What started as a conversation over wine overlooking a Tuscan vineyard, turned into a calling. We we’re inspired to create a space where women could travel boldly, reflect deeply, and make new life long connections.. We named it The Dandelion Journals—after a flower that thrives in any environment and rides the wind into new chapters. The Dandies, our trip leaders, are your guides on this journey, blending exploration, storytelling, and sisterhood. Our mission is to inspire transformation through travel—and to remind women everywhere that it’s never too late to start something beautiful.
our story
MEET THE
DANDIES
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ABOUT OUR NAME
As kids, we’d pick dandelions, make a wish, and blow—the seeds drifting into the unknown, carried by the wind. That small moment held something magical: freedom, possibility, and the quiet hope that something beautiful would grow wherever those seeds landed. That’s the heart of The Dandelion Journals.
We chose the name because it reflects everything we want this community to be: rooted in growth, open to change, and carried by curiosity. Like the dandelion, our journeys don’t end when we bloom—they evolve. We let go of what holds us back, follow the pull of adventure, and trust that where we land will shape us in ways we never expected.Our mission is to give women that same sense of freedom—a space to reconnect, explore boldly, and find joy in the journey.
Heba A.
In the intricate weave of life, I find myself as a simple thread, intertwined with the richness of people, places, and experiences that have shaped my narrative. Though my story may lack the sheen of extraordinariness, it bears the impressions of remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on my journey.
Through a long career in Healthcare and a recent survivor of Breast Cancer, I find myself on the patio of a Tuscan Villa, surrounded by family, travel companions, and lifelong friends. In this idyllic setting, a serendipitous encounter with a remarkable woman unfolded, leading to the realization that this moment was a turning point for both of us. Months later, back in Italy, we, along with two other dear friends, set out to craft a legacy – an opportunity to unite women, fostering connections, growth, and profound experiences beyond their existing walls.
And so, in the picturesque streets of Lucca, Italy, my new chapter begins. The quill is poised, the ink is ready, and I am eager to inscribe the pages of a narrative that promises to be as enchanting as the courtyards of Lucca themselves. The journey continues, unscripted and filled with the promise of connection, growth, and the timeless joy of shared experiences.
Elizabeth L.
I live with the thought of embarking on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary checkboxes of travel, dining, and exploration. It's a commitment to a passport-required lifestyle, a dedication to immerse myself in the richness of foreign cultures and undiscovered lands. My background of nine years in sales at luxury hotels instilled in me an appreciation of unique experiences with exceptional accommodations. I don’t do average.
Having cultivated a taste for international travel and enjoying all that comes with it, I plan and uncover hidden gems tucked away from the tourist trail. And don’t get me started on shopping where I’ll find the fabulous markets and authentic treasures that will be carried away under your arms without a second thought.
One morning not too long ago, I decided to escape to Italy and would have left that evening provided I could have packed quickly enough to make a connection at JFK. Instead I had to leave the next day. Feeling no regrets I say this was the trip that changed my life. I feel travel opens up our eyes, our hearts and our minds which then adds another layer of richness to our lives. So keep going.
Michelle L.
I am a divorced Irish, newly living in Italy with my 17 year old son and 2 rescue dogs Harper and Hope. My daughter is 23 and lives in Ireland but loves to visit us in Italy.
I'm known as the mad one in my wide circle of friends :) It must be the Irish humor!
I love to travel, meet new people, explore new cultures and opportunities. And I certainly love sunshine, the sea and the mountains. Being in nature calms my soul. I am open to all possibilities in life and I am literally trusting in the universe.
Aside from travel, one of my hobbies I am so passionate about is my little business, baking and selling all natural pet biscuits to help support rescue animals.
