Hi, I’m Marina, the traveler behind Marina Explores.

I share thoughtful, active, and budget-conscious travel across the U.S. and Europe — from the planning stages to what it’s really like once you’re there.

After 18 years teaching elementary and junior high, I stepped into a season of life— helping my husband run our family businesses (including a neighborhood laundromat) and finally having the flexibility to travel more.

My faith shapes how I approach both life and travel, often finding God in the beauty of nature.

My husband and I had our daughters young, so for years our trips were simple — camping, quick getaways, and whatever we could fit into a school calendar. Now, as empty nesters, we’re exploring in a whole new way.

I discovered I love the process of travel just as much as the trip itself — researching, planning, and building itineraries that balance budget, logistics, and memorable experiences. Our first big Europe trip — a 17-day Italy itinerary I planned over the course of a year — really shaped how I travel today.

I don’t travel full time, and I’m not a professional photographer — just a planner who genuinely enjoys the research process as much as the trip itself.

I’m drawn to active travel, with itineraries built around long walks, local hikes, and scenic viewpoints. I prioritize saving on flights and accommodations so we can invest in experiences that make a destination memorable.

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Here, you’ll find itineraries, practical tips, and real-trip reflections to help you plan your own adventures.

I’m glad you’re here.

If you’d like help planning your own trips, you can join me here for itineraries, tips, and ideas I share along the way.