About Me

The Story Behind Runaway Ann

Runaway Ann started back in 2013, when I packed my bag and set off on a solo trip across the USA.

What began as a way to keep friends and family updated… turned into something much bigger.

I’ve always been curious. First came weekend trips around Poland, then slow travels across Europe, Asia, and beyond – usually with a backpack, tight budget, and a heart wide open.

Over the years (and nearly 30 countries later!), I’ve learned that what I love most are longer journeys – the kind where you really feel a place, not just tick it off.

A few years ago, I built a camper van with my husband Janek and we hit the road across Europe – chasing sunsets, wild coastlines, and that open-road feeling you never quite get out of your system.

What started as a trip turned into a lifestyle.

I left my corporate job, packed up our life, and followed my gut all the way to the USA.

We spent a while living in the lush Pacific Northwest – hiking, filming, and sipping coffee in the fog with our two cats curled up in the van.

Now we’re settling into the desert rhythms of Arizona – swapping moss for saguaros and finding new magic under wide-open skies.

What started as a fun little hobby turned into a real passion – sharing travel stories, tips, and inspiration with you.

Runaway Ann is now a space for dreamers, doers, and curious souls chasing meaningful adventures – especially the kind that don’t cost a fortune.

I’m so grateful you’re here. Let’s hit the road, one unforgettable trip at a time.

What’s Behind the Guides

Runaway Ann isn’t just another travel blog – it’s a mix of real stories, hard-earned tips, and places I’ve truly experienced.

I write the kind of guides I always wish I had before a trip – clear, honest, and full of details that actually help.

Whether to plan your first solo adventure, a dreamy camper road trip, or just a laid-back weekend escape – I’ve got you.

My guides cover both iconic spots and those little hidden corners you stumble on by accident (and remember forever).

You’ll find ideas for every kind of budget and vibe – from sunrise hikes to sunset pizza on the beach.

No fluff, no fake must-sees – just practical info, local feel, and inspiration to help you travel deeper, not just further.

I don’t just list places – I share what it really felt like to be there.

You’ll find honest tips, personal notes, and small details that make a big difference when you travel.

My guides are written to help you soak up the atmosphere, not just tick off landmarks.

They’re about feeling a place – its rhythm, taste, scent – and creating memories that stick with you long after you’re home.

Everything I recommend has been tried, tested, and experienced – so you can trust it’ll be worth your time.

Your journey matters to me.

If I can help you travel smarter, deeper, or just fall in love with a new place – I’ve done my job.

Let’s make your next trip one to remember.

A Little More About Me

When I’m not on the road, I’m probably in the kitchen – trying out a new recipe I picked up on my travels or mixing flavors for my desert-inspired drink brand, Butta.

I love food that tells a story.

That’s why I started making my own fermented milk drinks – creamy, spiced, and full of soul.

You’ll often find me at Arizona’s farmers markets, chatting with locals, sampling seasonal honey, or handing out tiny bottles of Butta to curious passersby.

I also traveled the U.S. with my two cats, Mana and Scarlett – they’ve napped through van rides, chased sunbeams in the desert, and curled up by the window during rainy days in the Pacific Northwest. They’ve been my tiny travel buddies through it all.

And when I’m not writing, fermenting, or road-tripping, you’ll find me hiking dusty trails, watching golden light stretch across the cactus fields, or just breathing in the stillness of the Arizona desert.