From Stuck to Stateside: How One Trip to Orlando Sparked a 50-State Travel Mission

My mom and I having a drink inside of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, NV.

In January of 2021, my mom and I sat on the patio of House of Blues in Orlando—sun on our faces, music in the air, cocktails in hand—and made a decision that would change everything.

We were in town for a wedding, finally breaking out of the monotony of lockdown life and small-town routines. It had been a year of staying put—physically, mentally, emotionally. But that day, surrounded by palm trees and the hum of live blues for the first time in what felt like forever, we realized something big: we wanted more.

More memories. More road trips. More live music. More cities that made us feel alive.We wanted to travel.

The House of Blues Challenge: 6 Down, 5 to Go

That very day, we made a pact: we’d visit all 11 House of Blues locations across the U.S. So far, we’ve crossed off six—Orlando, Chicago, Cleveland, Anaheim, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach. Each one has its own flavor, its own vibe, its own playlist of memories.

But that was just the beginning.

Outside House of Blues in Orlando.

Standing outside House of Blues Chicago

From Blues to Big Dreams: A 50-State Mission

The more we traveled, the more we wanted to see. One day over brunch (where all the best travel plans are made), we upped the ante: we decided we were going to visit all 50 states. Together.

And not just airport layovers or drive-throughs. We wanted to feel each state—spend a couple of days, road trip across borders, get our feet on the ground, and create stories worth telling.

We’re flying into hubs, renting cars, and road-tripping state to state like two VIPs on a mission. We’re logging miles, soaking up culture, and making notes on which places we have to come back to when we’ve got even more time (and points) to spend.

Where We’ve Been So Far

• Our first big road trip? Illinois ➡️ Indiana ➡️ Michigan ➡️ Ohio.

• Our second? Nevada ➡️ Oregon ➡️ Washington ➡️ Vancouver B.C. (Had to sneak in a little international flair).

• Most recent? Tennessee ➡️ North Carolina ➡️ South Carolina.

What we're looking forward to soon: a Northeast corridor trip in 2026—Boston, D.C., the cozy fall energy of the coast. Iceland? ✈️ Christmas? We’re eyeing the storybook charm of Quebec City.

Cocktails in hand. Plans forming quietly in my head. “What if I actually see all 50 states?” Spoiler: I meant it.

Why We Travel

We travel because it reminds us we’re alive. Because there’s something about getting out of your comfort zone that rewires your brain and opens your heart. Because life’s too short to keep saying “maybe next year.”

And here’s the kicker—we’re not doing it with some giant trust fund or unlimited vacation time. We’re doing it strategically. Using flight deals, travel points, seasonal promos, and the power of planning. It’s luxury, but it’s earned luxury.

Somewhere between live music, good drinks, and pretending I was part of the Blues Brothers, I realized something: I don’t want one trip a year. I want a life built around movement, stories, and every state on the map.

The TikTok Journey (aka Why You Should Follow)

I’m documenting it all—every state, every city, every splurge-worthy moment and money-saving hack—on TikTok. Not just to show off, but to show you how.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes on a map. It’s about showing what’s possible when you decide to chase memories instead of waiting for them. It’s about bringing your mom, your best friend, your partner along for the ride and making your life feel like a movie.

So if you’re dreaming of more travel, more freedom, or your own 50-state adventure…

Follow along. Cheer us on. Get inspired. Because we’re just getting started—and you could be next.