The Wanderlust Effect

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The Wanderlust Effect

Founded in 2009, The Wanderlust Effect shares journeys from around the globe with a focus on experiential travel and cultural immersion with a luxury slant.

Just back from 👉🏼 India, South Africa, Maldives
Next up 👉🏼 Zim, Bots, Namibia, Mauritius, SA Thank you for following along with my journey on The Wanderlust Effect as I share my experiences, places that have inspired, and destinations that have changed my perspectives on the world.

23/05/2026

I love seeing the impact of tourism in local communities so when I had the chance to zip out to a local village by boat in the Lower Zambezi, I swapped my morning game drive for a community visit (this is an option for all guests).

The supports a village called Mugeromeno, which is kind of a hub in the area for some surrounding, smaller communities. The work being done here is incredible - a school that supports 550 children, a medical clinic and maternity ward, a women’s empowerment initiative that helps connect entrepreneurial women to micro loans through financial literacy courses and business training, scholarships for kids, and opportunities for young girls to encourage them to stay in school. There’s a well and a few taps in town for fresh water. Tourism dollars and donations support the foundation who in turn supports this. Always a reminder that a journey to Africa is more than a trip or a vacation — tourism dollars are seriously impactful when we choose the right partners to work with.

Side note: beyond impact programs, one person’s income at a lodge can often support 7-9 people directly! Tipping is obviously discretionary but I always send clients a tipping guide prior to travel just to help consider what tips could look like. Know that when you’re leaving a tip, you’re not just supporting the lodge team, you’re also supporting their families and possibly their neighbors as well! 🤍

zambiatravel

20/05/2026

To my sweet husband who is patiently at home taking care of our little tornado of a toddler on HIS BIRTHDAY while I’m in Africa… HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best husband and father; to the most patient and selfless dude around who always puts others first. The guy who makes juggling life as a dad, husband, hotelier, globetrotter, and personal chef (thank you) look effortless.

15 years together and this is the first birthday that I’ve missed — & the last! I am so sad to not be with you today to toast to the year ahead but so thankful for all the birthdays we’ve been able to spend together and the crazy moments that continue to define each year of our lives.

Cheers to the best day with family and friends — and know that I’m celebrating from afar. Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Not to rub it in. 😉

Cheers to 41, ! 🎉

14/05/2026

INTO THE BUSH 🇿🇲

Zambia has been on my mind for years as a must-visit destination. I had my first brush with Livingstone in 2024 with a visit to Vic Falls but that really doesn’t scratch the surface of what Zambia has on offer.

I started my journey with in the Lower Zambezi, one of Africa’s premier destinations for water-based safari experiences. With three nights at Chongwe, I was on a boat more than on a vehicle!

From sunset excursions, boat cruises watching elephants on the riverbanks, canoeing on the Zambezi, and tiger fishing at sunset, the river brings safari life at a deliberately slowed down pace.

One of my notable takeaways after chatting with the lodge teams and lodge managers in this area? Zambia seems to hook people from the start. 30%+ of guests are repeat with many staying 7+ days, and some staying for weeks. It’s a testament to the destination and to the people that make an experience extra special.

It’s a place that has a way of sticking with you. ✨🐘🌿

weareafrica

11/05/2026

What a week with the tribe ! 🧡

I’ll never get enough of this city, these people, the inspiration, and the conversations (plus, let’s add in a morning heli for good measure). Big thanks to every partner who showed up to WAA with all the information and inspiration to keep everyone fueled for the season ahead! Same time next year? 😉

07/04/2026

SCENES FROM MARRAKECH 🇲🇦

Marrakech will forever be one of my favorite cities to revisit: the colors, the culture, the art, the hospitality, the architecture, the spectacular hotel scene, the next-level-honestly-can’t-beat-it shopping.

Nothing like having your go-to shop owners for everything from argan oil to straw bags and Berber jewelry! ✨

01/03/2026

We’ve spent the majority of our time on the go in the Medina since we landed in Marrakech, but we’ve started and ended our days at this picture perfect oasis, . ✨

For boutique hotel lovers, La Sultana brings the intimacy of a riad with the luxe touches of a 5* property. Gorgeous common spaces, a rooftop bar (practically a requisite for any property in Marrakech), guest rooms - just 28 in total - with a sense of place, and a location that allows guests access to the Medina within a 20 minute stroll.

I was able to tour some suites for during my stay — if you’re considering a trip to Marrakech we can talk through hotel + room options for your stay! 🫶🏽

28/02/2026

Rooftop vibes at , the resident cool kid hotel living up to the hype. 🇲🇦

Every hotel has its own personality and so much of choosing the right property has to do with alignment. In a sea of 5* hotels, El Fenn is Marrakech’s vibey outpost with a destination rooftop bar and maximalist aesthetic that oozes artsy cool while maintaining its chic factor.

Can’t blame Madonna for celebrating her 60th here. I may have to follow suit one day! 🫶🏽

31/01/2026

On board the in Anguilla getting to tour the ship for — and wishing we would have stayed on for the next stop in St. Barths! ✨

I’ve always been transparent that I don’t consider myself a ‘cruiser’ outside of expedition cruising and some river cruising like on the Nile and Amazon. But cruising is changing dramatically at the moment as luxury hotel brands enter the space. We were on board the Ilma - and with a max of 448 guests and around 350 staff it feels more like a luxury hotel at sea than it feels like a cruise ship. Their gym (Pilates reformer and spin studio on board) was my dream setup and their spa features which is a total IYKYK touch.

was one of the first to bring the luxury hotel concept to the water but we’re seeing others follow the lead: , , and are changing the face of cruising. I’ve had more and more travelers like me (‘non-cruisers’) intrigued and I get it — these ships are converting me! Add to the fact the itineraries are not terribly long (one week - perfect for those of us who have work obligations to balance) but include smaller ports like Anguilla, St Barths, Virgin Gorda, Hvar, Menorca, Patmos, and Gallipoli.

You may see me on board this summer! Further due diligence of course. 😜

Swipe to get a glimpse into the Owner’s Suite on board (not featured: huge verandah for outdoor living).

05/01/2026

Always a perfect place to start a new year. Hello, 2026. 🌴

28/12/2025

Christmas Eve Traditions ✨

After over a dozen years of Caribbean Christmases I’m still wrapping my mind around warm weather holidays but we’ve made new traditions that keep getting better each year! Beautifully festive Christmas Eve sips at and our holiday dinner at . 🎄

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