About Me
Hi, I’m Ann – so happy you’re here.
I’m a Polish traveler, vanlife girl, and a dreamer deeply in love with deserts.
I chase sunshine, good stories, and quiet beauty – all on a budget, always with soul.
On Runaway Ann, I share honest tips, soulful travel guides, and behind-the-scenes moments from life on the road – the imperfect, the magical, and everything in between.
If you’re drawn to wild road trips, atmospheric cities, or just need a little nudge to start your own journey – you’re in the right place.
Let’s explore together – slower, deeper, and with heart.
The Story of Runaway Ann
Runaway Ann was born in 2013, when I packed my backpack and hit the road with Janek for our very first big trip across the USA.
What started as a way to share our adventures with family and friends quickly 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 wide-open heart.
Over time (and after nearly 30 countries!) I realized I loved long, slow travels the most – the kind where you feel a place, not just check it off.
I quit my corporate job, packed up our life, and trusted my gut – that’s how we ended up in the US.
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.
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 feeling of freedom that stays with you forever.
Today, we’re learning the rhythm of the Arizona desert – we traded moss for cactus and are discovering a new kind of magic under wide open skies.
From travel came a lifestyle. And from longing – a home on the internet.
Why “Runaway Ann”?
Because when I started the blog… I needed to run.
From routine. From rigid expectations. From a life with too little breath and too much “should.”
Runaway Ann was my way of telling the world “I’m not here for a while” – and telling myself “try again.”
But over time I realized I wasn’t running from the world.
I was running toward myself.
What Runaway Ann Means Today
This isn’t just a travel blog. It’s a space for women like you – sensitive, curious, sometimes a little lost.
You’re not chasing bucket lists. You’re chasing meaning.
Not luxury. But truth.
I write about places with soul. About tastes that linger. About mornings that smell like mist or desert coffee. About journeys that heal.
Runaway Ann is my invitation to travel – one moment at a time.
No pressure. No rush. With presence, gratitude, and that strange, beautiful feeling: “this is where I really am.”
What You’ll Find in My Travel Guides
Runaway Ann isn’t just another travel blog.
It’s a mix of true stories, personal discoveries, and places I’ve genuinely felt – not just visited.
I write the kind of guides I always wanted to find before my own trips – honest, detailed, and grounded in real emotion.
Instead of ready-made lists written for algorithms, you’ll find places that stay with you. Sensory, soulful, unexpected.
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip, a campervan road adventure, or a quiet weekend getaway – there’s something here for you.
You’ll find beloved classics and hidden gems you stumble upon by chance (and remember forever).
Ideas for every budget, every season, every time of day – from mountain sunrises to desert dinners at dusk.
I don’t just tell you where to go. I share how it felt to be there.
Because it’s not just about being somewhere – it’s about being fully there.
My guides are full of practical notes, heartfelt tips, and small details that can change your whole experience.
I only recommend what I’ve lived through, felt, and loved – with soul and intention.
If I can help you travel deeper, softer, more intentionally – then I’ve done what I came here to do.
Your journey matters. Let’s make it something that stays in your heart long after you return.
A Few Things About Me
When I’m not on the road, you’ll usually find me in the kitchen – testing recipes
I brought back from my travels or crafting new flavors for my desert-inspired fermented milk drink brand, Butta.
I love food that tells a story. That’s why I started creating my own drinks – creamy, spiced, soulful.
You might spot me at farmers markets around Arizona – chatting with local makers, tasting seasonal honeys, or handing out tiny bottles of Butta with a smile.
I also traveled across the US with my two cats – Mana and Scarlett.
They slept through long drives in the van, chased sunbeams in the desert, and curled up by the window during rainy Pacific Northwest days.
They’ve been with me through it all.
And when I’m not writing, fermenting, or wandering somewhere dusty, you’ll find me on desert trails – watching golden light pour over the cactus fields or just… breathing in the quiet.
Keeping in Touch
Got a question, travel idea, or just want to say hi? Don’t be shy – I love hearing from you!
Whether you’ve got a tip to share, want to chat about your next trip, or just stumbled across a guide you loved – I’m all ears.
This blog comes to life thanks to real connections, so feel free to reach out anytime.
Let’s stay in touch – wherever the road takes us.
Say Hello by Email
Got something on your mind? Just shoot me an email at – I’m always happy to chat!
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Let’s Connect on Social
Follow my adventures on Instagram and get inspired on Pinterest.
Join the community to connect with other readers and share your own travel stories.
You can also catch me and Janek on YouTube for even more travel fun!
Want to Work Together?
Whether it’s a creative collab, freelance project, or something totally new – I’m always up for exciting ideas.
Check out my Work With Me page and let’s make something great together.
Can’t wait to hear what you’ve got in mind!
