About - Traverse

Traverse gives curious, foodie travelers insightful itineraries and detailed travel guides that empower you to plan inspired journeys around the world.

Traverse champions travel that is thoughtful and intentional, blending immersive experiences with authentic connections to local history & culture. The guides and itineraries you’ll find here go beyond sightseeing; they immerse you in the essence of a place.

I highlight not just where to go but why it’s worth discovering.

Every article on Traverse seeks to inform and inspire, providing detailed itineraries and insights designed to help you shape enriching journeys. This isn’t just travel for travel’s sake; it’s a mindful approach that leaves space for discovery and reflection—and getting to know a destination on through all of your different senses.

Wadi Rum Desert Scenery at Sunset Jordan

What's with the name?

TRAVERSE

/ˈtravəs,trəˈvəːs/

verb

to travel across or through

All Good Stuff,

None of the Fluff

If you’ve planned a trip using the internet lately, then you already know how much click-bait and junk you have to wade through until you find something useful. I usually have like 938712 unhelpful Chrome tabs open when I’m planning my trips, which I find so frustrating!

A lot of travel content is generic, unattainable, or hidden behind pop-ups about Lightroom presets or “free” e-guides that ask for your email before you can read it.

I created Traverse to be the exact opposite of that style of content. I write thorough blog posts which are all good stuff, none of the fluff. I help you discover unique destinations you may never have considered and empower you with insider tips that will make you feel like a local in whatever city you’re visiting.

The Traverse Philosophy

Publish actually useful travel resources and time-saving itineraries for travelers interested in memorable, engaging experiences abroad.

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Traverse's Travel Values

Value 02

Value 01

Going Slow

Discovery

Travel should be so much more than a bucket list. Slow down and really take in the experience. Amble through neighborhoods, leisure over a long lunch and spend time getting to know a region.

Travel is about discovery. Whether it is discovering a new place or something delicious you didn’t know, there is something special about every place, and I want to find it.

Value 04

Value 03

Sustainable

Travel can be so destructive as one of the most resource intensive & environmentally degrading industries. But hope is not lost. We can reclaim travel and build a sustainable, community-oriented travel industry.

Travel is a practice in opportunity costs. You cannot do everything. We have to make choices, and I think those should be intentional choices. Go somewhere because you want to, not because it is popular. Choose your own path.

Meet the Author

Hi, I'm Megan Arzbaecher

lover of storytelling, meal times, meeting new people, house plants, cooking

Time abroad has formed me into the person I am today

I strive to live a life full of learning. Actually, I think that is one of the reasons why I enjoy traveling so much -- you are constantly surrounded by and learning from new things. In my experience, travel opens you up to new perspectives, in a way that feels deeper than any other methods of learning. These are just a handful of the many, many lessons travel has taught me over our 20 year relationship together.

The lessons I have learned from my experiences abroad have changed me in big and small ways, forever shaping my outlook. I am a big picture thinker who thrives in new environments. Largely unphased by disruptions, I am flexible + easy-going. I am motivated by change. I am a compassionate learner and listener who is willing to adjust their mindset when presented with new perspectives.

In addition to this blog, I work as a tour guide and trip leader. My travel credentials include visiting 60+ countries, living as an immigrant in Germany, and a master’s degree in sustainable tourism management.

My Travel History & Journey

My Travel Journey