and we all process things differently, but we can all share the simple things–our love of nature, the new coffee shop on the corner, or the tiny chipmunk running over our toes while exploring a new trail. 🐿️🌿☕️

Not your thing?

That’s ok!

I am here to remind you that whatever brings you joy matters. The people who support you are necessary. And the ones who criticize everything are often struggling in their own way.

I believe one of the most important things we can do is recognize the differences, learn about different cultures and lifestyles and know that we’re all in this together.🌏

Why SQUIRRELY GIRL??

Because I:

  • 🐿️ Get sidetracked easily–”SQUIRREL!”.

  • 🐿️Very rarely have fewer than a dozen browser tabs open researching whatever I’m focused on (usually my next vacation 😃).

  • 🐿️Am always trying to find new places to explore and new experiences to try.

  • 🐿️LOVE exposing my loved ones to all the things I love–I collect memories like a squirrel collects nuts.

  • 🐿️Believe even the unexpected detours can lead to the richest experiences.

  • 🐿️Plan trips that are dreams now, but give me a reason to keep researching, imagining and moving forward.

Being a little squirrely makes the journey possible–and oh so fun! 🐿️✈️🌏

Are you ready?

If you’re ready to turn your overthinking, ever–changing mind into a life full of adventure:

CLICK HERE, grab a cup of coffee, and scroll through my memories—you may even find inspiration for your next big adventure. ☕️🌄

Travel Helped Me Learn I Am Not Broken.

Travel has given me structure that makes my brain feel less chaotic.

Travel gives me an opportunity to support local small businesses all over the country—from the cute fifty year old cafe run by people who remind me of my grandparents, to the new age coffee shop with cats roaming free. The hidden gems along the way and the obligatory roadtrip tourist trap for a quick selfie make my adventures so much fun.

Researching my next vacation opens opportunities no matter how, when or where I travel. (Even if it takes me years to make the trip actually happen)

Through travel, I am learning how to be myself again—how to enjoy the little things, the big things and everything in between.

Coast to coast, I want to experience it all.