In 2006, Denise worked in Manhattan and took a job that had a little work travel. But like most work travel, these work trips meant being in a meeting room from 7 AM to 5 PM sometimes with group dinners, so there was no time to really see where she was. What was the point she wondered? So, she started to add an extra day or two at the beginning or end of the meetings to explore the area while she was there.
Her first experience adding days to work travel was in New Mexico in 2007 where on her travel day she took the Sandia Peak Tramway and went to the Petroglyph National Monument. These activities made her feel more relaxed going into the meetings. After the meeting, making good use of the weekend and 3 other days exploring Chaco Cultural National Historic Park, Bandelier National Monument, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, the Aztec Ruins, Bisti Badlands, the Four Corners area, and Mesa Verde National Park (CO).
Originally from the East Coast, and out of her comfort zone, her experience during the New Mexico trip made her realize not only how big and amazing the world is, but also how happy she felt experiencing these new places.
In 2014 she grew tired of the New York atmosphere, and moved to Colorado without a job and without knowing anyone. The risk paid off, in 2015 she met “Bucket Hat J”, who also enjoyed exploring new areas and the history each place offered. After years of solo travel, having a travel companion made travel even better.
While Denise chose to not have her own children, she has three sisters, 7 nieces & nephews and parents that are still married over 50 years. Her family is extremely important to her.
I am choosing to share some of our stories, thoughts, tips, and advice to others in a regular kind of way that most people can relate to.
You can follow her on Instagram: @explorelady