Welcome! We’re glad you found us!
Although I am the author of the FleurtyGirlTravel blog, I certainly couldn’t do it without my sidekicks, Lee and Spinnaker. Below, is a bit of our story.
Stephanie Lafleur
I’ve always had a desire and curiosity to travel and explore. In my early 20’s, I started my career with a major US airline, in reservations. Back then, living in Cincinnati, my kids were babies, their grandma lived in Florida, and we didn’t have a whole lot of money.
Luckily, my mom, who also worked for a major US airline, and l, were able to fly back and forth several times a year for visits. We also made some special memories along the East Coast, from the Outer Banks, north to Maine, and out west from San Francisco to Las Vegas. Mom and I even made a journey to Beijing in 2001.
Fast forward a few years. We had moved to Florida, the kids were growing up, and my marriage wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped it would be. I no longer enjoyed my career, and I cried. A lot. Not sure what I should do, I left my airline career and opened a small custom cake shop near the beaches. During this time, I got divorced, and I was working 16 hours a day, 6 days a week. I can decorate cakes like nobody’s business, but running that business was a whole different story.
I had joined a community marching band to get out of the house and do something fun. There, I experienced love at first sight! A handsome, professional man walked into rehearsal, I knew he was the type of guy I wanted. Heck, I wanted HIM! But, it was not to be for a couple years, however, when the opportunity presented, I asked him out on the first date. I wasn’t going to let this one go!
Lee would come to my cake shop after work to visit and, er, eat cupcakes. He helped me deliver beautiful wedding cakes to venues and helped me understand that my little cake shop wasn’t going to sustain a good living for me. This I knew, I just needed the nudge. So, I closed up shop and applied for a job at the airline, again.
After a 5 year break, I restarted my career with that same major US carrier. I had a whole new, fresh attitude. My life was happy, and my kids and I were all healthy. Lee and I were enjoying spending time together and we hit the ground running. In my first year back at the airline, we took about 10 trips, two of which were international. We were hooked on each other, and on traveling.
Here’s to the many past and still-to-come trips where we learn something new, taste something different, and meet new friends.
Much love to you,
Stephanie Lafleur
Lee Lafleur
My soul mate since 2012, Lee Lafleur is the driving force for creativity. A photographer for, like, decades, he has recently decided to leave his huge Nikon at home, replaced by the iPhone, superior pictures and videos, much less space.
He’s Spinnaker’s master and always pushing the envelope when it comes to rules and my comfort zone, but hey, deep down it’s pretty exciting! Retired with a part-time gig in the tour industry.
Spinnaker Lafleur
Our trusted companion since the spring of 2018, Spinnaker joins us on many adventures across the US. He’s been to 7 states, and counting, finding the best dog-friendly establishments around! He doesn’t mind the airport pet relief areas, or riding in the bicycle basket, but as long as he’s with his humans, he’s one happy pup!
Places We’ve Traveled
Australia – Lee spent a week in Australia, back in 2019.
Austria – Mondsee, Salzburg, Vienna, Melk
Barbados – A quick layover island tour, coming home from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Belgium – We did a self-guided Chocolate and Waffle tour. Yum!
Canada – Victoria, Toronto
Caribbean – Countless cruise stops
China – My mom and I took a trip to Beijing way back in 2001.
Croatia/Montenegro – Another amazing sailing vacation; Ston, Dubrovnik, Kotor
Czech Republic – Pilsen, Prague
Ecuador – Quito, Cuenca, and Lee to the Galapagos
France – Nice & Monaco, Paris
French Polynesia – Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Taha’a, and Raetaea
Germany – Bavaria or Bust!
Great Britain – London & Liverpool, Scotland (coming in late 2023)
Italy – Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, and more coming in 2024!
Ireland – Twice to the Emerald Isle
Netherlands – Amsterdam and Rotterdam
Spain – Ahh, Spain. Mallorca & Menorca, Barcelona
Scotland – 12 days of driving around the highlands and Edinburgh
United States of America – Lee has visited every state, while my list has about 1/2 of the states included.
Why The Blog?
The amazing thing about traveling is that you have to step out of your comfort zone, leave the familiar surroundings of your home, and visit someplace you’ve never been to before. We have experienced many different scenarios while traveling, from using public transportation to attending international festivals. I want to bring this knowledge to YOU. This way, you can plan your next amazing vacation and feel confident about traveling. Whether you are planning a trip to Florida, elsewhere in the US, or abroad, we will share tips and tricks to help make it a special and memorable vacation.
