Jet Set Lisette

21/09/2022

Back in my happy place after six long years. Jet lagged but grateful for this first meal of one of my faves – moules frites. 🤩👏🏾 Paris, je t’aime. ❤️🇫🇷

14/09/2022

I want to invite you on my first trip to the African continent in early 2023. I'm excited to join Global Family Travels on a nine day trip to Rwanda, led by my podcast guest, genealogy buddy and good friend Kelly McCoy.

I've heard so many incredible things about Rwanda, and I have DNA connections to Central/Eastern Africa. I can’t WAIT to go.

Global Family Travels trips are built on the pillars of Learn, Serve, and Immerse, offering travelers the opportunity to authentically connect with the local people, cultures, and natural beauty of the destinations they visit.

RWANDA: Women and Empowerment, a Learn, Serve & Immerse Adventure - February 2-11, 2023

On this 10-day journey, you will have an opportunity to experience how the country evolved into a revered country that uplifts, empowers, and supports women through community, socio-economic development, and supportive NGOs.

Participants of this trip will also take in the stunning natural views of the Nyungwe Forest and remote regions of Rwanda and experience life, culture, and art in these spaces, from drumming troupes to tea planting and a safari ride.

From urban to rural, this ultimate Rwanda experience will give travelers a deeper understanding of how Rwanda is a global leader for women's economic and political empowerment.

To learn more, read Kelly's blog post about Rwanda and the trip, which includes a link to register: globalfamilytravels.com/post/rwanda-a-transformative-women-s-empowerment-trip

22/04/2022

★ Earth Day 2022 🌎
I felt like my recent trip to Kauai brought me a profound respect for the insane beauty of our planet. Looking through these photos strengthens my commitment to doing all I can to take care of our precious planet. We’ve only got one earth y’all. I want to believe it’s not too late to save it.

Today I’m donating to the Nature Conservancy and reminding myself of ways I can individually combat climate change. What are you doing to honor the earth today?

04/04/2022

Check out this latest issue from my new audio newsletter: Sound Bites from Road! Be sure to sign up if you haven't yet, as I won't be posting here or on my Jet Set Lisette IG anymore. The focus is on my new project Traveling My Roots: travelingmyroots.com.

How you can join me on that trip, plus other updates | Listen now

23/03/2022

★ This quote by Frank Delaney basically sums up the “why” behind my upcoming travel the next few years.

As an an adoptee from a closed adoption, I couldn’t get the full picture of my biological ancestry until recently. I am literally rebuilding my identity by understanding and reconnecting with the stories and the places of my ancestors. I am quietly preparing to go on a deeply internal journey through external ancestral landscapes. Feeling blessed and grateful.

Just a reminder to follow me as this profile will pretty much go dormant. To find out more about my current project and to sign up for the occasional sound bite from the road, visit travelingmyroots.

15/03/2022

★ Should we call this “Wanderfest’s Angels”? 😂 Actually that fits since the women I have connected with at Wanderful events like this one have truly become angels in my life. These are powerful , adventurous and inspiring women leaving their mark in the world. And to have them come together for gatherings like this one (and especially in New Orleans) truly lifts my spirits.
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I so enjoyed spending time with each and every person I crossed paths with at this first Wanderfest outdoor travel festival. You know who you are! These photos capture just some of the wonderful moments. What a celebratory way to kick off my 2 year travel sabbatical.
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Thanks to each of you for inspiring and energizing me. And thank you again for hosting this fantastic event in the heart of NOLA. See you there again next year! ❤️

