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ABOUT Jamie |
My journey into the world of travel began early. Moving from New York City to Minnesota at age six may not have been my choice then, but it became the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery and adventure. Even my grandfather, an immigrant from Poland, inspired the travel bug in me by starting me early on stamp collecting—a passion I still have after more than 55 years. The colors, shapes, and designs of stamps from countries far and wide, many no longer in existence, sparked my curiosity about the world.
Books like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Treasure Island, Alice in Wonderland, and The Hobbit (the trilogy still waiting on my reading list) further fueled my desire to see the world. At twelve, a life-changing year in Poitiers, France, opened my eyes to new cultures and friendships with children from around the globe, as I first attended a regular French school and later a classe d’étrangers (class for foreigners). That first European experience, which also included parts of Germany and the Benelux countries ignited a passion that has since taken me to over 45 European countries and nearly 90 countries worldwide—each adventure shaping my perspective and deepening my appreciation for both cultural differences and similarities.
Books like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Treasure Island, Alice in Wonderland, and The Hobbit (the trilogy still waiting on my reading list) further fueled my desire to see the world. At twelve, a life-changing year in Poitiers, France, opened my eyes to new cultures and friendships with children from around the globe, as I first attended a regular French school and later a classe d’étrangers (class for foreigners). That first European experience, which also included parts of Germany and the Benelux countries ignited a passion that has since taken me to over 45 European countries and nearly 90 countries worldwide—each adventure shaping my perspective and deepening my appreciation for both cultural differences and similarities.
Fast forward to today: I’m not just a seasoned travel planner—I’m living the European dream full time. I met my now wife, Rosa, before the pandemic in Rome after attending a travel trade show called Viva Italia, where she was my guide at the Galleria Borghese. Now married and happily living and working in Rome, we share the joy of introducing travelers to the timeless wonders of the Colosseum and the Vatican. After nearly a year calling Italy home, I bring firsthand local insight, vibrant experience, and a true spirit of wanderlust to every itinerary I design for Italy and beyond. While I once thought I might settle in ancestral lands like Poland or Hungary, Italy unexpectedly became home—yet distance is never a barrier for planning your unforgettable travel adventures.
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Whether it’s wandering the enchanting cobblestone alleys of Tuscany, savoring authentic street food in Barcelona, tracing history’s footsteps in Gyeongju, or immersing yourself in the vibrant street markets and serene temples of Vietnam, I craft journeys that awaken the senses. Imagine trekking the dizzying heights of the Atlas Mountains and wandering the colorful labyrinths of Moroccan souks; embarking on heart-pounding safaris in Kenya’s Maasai Mara with breathtaking wildlife; feeling the pulse of Buenos Aires through passionate tango nights; indulging in Thailand’s vibrant street food culture amid golden temples and tropical beaches; chasing the mesmerizing Northern Lights across Iceland’s volcanic landscapes and glaciers; exploring Norwegian fjords and Viking heritage; discovering lush jungles and ancient temples in Cambodia; savoring rich flavors and colonial charm in Cartagena, Colombia; or cruising the crystal-clear waters of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
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Each destination offers unique adventures—from the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to Patagonia’s raw beauty, from wine tasting in South Africa’s Cape Winelands to island hopping Greece’s azure seas. Whatever your travel dreams, I design experiences that go beyond sightseeing—journeys steeped in culture, rich in cuisine, and full of meaningful connections.
Why Choose the Wandering Puffin?
Wandering Puffin is personal. Travel planning is an art—a puzzle of preferences, passions, and possibilities that I love solving. I live vicariously through each journey, creatively infusing every itinerary with insider knowledge, local connections, and years of exploration.
I continuously learn and evolve by attending industry events globally and here in Europe, nurturing relationships with trusted partners from Vietnam and Japan to across the European continent and beyond. This ensures my clients enjoy seamless, authentic experiences across the globe.
Since founding Wandering Puffin in 2007, I’ve built a thriving community of travelers through trust, passion, and exceptional service. Please check my referrals here and on the BBB website. It would be an honor to bring your travel dreams to life—leading you off the beaten path to your next unforgettable adventure.
I continuously learn and evolve by attending industry events globally and here in Europe, nurturing relationships with trusted partners from Vietnam and Japan to across the European continent and beyond. This ensures my clients enjoy seamless, authentic experiences across the globe.
Since founding Wandering Puffin in 2007, I’ve built a thriving community of travelers through trust, passion, and exceptional service. Please check my referrals here and on the BBB website. It would be an honor to bring your travel dreams to life—leading you off the beaten path to your next unforgettable adventure.
Nearly 30 Years of Trusted Expertise & a Lifelong Educator
With nearly 30 years of professional travel experience alongside over 40 years dedicated to education—from elementary and special education teaching to English as a foreign language—I bring a unique and thoughtful approach to travel planning. Once an educator, always an educator; I am deeply committed to preparing and educating my clients on every detail, ensuring they feel confident and ready to embrace their travel adventure.
With nearly 30 years of professional travel experience alongside over 40 years dedicated to education—from elementary and special education teaching to English as a foreign language—I bring a unique and thoughtful approach to travel planning. Once an educator, always an educator; I am deeply committed to preparing and educating my clients on every detail, ensuring they feel confident and ready to embrace their travel adventure.
Specializing in Bespoke European & Global Adventures
I specialize in independent, bespoke trips throughout Eastern and Central Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland, and naturally Italy and other parts of Europe—my playground and canvas where each journey begins fresh and personalized. My portfolio also includes thrilling African safaris, exciting adventures across Asia and South America, and diverse North American escapes, from Alaska’s wilds to Hawaii’s tropical serenity—and everywhere in between. Distance is no obstacle, as I maintain seamless connections and resources at my fingertips ready to serve you.
I specialize in independent, bespoke trips throughout Eastern and Central Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland, and naturally Italy and other parts of Europe—my playground and canvas where each journey begins fresh and personalized. My portfolio also includes thrilling African safaris, exciting adventures across Asia and South America, and diverse North American escapes, from Alaska’s wilds to Hawaii’s tropical serenity—and everywhere in between. Distance is no obstacle, as I maintain seamless connections and resources at my fingertips ready to serve you.
Culinary Passion Meets Travel Planning
A lifelong foodie and former chef, I combine my palate’s curiosity with travel expertise to craft culinary experiences that delight and inspire—from Bordeaux’s wine tasting rooms and Oktoberfest in Munich to the rustic vineyards of Tuscany, and the street foods of Bangkok.
A lifelong foodie and former chef, I combine my palate’s curiosity with travel expertise to craft culinary experiences that delight and inspire—from Bordeaux’s wine tasting rooms and Oktoberfest in Munich to the rustic vineyards of Tuscany, and the street foods of Bangkok.
Trusted Partner in Travel: Experience You Can Trust & Professional Credentials
I proudly maintain over 11 years as a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota - North Dakota, am a Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) with the American Society of Travel Advisors—the premier trade association—and a member of the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA). These affiliations reflect my commitment to quality, ethics, and staying connected in this ever-evolving industry among other industry memberships and credentials.
I proudly maintain over 11 years as a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota - North Dakota, am a Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) with the American Society of Travel Advisors—the premier trade association—and a member of the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA). These affiliations reflect my commitment to quality, ethics, and staying connected in this ever-evolving industry among other industry memberships and credentials.
Thank you and remember……….
Travel is an Adventure—Experience it with the Wandering Puffin!!!
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Why the
Wandering Puffin? Click here to find out |
