traveling yankee
Tanzania/ Zanzibar
A Mother-Daughter Adventure I'll Never Forget
Going on safari has always been on my bucket list—but what made it truly unforgettable was sharing the experience with my youngest daughter. From the moment we arrived I knew this wasn’t just a trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure we’ll be talking about forever.
I booked the entire experience through a company called Trip Quest, and they handled everything. From the second we landed to the moment we left Zanzibar, we didn’t have to worry about a single detail. (Keep in mind, this was not a budget safari, I spent a quite a bit for peace of mind so that we didn't have to worry about logistics and fully immerse ourselves in the experience) and wow, was there a lot to take in. Martin from Trip Quest answered all of my questions, got a feel for what Alanna and I wanted from our experience and came back with several packages with several different price points to choose from. Everything was included, flights, accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner, airport transfers, a truck with guide(David), water for when we were thirsty, blankets if we were chilly(in the early morning) and of course binoculars. They took care of everything! We spent 5 days on Safari and 3 days in Zanzibar she proved to be a perfect balance.
The Serengeti
Our journey began in Serengeti National Park, and I swear it felt like we were in a wildlife documentary. Witnessing the animals interacting with one another, each with a very specific role was unbelievable. We woke every morning at 5 am, were back in the truck by 6 am and the entire day was filled with excitement. Around every turn was something else to see and the time passed so fast. We saw the Big Five and everything in between. Up close and personal. Cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and more.
Spending time with the Maasai tribe living among all this wildlife was so moving. Their bright clothing, their deep connection to the land, and the way they live side by side with animals was so powerful. There’s something incredibly grounding about watching people live so closely with nature, it added greatly to my appreciation for this part of the world.
Accommodations- Four Seasons Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater
After The Serengeti, we headed to the Ngorongoro Crater, and I honestly.. I did not expect to be so blown away. The views from the top are unreal, it brought tears to my eyes. Literally. And when you descend into the crater, it’s like entering a lost world. Elephants strolling past our vehicle, lions chillin in the grass, and zebras everywhere! It’s hard to put into words how surreal it all felt—like time just paused and let us be fully present.
Accomodations- Ngorongoro Lodge Melia Collection
Zanzibar
After several days of early mornings, dusty roads, and more animal sightings than I could’ve dreamed, we flew to Zanzibar for some much-needed downtime. And oh my goodness—what a dream. We stayed in a beautiful villa tucked into the trees, where monkeys literally swung by to say hello. More than just hello actually, if you are not careful they will end up inside your villa so lock the door! Seriously!
It was peaceful, quiet, and so incredibly relaxing that we never wanted to leave.
Zanzibar gave us time to breathe, laugh, and reflect on everything we’d just experienced. The beach was just steps away, the air was warm, and we enjoyed having nothing to do. It was the perfect way to end such an amazing holiday.
This trip was filled with so much—adventure, connection and beauty—but most of all, time with my daughter in a place that felt completely magical. I’ll carry these memories with me forever, and if you’ve ever dreamed of going on safari, do it!
Accommodations- The Residence Zanzibar
Side Notes
1.As two women traveling alone we felt perfectly safe, which was the #1 reason I booked the trip through Trip Quest. I have learned that if something feels overwhelming, ask for help!
2.You do not need the "yellow fever" vaccine to travel here.
3. I was sent with a ton of medication that I did not need (Charcoal pills, anit-biotics, Malaria Pills)
4. You can dress however you please, especially if you are not participating in a "walking safari" You are pretty much in the truck the entire time. Just bring long sleeves and long pants in case the bugs bug you!
5. Avoid black and navy clothing as the tsetse flies love these colors.
6. Bring bug spray, I have a great one on my "My Must Haves" page. I did not get bit once!
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Hey there! My name is Michelle. Glad you're here! Join me as I take you on a honest and unfiltered exploration of the world in my travel blog “traveling yankee”
A decision that began as a response to life's challenges transformed into a global quest for adventure, healing, self-discovery, and connection.
In the wake of difficult life events I found myself at a crossroads, lost in my own thoughts and fears, I made a bold (slightly irrisponsible) decision to travel the globe, see the beauty and unravel the mysteries it held. I was nervous AF! This decision, though daunting, became the catalyst for a remarkable experience. Yes, I had a a few panic attacks along the way.(more on that later)
With each step taken on foreign soil, I discovered that my fears and uncertainties were shared by many fellow travelers . In the midst of bustling cities and serene landscapes, I realized that travel is in all of us. We are all seeking solace, rejuvenation, and a fresh perspective. Connection and new experiences. At the same time we all have the same hesitation, questions and a slight fear of the unknown. It was only after meeting so many great people and hearing the same that I decided to start writing everything down. I have seen and done so many incredible things, so please be patient as I am still getting my thoughts together :)
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​I have stayed in Hostels, Airbnb's, Hotels, Motels, TreeHouses and Luxury Resorts. I love street food, and I sooooo love a beautiful restaurant. I will go to the bathroom pretty much anywhere, but when my day is complete I like to rest my head in a clean, comfortable room with no bugs.(more on that later)
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I am open to any questions you may have and I am committed to honesty as I understand the fears and concerns of the travel-hesitant. Before now, I was a resort girl. Someone who never crossed the yellow line. Through my own experiences, I will offer you a change in perspective. Immersing myself in culture outside the resort. I will only recommend a destination, accommodation, activity or product after experiencing it for myself and will do my best to give as much detail as possible to help in your travel plans. This is a space where you can trust my recommendations and feel comfortable reaching out with any questions you may have. (Just head on over to the "Contact" page.)
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As you navigate through the pages of “traveling yankee,” be prepared for more than just picturesque landscapes and travel tips. Sometimes I curse and swear, but I'm sharing the raw and real moments of my travels – the highs and lows, the laughter and tears – not just the Instagram worthy sh*t. I want to offer you an intimate look into the profound impact of travel on personal growth.
Follow me on this crazy adventure where every passport stamp is a new chapter. This is and invitation.. an invitation to confront fears, embrace change, and discover the extraordinary beauty that lies beyond the horizon.
I am grateful to my three children(adults) Madison, Dominic and Alanna for encouraging me to keep on walking!!!
Without their encouragement I would have never been able to book my first flight!​