About Travel Made Joyful

We’re a small but mighty team of three who love travel and want to help you love it, too! Here’s a little intro to help you get to know each of us.

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Meet Katie.

Ever since I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile in college, I have loved traveling. Exploring new places, meeting new people, trying new foods and learning about different cultures – travel has shaped who I am and greatly impacted the way I view the world. Since then, I’ve visited over 40 countries on six continents (and the list continues to grow), learning three new languages (Spanish, French, and learning Italian) along the way!

Now, my husband and I have made it a goal to share as much of the world and its people with our two children. Our hope is that it gives them an understanding that we are all more alike than we are different, and that there are so many ways that life can look.

We’ve been able to travel to six continents with them so far, and have seen the amazing impact that travel has had on their lives already: they are open to new things, adapt to changing circumstances, and are optimistic and welcoming to other ideas and cultures. I truly believe that travel is key to creating a better world, and a brighter future.

I know traveling can be daunting, so no matter where you are in your travel journey, my goal is to help you and your loved ones explore this beautiful world in a way that works for you. If you’ve been dreaming of an international adventure, I want to help you make it come true.

Yours in adventure,

Katie Hensel

Meet Annelot.

I have been traveling and moving around the world – both independently and with my family – since I was 4 years old. I’m originally from the Netherlands, but my family and I settled in the States when I was 12. While in the US, we took a lot of family trips to various National Parks, other states, and new cities, and I think this is where my passion and excitement for exploring the world really began! My family moved back to Europe after 6 years, and after a short stint back in the Netherlands during a gap year in college, I returned to New York to finish school and start my own career. My most ‘recent’ move – about 7 years ago – took my husband and I to the UK, where we’ve been happily based ever since.

I am extremely grateful to have traveled to nearly 40 countries in my 30-something years of life, with a few new ones aways in the works! I deeply appreciate the perspective and wealth of experience my travels abroad have given me: education about history, other cultures, languages, people, and valuing experiences over material things.

When I’m not traveling the world or helping my friends and family plan their own travels, I’m probably cozying up at home, working on a DIY project, lounging on the couch with a good book or Netflix series, playing volleyball, or cuddling my adorable 2 year old cockapoo pup.

Meet Courtney.

My passion for travel began in childhood and truly blossomed during college when I studied abroad in London. That experience opened the door to exploring England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, Belgium, and Italy—each destination deepening my appreciation for the richness of different cultures and the joy of discovery.

As a Midwesterner, travel became both an escape from gray skies and a way to introduce our daughter to the world beyond our backyard. Over the years, we’ve ventured across Europe and enjoyed countless trips to the Caribbean and Central America, drawn by the allure of sun, sand, and island life.

The pandemic shifted our focus closer to home, sparking a love for America’s natural wonders. We embarked on road trips to over twenty National Parks, where we embraced the beauty of diverse landscapes, learned the importance of quality hiking socks, and celebrated each hike with a well-earned cold beer.

A few years ago, we embraced a new adventure and relocated to Arizona. We’re incredibly grateful to have mountains in our backyard, the ocean just a few hours away, and much shorter flights to Hawaii! Living here has opened the door to exploring even more of the Southwest, the Pacific Coast, and the vibrant cultures south of the border—all in search of breathtaking sunsets, magical tide pools, and unforgettable meals.

I’m so excited to bring my love of travel and storytelling to the table to help you make memories.

Why Work With Us: Our Values

When we work with clients, we plan each adventure with these values in mind. You don’t have to worry about being taken advantage of, or being “sold” anything that we haven’t planned together. Below are the guiding principles that we follow when traveling with our loved ones, and we promise to do the same when working with you. For more detail on these points, you can download the free pdf below.

Get Our 8 Travel Principles Here
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture whenever possible
    • See everyday life, not just a resort or typical tourist sights
  • Support small and locally-owned businesses as much as possible
    • Look for accommodations, restaurants, tour operators, and shops that make and sell local products
  • Stay true to your interests, but also aim to learn something new
    • Don’t like art? Don’t spend all day in an art museum, even if it’s on a “must-see” list. What do you want to get out of this experience?
  • Try new things
    • Always wanted to try a new activity? Now is the time to do it and make some memories! From Cooking classes to kayaking…why not now?
  • Be ethically and environmentally aware
    • Is what you’re doing fair to the people and environment around you?
  • Be a positive representation of the United States
    • Be kind, mind your manners, and listen
  • Spend money where it makes sense or on experiences you value
    • Maximize points, miles, and benefits you might have access to
  • Travel slow(er)
    • Spoiler alert: You’re not going to see everything, so slow down and enjoy where you are.