13/03/2022

★ Day 2 Highlights! Keeping it brief y’all because I’m literally in my hotel room on a quick break and need to get back out to the festival.
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It was a probably record-breaking chilly day yesterday with temps in the 40s (that wind chill factor was LEGIT) - but that would NEVER stop a group of women travelers from partaking in the fun!
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Highlights for me included:
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⚜️Dashing off with someone I met in the registration line to buy the last 2 warm hats in the nearby mall (swipe to the end for the hat twins photo lol)
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⚜️Fabulous talks and panels on all things travel (plus meet and greets!)
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⚜️Excellent food & travel vendors - including delicious Ukrainian food (part of the proceeds went to help support the Ukrainian people)
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⚜️An hour spent wandering with in the French Quarter
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⚜️Eating DELICIOUS red beans and rice at Johnny’s Po-Boys restaurant - where we ate when here 22 years ago.
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⚜️A truly Wanderful second line parade led by the New Orleans Baby Dolls (check out the reel I posted yesterday) - SO MUCH FUN!
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⚜️Spending time with fabulous, inspiring women at the Black Travel Alliance meet-up hosted by .
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⚜️An evening bar crawl hosted by with stops at fantastic night spots - like the elegant (first photo).
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Deep in Day 3 right now and having a blast! (Including acting a fool during the twerk class). Thank you again for hosting this fantastic event in the heart of NOLA! ❤️
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12/03/2022

★ in New Orleans has been OFF THE HOOK. 👏🏾👏🏾 I had so much fun and posted so many stories yesterday that I decided to rest before tackling this recap. 😂 So here’s what all went down on Day 1 (Swipe for all the things👉🏾) .
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Wanderfest is the first outdoor women’s travel festival by - my favorite travel community (so honored to be one of their resident experts this year ). I’ve been coming to Wanderful events since attending WITS in Quebec City in 2018 - and each one somehow always tops the last. This is no exception. 🤩
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Yesterday was a day filled with pre-festival excursions, each focused on New Orlean’s rich Black history and culture. Highly recommend ALL of these gems when you are next in NOLA. ⚜️
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First we headed out with to do a walking tour of the historically fascinating Treme neighborhood. A highlight was stopping by Congo Square, famous for the gatherings of enslaved Africans who drummed, danced and sang on Sunday afternoons - cultural expressions that later developed into Mardis Gras Indian traditions, the Second line and eventually New Orleans jazz and rhythm and blues.
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Next I had the pleasure of hosting an excursion at the Museum of Free People of Color, founded by . It is one of the only museums in the country (and possibly the world) dedicated to the little known history of free people of color. Held in a beautiful mansion, it is an incredible collection of art, poetry, photographs and historic documents. We had an exceptional tour by their wonderful staff.
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We then headed to Bayou Road to explore a wonderful corridor of Black owned businesses. We met some of the locals, stopped in to buy books at , shopped for handmade soaps, candles and more, then had lunch at . Mother Natcha’s jerk chicken was DIVINE.
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We ended the day with a VIP happy hour . So much fun reconnecting with a old friends, and making new ones.
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Looking forward to what today holds - stay in the loop via my stories!
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12/03/2022

Taking a break from all the walking in this glorious town. I love New Orleans! Thank you for hosting here this year, and giving us all a reason to come and explore. I’ve already learned so much, and the main event hasn’t even started yet! 🤩

Can I also say I’m thoroughly spoiled traveling with ? He churns out amazing images by the minute.

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11/03/2022

★ What she said. 👆🏾
Love this quote from Episode 66 www.jetsetlisette.com/episodes/ which released last Friday.
www.facebook.com/ginapaigeDNA/

09/03/2022

★ That feeling you get when you know you have a flight to catch tomorrow morning.

Off to New Orleans for and CAN'T WAIT. Thank you Wanderful for creating the first ever outdoor Women's Travel Festival! I will be soaking up all of the events, talks, music and more (including burlesque shows, parades and dance classes 🤩). And I know I'll be making new friends among all the fabulous women travelers! What a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day this week. 💃🏾👏🏾

P.S. Want to join me? If you are in the New Orleans area, let me know as I have few more free tickets to give away. 😉

📸 Nityia Photography

04/03/2022

★ Episode 66 has landed. 🛬 jetsetlisette.com/episode66 🎧 With it comes the end of Season 4, and (for now) the end of the Globetrotter Lounge podcast, and the start of me . The closing of one chapter, the beginning of another.
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In this final episode, I talk with Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry, a DNA company that traces African lineages using genetics. She travels the world helping people of African descent demystify their roots so that they may better understand who they are by knowing where they’re from.

