Welcome to From the Aisle Seat!

I’m Sarah, and I’m on a journey to every country in the world. From the Aisle Seat is my travel memoir.

Welcome to the greatest journey of my life. I think you’ll want to stick around, because there’s no telling how this story will unfold. That’s the best part.

Along the way, I meet people, taste foods, and experience places you deserve to know about. Those interactions are catalogued forever here. I also share what I’m reading in a column called “What’s On My Tray Table.”

If you love a good story, pull up a chair. If you, like me, have an insatiable thirst for adventure, pull up a chair. If you’re intrigued but not sure if this newsletter is right for your inbox, linger in the doorway until you feel comfortable stepping inside. This table has room for all of you, however long you want to stay.

About me

I’m a writer and small business owner from Nashville, TN. Like many Americans, I grew up in a road trip family. But something was missing.

When I was 19, I flew to Costa Rica for a month on a service-learning study abroad program. I had never been inside an airport or traveled by plane before. The day I left, I went alone, brand-new passport in hand.

That month in the land of Pura Vida was the beginning of the rest of my life.

After graduating from college, I joined the Peace Corps in Ukraine. When my service was over, I started a freelance writing career so I could travel when the crowds are low and tickets are cheap. Sarah L. Travels was born on April 1, 2019 and I created From the Aisle Seat in a travel-less 2020. I’ve been writing about my adventures and the marvels of this world ever since.

About the Journey to 197

The Journey to 197 is the official name of my journey to every country in the world. I share in-the-moment Instagram Stories from each country, then write longer reflections and stories here. If I want to share a list of the places I went in a country, that lives on Sarah L. Travels.

What to expect from me on Substack

I update From the Aisle Seat when I have something that I want to share with you. After years of pressuring myself to write without inspiration, I have decided not to keep a strict, specific posting schedule. I try to show up here at least once per month.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon!

Until we meet again, safe travels.
Sarah