meet maureen
I am a native Memphian, married with 4 children, and an Ole Miss pharmacist graduate…Hotty Toddy!! The travel bug really got me in college when I studied abroad. But then I took it to a new level when I married my husband, and we started exploring together.
We do an anniversary trip drawing each year, which has turned into a love for always finding new places! (Highly recommended activity when you can't decide on a location). I have the motto, “moments over materials,” when raising our kids now and taking time to experience life beyond the walls of our home. So this past Christmas, we started giving them a family trip as a gift. The first trip we picked was Hawaii, and we can't wait!
My closest friends and family know how much I absolutely love planning a trip. I’m a foodie looking for the best hot spots or local gems. I never miss hitting up the luxury spas. I’m up for any activity & exploring but also enjoy sitting on the beach with a cocktail & book. Whether it be a couples getaway, girls’ trip (my fav), families, golf destination, or a work trip, it truly brings me joy when I can help others find that perfect experience and “moments over materials” can be fulfilled!
Most memorable travel experience to date? Lots of great memories, but the three that stand out the most are:
I traveled thru Switzerland when I studied abroad in college. I remember being on the train heading to Interlaken, looking out at this mountain town sitting on a crystal blue lake. I randomly started joyfully crying (yep…as in tears streaming) at how beautiful the landscape was! I had never seen scenery in person that was so breathtaking, and I kept thinking, how could God create something so perfect! I dream of going back and exploring more of those picturesque spots in Switzerland someday. Hopefully, I won’t randomly cry next to strangers next time! Ha!
After college, I joined Freedom’s Promise organization for a mission trip in Cambodia. While most of my time was spent in the villages helping people, we got to experience the culture in a deep, unique way...it was priceless! Learning about the country’s history, especially about the devastation of the kamar rouge regime, really impacted me. Our local translators became instant friends and helped us immerse ourselves with the Cambodian people….although I never had the guts to actually eat fried crickets
The first trip taken after the pandemic quarantine!! (Las Ventanas, Cabo) Won’t we all remember that first trip post-COVID quarantine forever?!
Where do you dream of traveling next? African Safari with my kids! Then Loire Valley. I'm loving Sancerre wines right now and am ready to hit those vineyards!
What attracts you to travel somewhere? A fancy hotel? The culture? The culinary? Natural beauty? History? ALL of these things! Just depends on where we’re going and why. Recently, my avid golfer husband has gotten me into the sport, and we've really enjoyed picking resorts with great golf!
Who do you love to travel with most? Definitely, my husband and three kids. But next would be traveling with my girlfriends...that is ALWAYS a good time ;)
What is your very first travel memory? The summer before I started high school, my parents rented a small yacht with a captain in the Bahamas. We lived on the boat for 3 days exploring the Exumas. So many vivid memories!
Favorite Karaoke song? Trust me, you’d rather me stay far away from the mic! HAHA! But if my life depended on it, I'd go with "I'm So Excited" or "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"
“Excellent experience - professional, timely, helpful, thoughtful - all around would recommend upannaway to anyone we know looking for travel planning services! Maureen made our honeymoon feel extra special and we LOVED the staff & guides in all spots we visited!”
The Darrohns | South African Safari Honeymoon
“Wonderful trip, Great planning and communication. The guys all said it was the best decision and money spent to have Maureen plan it all"
Peter Fischer | Golf Trip to Scottsdale, AZ