Gina shares what sparked her love of travel, what led her to co-found African Ancestry, and how their company is different. She also talks about their curated “family reunion” heritage trips, and how one African country is now offering citizenship based on DNA results.
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This episode is sponsored by which designs fabulous travel accessories, including their signature scarf with hidden zipper pocket. Link in bio - enter JETSET at checkout for 15% off.
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02/03/2022

★ Fully recharged.
What a gift to have been able to spend 10 days exploring the beautiful island of Kauai. Hiking in nature with views like this literally does something powerful to the mind, heart and soul - countering all the suffering and ugliness in the world. The yin to that yang.

My entire experience on the island felt like one giant mindfulness bell - asking me to be present, to wake up early with the sunrise, to not miss one precious moment. I returned grateful, replenished, refreshed. Ready to shift my attention as the Globetrotter Lounge podcast comes to a close (the last episode of the final season releases in 2 days) and my new project begins.

What recharges and renews you in your life?

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28/02/2022

★ Martin Luther King famously said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." I can't stay silent about what is happening in Ukraine right now.

I add my voice to the tremendous upswell of people decrying Russia's violent and horrific act of war. My heart aches for the Ukrainian people.

If you are looking for ways to help, this list was assembled by a group of Ukranians, and has been shared by journalists worldwide: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co

The list includes which provides first aid medical tactical backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the front lines.

Sharing this photo by in solidarity with Ukraine. May we all do what we can to support them during this terrible time. 🇺🇦🌻

26/02/2022

Don't miss this upcoming workshop hosted by Wanderful!

Have you ever wanted to travel to the places your ancestors are from? Are you thinking about embarking on a DNA or heritage travel adventure? If so, this workshop is for you.

Lisette will start by sharing her current travel podcast project, Traveling My Roots. Over the next 2 years, she'll be slow traveling to the places that her biological and adoptive people are from: Arkansas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Virginia, Wisconsin, Ireland, Scotland, Sicily, Albania, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda and Nigeria.

She'll explain how she researched and prepared for this project, and offer related tools and resources, including: new trip planning sites, DNA testing companies, and genealogy websites and organizations (including those specializing in African-American/Slavery genealogy).
Lisette will also talk about how to plan specifically for genealogy research trips. She will also share thoughts on how to fund this kind of extensive travel adventure, particularly through the accrual of miles and points.

Finally Lisette will share a special offer for Wanderful members for her online course Jet Set 101: Becoming a Travel Hacker. There will be time at the end for Q&A.

Get your tickets now!

This workshop will cover how Lisette has prepared for her current 2 year DNA travel project, and offer related tools and resources.

25/02/2022

★ What she said. 👆🏾
Love this quote from Episode 65 (link in bio 🎧) which released last Friday. It captures exactly why I'm embarking on this new journey of traveling my roots. I feel like my ancestors are asking me to excavate their story. And it's also why I asked Dr. Antoinette Harrell, renowned community activist, genealogist and historian to come onto the show. This episode holds a lot of personal meaning for me, and it was truly an honor to speak with her.

Antoinette shares what led her to genealogy, how travel became intertwined with her family history research, and how she began helping others uncover their roots. She also talks about peonage and what she is doing to raise awareness about it, recommendations for researching enslaved ancestors, and tips for planning genealogy research trips.

25/02/2022

★ What she said. 👆🏾
Love this quote from Episode 65 (link in bio 🎧) which released last Friday. It captures exactly why I'm embarking on this new journey of traveling my roots. I feel like my ancestors are asking me to excavate their story. And it's also why I asked Dr. Antoinette Harrell, renowned community activist, genealogist and historian to come onto the show. This episode holds a lot of personal meaning for me, and it was truly an honor to speak with her.

Antoinette shares what led her to genealogy, how travel became intertwined with her family history research, and how she began helping others uncover their roots. She also talks about peonage and what she is doing to raise awareness about it, recommendations for researching enslaved ancestors, and tips for planning genealogy research trips.

