Hi, We’re Courtney & Nick
A Pittsburgh couple who blend structure with chaos to create trips worth remembering. Nick’s the planner (spreadsheets, backup plans, researched restaurant lists). Courtney’s the spontaneous one (last-minute flight deals, ‘let’s just see what happens’ energy). Together, we share honest destination guides, PTO-stacking strategies, and the couple travel tips that keep both budgets and relationships intact. From boujee-on-a-budget splurges to brutally honest reviews, we help couples navigate travel without the overwhelm, overspending, or arguing over walking distances.
From a Swipe Right to a Passport-Filled Adventure
Our Story
On a cold November night, a small-town girl swiped right on a suburban guy, and somehow it stuck. Their first date? Tacos and cocktails. Courtney showed up late (classic). Nick showed up on time (also classic). The balance was immediate, and the rest is history.
When we started planning trips together, we quickly found ourselves searching for the best couple places to travel. Six weeks later, we rang in the New Year on the streets of New Orleans. By month three, we were crossing the Atlantic to the UK. Courtney, who had already traveled extensively, surprised Nick (a whisky enthusiast with zero international trips under his belt) with a spontaneous day trip to Scotland.
Nick’s initial reaction to the train ride from London to Edinburgh? Skeptical. His reaction after arriving? Completely hooked. The charm, the history, the Scotch—Scotland won him over instantly. That trip became a turning point, proving that sometimes the best adventures come from saying yes to the unexpected.
The Proposal
On May 15, 2021, Nick planned a proposal that was equal parts thoughtful and perfectly on-brand. In a castle courtyard at one of our favorite local spots, surrounded by both of our families, he pulled out a bottle of Scotch we had picked up in Edinburgh. The symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone. Courtney said yes (obviously).
Tying the Knot
On October 19, 2022, we got married at Neidpath Castle in Scotland, bringing our story full circle in the country where it all clicked. Today, we’re still chasing adventures, collecting passport stamps, and proving that incredible travel doesn’t require perfect circumstances—just a willingness to show up (on time or fashionably late) and figure it out together.
Through Passport Partners, we share not just itineraries and travel tips, but the real, unscripted moments that make every trip worth taking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you budget for so many trips?
We’re big believers in intentional travel, which means we prioritize experiences that matter most and plan around them. We track our expenses, use points and miles when possible, and balance splurge-worthy moments with smart savings (like flying midweek, booking Airbnbs with kitchens, or hotels with breakfast included).
How do you decide what activities to do in each place?
We mix structured planning with spontaneity. Courtney loves researching local culture, activities, and must-see sights, while Nick finds the foodie spots (and usually a great distillery). We each like to pick one activity that we deem as “non-negotiable,” and then we build our itinerary around that. This helps us create a healthy balance to exploring new places while staying true to ourselves. You’ll find many of our curated itineraries and guides on the blog!
How do you take so much time off to travel?
We’re not full-time travelers, just really efficient ones! We both work full-time and use a combo of PTO, long weekends, and remote work flexibility. Planning ahead is key!
Do you ever fight while traveling together?
Of course, travel can be stressful! But we’ve learned that communication, compromise, and snacks go a long way. We try to balance downtime with activity, and we always give each other grace on the road.
What’s in your carry-on every single trip?
Great question! We never travel without our refillable water bottles, a power bank, travel-size toiletries, comfortable shoes, and a reusable grocery bag. Courtney packs snacks (for Nick), while Nick always has charging cords, sunglasses, and gum.