Meet Ruthie: Your Guide to Life's Greatest Adventures

With over three decades of travel planning experience, I bring both expertise and unbridled enthusiasm to crafting your perfect getaway. Based in the dramatic landscapes of Alaska and Washington State, I've developed an eye for beauty and adventure that spans from hidden local gems to exotic international destinations. And yes, living in Alaska taught me that sometimes the best travel companion is a sense of humor – especially when your midnight bathroom break involves a 20-yard trek to an outhouse in bear country!

As the founder of Next Half Best Half Travel Consulting, I believe your next chapter should be your best chapter – regardless of where you are in life's journey. While I have a special connection with fellow travelers embracing their "next half" of life, my perpetually young spirit (my son calls it "Peter Pan syndrome" – and he's not wrong!) helps me connect with adventurers of all ages. After all, who says you can't go zip-lining at 50 or learn to cook pasta from scratch in Italy at 70? Whether you're planning your first solo trip or your fifteenth family vacation, I'm here to transform your travel dreams into vivid realities.

My own journey has taken me from the pristine beaches of Hawaii and Tahiti to the vibrant streets of Thailand, from the wild heart of Uganda to the ancient wonders of Greece. I've wandered through the storied landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland, and explored the natural treasures of Central America – from Belize to Panama, Costa Rica to Nicaragua. Yet with each new destination, my wanderlust only grows stronger. I'm constantly seeking new horizons, learning from each culture, and discovering hidden gems to share with my clients. This firsthand experience, combined with an endless curiosity about our world's unexplored corners, allows me to craft authentic, immersive experiences for every traveler.

My approach to travel planning is as diverse as the destinations I love. One day I might be arranging a waterfall rappelling expedition, and the next, curating the perfect itinerary for someone whose idea of paradise is discovering local cafés with a good book. From luxury resorts to charming, off-the-beaten-path guesthouses, I believe the perfect trip looks different for everyone – and that's the beauty of travel.

My personal passions run deep: surfing at sunrise to stand-up paddle-boarding at sunset (including that hour-long paddle in Costa Rica just to catch the perfect wave – Pura Vida indeed!), immersing myself in yoga (where my journey took me through 25 days of teacher training in India, learning that "Namaste" is more than just a greeting – it's a way of life), cooking with local ingredients, or hiking to that breathtaking viewpoint that makes you stop and simply breathe. These experiences have taught me that travel isn't just about the destinations – it's about the moments that become memories and the ways these experiences transform us.

I firmly believe that travel is life's greatest educator and that exploring other cultures unites us in profound ways. You're never too young or too old to start your travel journey, and I'm here to ensure that every step of your adventure is thoughtfully planned while leaving room for those magical unscripted moments (because sometimes the best stories come from when things don't go quite as planned!).

Whether you're dreaming of an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a soul-soothing retreat, I'll handle the details while you focus on bringing your positive spirit and sense of wonder. After all, life is measured in moments and memories – let's create some extraordinary ones together.

Ready to make your next half your best half? Let's start planning your next adventure – and maybe share a few laughs along the way!