About

Hello! Welcome to Pedis-N-Passports! We are a mother-daughter travel blogging team based in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. We are adventure seekers who have enjoyed zip lining in the jungles of Mexico, snorkeling in Kauai, hiking in Cinque Terre… you name it, we’re up for it–but at the end of the day, we definitely enjoy a bit of luxury and pampering–spas, fine dining, beautiful resorts, and of course shopping sprees. Most importantly, however, we have created a mother-daughter bond that is filled with memories that we will treasure for a lifetime. Come along on our travel journeys. We hope you are inspired to travel the world too! Follow us on Instagram @pedis.n.passports and @brookesabroad and on Twitter and Facebook.

About Kristen Noelle:

I am a mom of three awesome children–an adult son, a teen son and a teen daughter. I have also been an educator for the past 24 years. Besides raising my children and teaching, I admit I have a severe addiction. Many who know me will call it an obsession–yes, I’m addicted to travel. Every waking moment of my free time is spent helping people planning detailed trips, exploring foreign lands, learning about new cultures, meeting new people, studying foreign languages, practicing yoga and enjoying (and attempting to cook) exotic cuisines.

When My Travel Addiction Began:

I can actually remember the exact day that I realized there is so much more to this world than what is right in your own backyard. Born and raised an hour north of Manhattan, trips into New York City were quite routine during my childhood. Typical weekends with my parents were enjoying Broadway plays, visiting museums, parks, landmarks and dining at incredible NYC restaurants. But it was the day we visited Ellis Island that changed my life forever. The Immigrant Wall of Names was so expansive and diverse. Being adopted, I first searched for the names of my adoptive great-grandparents who emigrated from Ireland. I literally recall tearing up as I proudly, held my pencil and piece of notebook paper and scratched over their names etched in stone. I then proceeded to search for my biological ancestors who I knew came from Sicily and Naples, Italy. I knew their names and their origin–nothing more however. Finding their names was surreal. I didn’t know their stories. I didn’t know their history. What brought them to America? What struggles did they face? Answers I knew I may never discover… but it was at that moment I knew that every single person on this planet has a story, and I felt a passion develop inside me–I needed to hear the stories, I needed to experience diversity, I needed to explore unfamiliar lands, I needed to see the world.

Since that Ellis Island day, at the age of 13, my dream to travel has never ceased. However, while we have been fortunate to go on some great family vacations, our careers and kids’ busy schedules have limited most of our travel time and funds.

Until now! I am blessed that my daughter has been bit by the same travel bug and together we are ready to see the world and share our experiences with you. So get that pre-travel pedicure, grab your passport and let’s see the world together!

About Brooke Noelle:

I am a fourteen-year-old girl from Naperville, Illinois. I have traveled to 14 countries so far, 34 states in the U.S.A. and many Caribbean Islands. My goal is to reach 30 countries by the time I reach the ripe old age of 30! Besides travel, I love animals (I volunteer at the Humane Society and Shed Aquarium in Chicago), ice cream, dancing, ice cream, swimming, ice cream, acting, my hamster, ice cream, my two puppies, ice cream, my fish, and did I say ice cream? Come and join my mom and I on our adventures. I will be sure to give a teen perspective on responsible travel, destinations, food, fashion and fun!