23/02/2022

★ Have you ever wanted to travel to the places your ancestors are from? Are you thinking about embarking on a DNA or heritage travel adventure? If so, my upcoming workshop hosted by is for you! It's happening on March 8 at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET. (Link in bio)

I'll start by sharing about my current DNA travel project: . Over the next 2 years, I'll be slow traveling to the places that my biological and adoptive people are from: Arkansas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Virginia, Wisconsin, Ireland, Scotland, Sicily, Albania, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda and Nigeria.

I'll explain how I've researched and prepared for this project, and talk about tools and resources, including new trip planning sites, DNA testing companies, genealogy resources and organizations (including those specializing in African-American/Slavery genealogy).

I will also talk about how to plan specifically for genealogy research trips, and how to fund this kind of extensive travel adventure through accrual of miles and points (Heads up: I'll have a special offer for Wanderful members for my online course Jet Set 101: Becoming a Travel Hacker.)

This workshop is only $10 for the general public, and free for Wanderful members. Ready to join ? Use the link in bio and enter JETSETLISETTE at checkout to get $50 off annual membership (ongoing - not just this year).

22/02/2022

★ 2-22-22 ❤️
22 has always been my lucky number. I was born January 22nd, and most big things in my life seem to happen around 22s. For example, on 2-22 of 1992 I went on my first date with Will Austin. I was 22 years old.
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So we are celebrating 30 years as a couple….enjoying a trip to Kauai. Nothing more romantic than time alone together on a gorgeous, lush tropical island. 🥰🏝
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Deeply grateful for this incredible man behind the scenes of my life (and usually also behind the camera). So many adventures, so much love. Looking forward to the next 30! 🤩
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(Matching swimsuits by Kenny Flowers, a fabulous tropical resort wear company owned by my name twin, sister traveler and podcast guest Jetset Christina and her husband ✨👏🏾)
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18/02/2022

★ Episode 65 has landed. 🎧 jetsetlisette.com/episode65.
I have another special episode for Black History month, and one that feels very important for me personally.
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I talk with Dr. Antoinette Africa Harrell, renowned community activist, genealogist and historian specializing in African American History in Louisiana. For the past two decades Antoinette has researched peonage and modern day slavery across sixteen states. This work was featured in the VICE documentary, The Slavery Detective of the South. She is also the creator of Nurturing Our Roots.
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Antoinette shares what led her to genealogy, how travel became intertwined with her family history research, and how she began helping others uncover their roots. She also talks about what peonage is, what she is doing to raise awareness about this little known history, recommendations for researching enslaved ancestors, and tips for planning genealogy research trips.
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This episode is sponsored by Waypoint Goods which designs fabulous travel accessories, including their signature scarf with hidden zipper pocket. Link in bio - enter JETSET at checkout for 15% off.
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17/02/2022

★ In honor of Black History month, I'm currently highlighting the many inspiring Black women travelers I've featured on the Globetrotter Lounge podcast (as they are currently MAKING history). Link in bio to the collection of episodes.

Be sure to follow each these fabulous travelers and creators:  


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14/02/2022

★ Happy Valentine's Day ❤️

Honestly, I usually don't pay much attention to this day, mostly because there's a much more meaningful date my husband and I celebrate later in February. But today we happen to be kicking off a a little travel-related romantic sojourn... So I want to thank my partner in travel crime for being my Valentine for so many years, and for going on countless amazing adventures with me. 😘 And for capturing so many incredible travel photos - including this one of us in Lisbon a few years back.

Hoping you all have a lovely day with your main squeeze, or indulging in some exquisite self care if you are solo right now!

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11/02/2022

★ What she said. 👆🏾

Love this quote from Episode 64 which released last Friday (link in bio 🎧). I talked with Kelly McCoy (), a Seattle-based travel product developer and consultant specializing in cultural heritage and adventure tourism. She loves researching and illuminating little-known history in special places, and bridging the past with the present.
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Kelly shares what sparked her love of travel, her experiences traveling to African countries, and what led her to work in tourism. She also talks about upcoming travel projects highlighting Black history, her recent research trip to Charleston, tips for planning heritage travel – and much more.

Kelly's quote feels relevant and helpful as I prepare for my DNA travel project () which includes unearthing some of my Black family's painful and difficult, yet always resilient, history.

