Welcome to MadTravels:)
Hi! I’m Maddie Wilten, a traveler on a mission to share my love for exploring and encourage others to live boldly, embrace adventure, and reimagine what life can look like! I’m originally from Denver, Colorado, where I spent 18 years before heading to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). I’m now based in New York City and work at an awesome mental health startup. Two years post-grad, I’m continuing to grow in my career while also exploring new places, following my curiosity, and living with a sense of adventure.
My love for travel began early—I was part of an international youth organization called CISV from ages 11 to 18, which allowed me to connect with people from around the world and immerse myself in new cultures. Since then, I’ve lived abroad in Spain and Portugal, road-tripped across the U.S., summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, and visited much of Europe, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. I’ve experienced everything from budget backpacking to luxury stays—and each journey has deepened my belief that there’s no one “right” way to live.
This blog is a space where I share years of insights—stories, tips, and honest reflections—to encourage you to step into a more expansive, adventurous life. It’s not just about travel; it’s about freedom, creativity, and the confidence to create your own path. Whether you’re craving more spontaneity, seeking connection, or simply looking to feel more alive, my hope is that you’ll find something here that nudges you forward.
I’m here to inspire and support anyone looking to lead a more intentional and adventurous life—on their own terms. Let’s dream bigger, explore further, and build lives that feel aligned, expansive, and deeply fulfilling:)
Places I’ve lived and traveled
📍Europe
Spain- Madrid, Barcelona, Sitges, Seville, Toledo, Segovia, Valencia, San Sebastián
Italy- Milan, Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Rome, Sicily, Positano, Pompeii, Venice, Cortina
France- Nice
Monaco
Belgium- Brugges, Ghent, Brussels
Netherlands- Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague
Greece- Santorini
Portugal- Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Lisbon, Sintra, Porto
Austria- Vienna
Switzerland- Zermatt, Lucerne, Basel, Zürich
Sweden- Stockholm
📍United States
New York- New York City, Brooklyn, Queens
New Jersey- Jersey Shore
Vermont- Burlington, Arlington
Pennsylvania- Bethlehem
Washington DC
Massachusetts- Boston
North Carolina- Outerbanks
Florida- St. Augustine, Orlando
Colorado- Denver, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen, Colorado Springs, Aspen, Glenwood Springs
Utah- Moab, Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Escalante, Bryce Canyon National Park
Arizona- Sedona, Grand Canyon
Kansas- Lawrence
Nevada- Las Vegas
Michigan- Ann Arbor, Traverse City, South Haven
Illinois- Chicago
California- Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Redwood National Park, Monterey, Santa Clara
Oregon- Eugene, Portland, Crater Lake
Washington- Seattle
Montana- Yellowstone National Park
Idaho- Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming- Grand Teton National Park
Hawaii- Maui
Texas- South Padre
📍Central America
Costa Rica- Tamarindo, Nosara
📍Carribean Islands
Turks and Caicos
📍South America
Argentina- Buenos Aires
Peru- Cusco, Lima, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu
Colombia- Bogotá
📍Africa
Tanzania- Mt. Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam
