Hippie Backpacker really started in 2003 in the marketing offices of the Four Seasons Biltmore in sunny Santa Barbara.  It just so happens that employees are granted a certain number of free nights at Four Seasons hotels, worldwide, simply for being employed.  The best perk in the world especially considering I was straight out of college at the time and loved travel, had an appreciation of nice resorts, and the freedom to do as I pleased. A colleague of mine, a free spirit and by far the most wild gal in our office, was talking about an upcoming trip to Mexico where she planned to dive, sail, and generally galavant about with a backpack.   The girl who lived with dirt under her nails by day and stayed at the Four Seasons by night.

Thus, the cheeky term “Hippie Backpacker” was born in our office out of good fun.  I always knew that it was a great company, blog, or site but for what who knew?  Launching this site is a first step to sharing my love of travel, design, and allowing the hippie backpacker in me a place to share my love and appreciation of all things five star with a certain twist of adventure – and often – with kids in tow!

As for me, I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA with my husband and two small children.  I work for a large creative agency managing fantastic clients.  In our spare time we adventure near and far and always manage to have a project or two going around the house much to my husband’s chagrin.

xo Lauren