Conversations with Amanda Kendler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Kendler.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a mom, wife, clinical pharmacist, animal lover, and newbie travel enthusiast. My husband is a physician and lifelong world traveler who basically baptized me by fire when it came to learning how to travel myself. Growing up in a small town in rural Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, I couldn’t even imagine all of the possibilities waiting for me as I entered into adulthood. I have always enjoyed social connections and taking way too many photos– probably a result of losing irreplaceable mementos in a housefire during my childhood. Nevertheless, I am that person documenting every aspect of events and trips. Yes, I will take pictures of your food if you travel with me. After work stress in the ER affected my mental health in novel ways during the pandemic, I needed my OWN outlet (something many moms don’t enjoy very often). My passion for traveling, creating content, and sharing my experiences with loved ones evolved into a blog that was created for fun and inspiration. I prefer reading personal blogs when learning about new destinations, so it was easy for me to build on my social media sharing into my own website after building the confidence to share my own voice. Just like I seek to help patients in my career, I naturally enjoy helping people navigate travel plans. Sharing my experiences sparked an unexpected interest in so many others, inspiring them to see the world for themselves. I am still a pharmacist, but my new hobby of travel blogging has permeated my soul with joy. My loved ones and readers give my travel so much more purpose. I encourage anyone reading my story to be fearless when it comes to exploring new hobbies or passions. Judgement and doubt will always be lurking whether you take the leap or not. Fulfillment is something we all deserve! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path to obtaining my PharmD was not an easy one in all aspects except the actual academics of it. Not only did I have to juggle having an infant in grad school, I also did not grow up with same the privileges of financial support as some others. My appreciation for life after having to be scrappy on the road to success is hard to match, and I am immensely grateful for my resilience that was built along the way. When it comes to the success of my travel blog, I did not set any expectations. In order to guarantee enjoyment of this new hobby, my only goal was to be happy with whatever I created. I aim to be informative, inclusive, encouraging, inspiring, and just my authentic self. In only a few months after launching my website, it ranked #1 on Google search and reached nearly 60 countries! If the trajectory of traffic and interest continues to climb, I am open to exploring new avenues for growth in the future. My mom gave me really great advice growing up that has shaped my view of the world and really helps keep me grounded and is really helpful to share with others facing highs or lows of their endeavors: “There will always be someone better off than you, and someone worse off than you.” 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Clinical Pharmacist – background in ER and Mental Health Facility Travel blogger – for fun hobby 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The purpose of my professional career and travel blogging both rely on support and connections. I am thrilled to connect with other professionals in the medical field and in the travel community. I am open to sharing experiences, knowledge, and advice with others whose interests align with the likes of mine. Formal collaborations or casual conversations are invaluable to my growth, success, and personal fulfillment. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://countryspousetravel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandarx21/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amanda.kendler/
• Youtube: @amandakendler9933