Travel
A Journey Rooted in Connection and Guided by Heart
At Fresh Roots Living, travel is more than a getaway—it's an extension of our core philosophy: finding beauty without burden, creating connection without complication, and embracing moments that nourish the soul. Whether it's standing on the rugged coast of Maine, wandering Portugal's sun-drenched markets, or savoring morning coffee in a quiet Italian piazza, travel invites us to step outside our routines and experience life with fresh eyes.
But here's what I've learned after years of wandering: the difference between a good trip and a transformative journey often lies in the hands that help shape it. Fifteen years ago, I met someone who would fundamentally change how I think about travel—Vanessa Abbe, a woman whose own adventures across continents have evolved into something beautiful: the ability to craft experiences that touch your soul.
Vanessa isn't just a travel planner; she's a curator of moments. Having explored the world herself, she understands that travel's true magic isn't found in ticking boxes or capturing the perfect photo—it's in those unexpected conversations with a Portuguese shopkeeper who shares her grandmother's recipe, or finding yourself alone at sunrise on a hilltop overlooking ancient terraced vineyards, feeling profoundly connected to something larger than yourself.
The Art of Intentional Journey
Our approach to travel mirrors our approach to life: slow, intentional, and deeply rooted in authentic connection. We believe in moving through the world as participants rather than observers, savoring the everyday moments that make a place come alive—the rhythm of morning markets, the soft glow of evening light over ancient stone streets, the way laughter feels universal no matter the language.
When my mother and I decided to spend two weeks together in Portugal this fall, I knew exactly who to call. Vanessa didn't just plan our trip; she wove together experiences that honor both our desire for unhurried exploration and our need for those pinch-me moments that become lifelong memories. From intimate cooking classes in local homes to private vineyard tours that reveal Portugal's hidden gems, every detail reflects her understanding that the best travel experiences feel effortless while being anything but simple to orchestrate.
Beyond the Itinerary: Travel as Life Practice
What sets Vanessa apart is her recognition that travel is ultimately about transformation. She doesn't just book flights and hotels; she creates pathways for connection—with place, with people, and with parts of ourselves we might not discover at home. Her Portugal itinerary for us isn't just a list of activities; it's a carefully crafted invitation to experience the country's soul through its food, its history, and the warmth of its people.
Through the stories we'll share from this journey and others, we'll explore destinations not as tourists consuming experiences, but as travelers seeking inspiration. Each trip becomes a wellspring of ideas for creating a life that feels grounded and joyful, even once you return home. How do the Portuguese gather around their tables? What can we learn from the unhurried pace of afternoon conversations in Lisbon's neighborhood cafés? How do we bring that sense of presence and connection back to our own dining rooms?
The Gift of Expertise Born from Experience
Vanessa's journey from world traveler to travel curator represents something profound: the transformation of personal passion into purposeful service. Her years of navigating foreign cities, discovering hidden restaurants, and building relationships with locals across continents have created an invaluable resource—someone who doesn't just research destinations but truly knows them.
Working with Vanessa means gaining a partner who anticipates the challenges you haven't even considered and secures access to experiences you never knew existed. It's like having a dear friend in every corner of the world, someone who knows exactly which vineyard offers the most breathtaking sunset views, which artisan workshop will leave you with hands covered in clay and heart full of inspiration, and which thermal pools are best experienced under moonlight.
Sample Journeys: Where Dreams Meet Reality
Italy: Opera nights in Pesaro, private artisan tours in Florence where you'll learn centuries-old techniques from master craftspeople, and intimate wine tastings in Massa Marittima that feel more like joining a family celebration than a formal tasting.
Japan: Bullet train adventures that turn travel time into meditation, traditional kimono experiences in Kyoto that connect you to living history, and Tokyo fireworks celebrations that remind you joy is universal.
Portugal: From Lisbon's historic neighborhoods where every cobblestone tells a story, to the volcanic wonders of the Azores where you can soak in thermal pools under starlight, with private tours that reveal the Portugal guidebooks never capture.
The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Travel
What I love most about working with Vanessa is how her approach to travel planning reflects the values we hold dear at Fresh Roots Living. There's no rushing, no overwhelming itineraries packed with must-see attractions. Instead, there's space—space to wander, to wonder, to let serendipity play its role. Space to have that extra glass of wine with new friends, to linger longer at a viewpoint that takes your breath away, to say yes to unexpected invitations.
Travel planning doesn't need to be stressful or overwhelming. With Vanessa's expertise, rooted in her own deep well of travel experiences, you'll uncover journeys that feel meaningful, authentic, and perfectly tailored to your soul—leaving you free to wander with open hands and open hearts, trusting that the most meaningful adventures are less about seeing everything and more about truly seeing.
Because whether you're roaming the cobblestone streets of Florence or welcoming friends around your own dining table, the essence of travel—and life—remains the same: connection, beauty, and the quiet practice of being present.
Overview of Services & Booking Types
The following pages detail the core services I offer to clients. These services can be fully customized to meet individual preferences and needs.
As part of my service offerings, I am able to make a wide range of bookings on behalf of clients. Below is a sample selection of commonly arranged services:
• Accommodations – hotels, villas, short-term rentals
• Experiences - local guides, day tours, safaris, bespoke travel itineraries, culinary & fine dining experiences, local photographers, ski packages, golf packages
• Cruises - all major lines
• Transportation - car rentals, camper van rentals, ground transportation, jet charters, helicopters, yacht charters
• Travel Insurance
About Me
As you’ve likely learned, I’m a little travel-obsessed! I put this obsession to good use by helping others plan their trips. To enable trip planning, I joined Fora, which is a modern travel agency that provides me with a network and access to incredible information and insights.
I've visited over 40 countries across North America, Europe, Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. My personal travel typically focuses on my passions: photography, people, food and wine, off-the-beaten-path locations, arts & culture, local experiences, and beautiful views!
Flight, Hotel or Destination Research
Perfect for: Travelers who are overwhelmed and have not had the opportunity to research their destination (e.g., potential flights options, sites, activities, hotels, etc.). You want to leverage my experience, expertise, and industry network to help you prepare for your upcoming travels.
Hotel Booking
Perfect for: Travelers looking for just travel booking services, including hotels, vacation home rentals, and excursions. When booking through me, you will unlock additional benefits offered by our 4,500+ hotel and cruise partners worldwide at no extra cost. This is also for travelers who know exactly where they would like to stay.
Travel Recommendations
Perfect for: Travelers who are overwhelmed with options and scrolling endless reviews. You struggle with finding the right travel ideas, and you want to leverage my expertise and industry network to help prepare you for your trip.
Trip Planning: Detailed Travel Itinerary Planning
Perfect for: Travelers who want everything taken care of for their trip - From day-to-day trip design to all bookings. You can be as involved as you want in the trip-planning process or as hands-off.
Ready to transform your travel dreams into soul-nourishing reality? No matter where you live, Vanessa can plan your trip. She shares her time between Minnesota and California, and works internationally.
Connect with Vanessa Abbe at Fora Travel and discover what it means to journey with intention, guided by someone who's made exploration her art form.
Instagram: @adventures_vkabbe
Linked In: Vanessa Abbe
Phone: 612-616-9391
Cari Ann Carter is the best-selling author of Are Your Roots Right? Rightsize Your Space. Reclaim Your Life. and a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a passion for intentional living, design, and home.
She leads the Cari Ann Carter Group, bringing over 28 years of experience in real estate, design, build, and renovation, and is the creative voice behind DIY Designer Homestead.
Through Fresh Roots Living, she shares practical ideas for cooking, gardening, entertaining, and creating a home that supports your next chapter.