Have you made any family history discoveries of your own that you'd like to share?

09/02/2022

★ Have you ever wanted to travel to the places your ancestors are from? Are you thinking about embarking on a DNA or heritage travel adventure? If so, my upcoming workshop hosted by Wanderful®] is for you! It's happening on March 8 at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET. linktr.ee/jetsetlisette

I'll start by sharing about my current DNA travel project: . Over the next 2 years, I'll be slow traveling to the places that my biological and adoptive people are from: Arkansas, South Carolina, Louisiana, Virginia, Wisconsin, Ireland, Scotland, Sicily, Albania, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda and Nigeria.

I'll explain how I've researched and prepared for this project, and talk about tools and resources, including new trip planning sites, DNA testing companies, genealogy resources and organizations (including those specializing in African-American/Slavery genealogy).

I will also talk about how to plan specifically for genealogy research trips, and how to fund this kind of extensive travel adventure through accrual of miles and points (Heads up: I'll have a special offer for Wanderful members for my online course Jet Set 101: Becoming a Travel Hacker.)

This workshop is only $10 for the general public, and free for Wanderful members. Ready to join Wanderful®]? Use the link in bio and enter JETSETLISETTE at checkout to get $50 off annual membership (ongoing - not just this year).

07/02/2022

★ Wanderfest Tickets GIVEAWAY

This is me on Royal Street in New Orleans 22 years ago (yes, those are dreadlocks). Highlights included seeing Black Indians parade, biking around town with our friend’s bike club, the Pedalphiles (seriously), seeing live music, eating delicious food and attending late night parties in shotgun houses.

I haven’t been back since... so I CANNOT WAIT to go next month to attend Wanderfest. Especially since I just found out that some of my ancestors hail from Louisiana! So this trip is also now officially part of my Traveling My Roots project. 🤩

And yes you heard me correctly, I am giving away tickets (10 of them!) to Wanderfest, the world’s first outdoor travel festival for women by . It’s the weekend of March 12-13 - so it's coming up FAST.

Not only will I be leading an excursion to facebook.com/LeMuseedefpc (the only museum dedicated to the history of Free People of Color), but I’ve already signed up for all the twerking classes and burlesque shows, and you know I can’t pass up a good parade. 😁💃🏾 Want to learn more? Links in bio. 👆🏾

HOW do you enter to win a free ticket for you and a friend or FRIENDS?
Simple.
#1: follow me on Instagram at instagram.com/travelingmyroots
#2: Tag at least 2 or 3 of your girlfriends below.
I’ll pick winners on Valentine’s Day! ❤️

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04/02/2022

★ Episode 64 has landed. 🛬 jetsetlisette.com/episode64 🎧 I talk with Kelly McCoy, a Seattle-based travel product developer and consultant specializing in cultural heritage and adventure tourism. She loves researching and illuminating little-known history in special places, and bridging the past with the present.
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Kelly shares what sparked her love of travel, her experiences traveling to African countries, and what led her to work in tourism. She also talks about upcoming travel projects highlighting Black history, her recent research trip to Charleston, tips for planning heritage travel – and much more.
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This episode is sponsored by Waypoint Goods which designs fabulous travel accessories, including their signature scarf with hidden zipper pocket. Link in bio - enter JETSET at checkout for 15% off.
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02/02/2022

★ Black History Month
It's here. ✊🏾 This month I’m releasing two episodes that center on Black history in this country. I can’t wait to share both of them.

In the first one (coming this Friday) I talk with Kelly McCoy () a cultural heritage and adventure travel product developer who loves illuminating little-known history. She shares about her travel projects that highlight Black history, a recent research trip to Charleston, tips for planning heritage trips - and more.

In the second one I talk with Antoinette Harrell, a renowned community activist, genealogist and historian specializing in African American History in Louisiana. She is known as "the Slavery Detective of the South." We talk about her deeply important work, the challenges and joy of researching enslaved ancestors and tips for planning genealogy research trips.

Finally I’ve created a collection of the Black women travelers I’ve had on the show. To listen to those episodes, see the link in bio.  

How are you shining a light on Black history this month?

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