About me
I’m Em, the girl behind Em Explores — thanks for stopping by!
In 2019, I left the familiar rhythms of East Coast life for a new chapter in Southern Germany. At first, it was thrilling — new languages, landscapes, and so many cities to explore. However, I quickly realized that travel is about more than simply ticking off destinations on a list. It’s about the people you meet, the challenges that push you outside your comfort zone, and the quiet moments that shift how you see yourself and the world.
What started as a digital travel journal just for me slowly evolved into Em Explores, a space for curious, independent travellers - especially women - who love what they do but also love their time off. As a corporate 9–5 communicator, I know just how precious vacation days are and how to make every trip count.
Travel Guides, Secret Stays & Hiking Adventures
Welcome, vision boarders, itinerary obsessives, and weekend wanderers! Here, you’ll find travel guides for secret stays in Europe and beyond, and hiking adventures designed to help you plan trips with intention, uncover hidden gems, and make the most of every vacation day. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, you’ll find tips, itineraries, and local insights to help you travel thoughtfully, confidently, and creatively.
Em Explores is equal parts boujie and bodenständig (German for humble) — a healthy mix of luxe and grounded. Just like me. Every trail hiked, hidden stay discovered, or city explored is a chance to step outside your comfort zone, embrace curiosity, and experience the world — and yourself — in a new way.
So stick around, explore the guides, and see what inspires you — whether it’s a boutique stay tucked in the Austrian mountains, a scenic hiking trail in Scotland, or a road trip in the Netherlands that leaves you feeling alive. I hope that Em Explores helps you travel boldly and come home with confidence, wonder, and stories worth sharing.
