Hi, I’m Melissa.

the owner & creator of
hello Wanderlust family.

With my husband and two adventurous kids by my side, I’ve been to a lot of truly incredible places without breaking the bank. Traveling has been a part of our family’s DNA for over 15 years, and the exhilaration of exploring within our budget has been both a challenge and a joy.

Some of my favorite places are:

National Park: Zion National Park
Hike: Kanarra Falls
Attraction: Meow Wolf Santa Fe
Road Trip: Utah National Parks
Hidden Gem: Stephen’s Gap Cave
Family-Friendly: Shawnee National Forest
Budget & Kid-Friendly City: St. Louis

  • About melissa

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Years ago, my husband and I made a firm commitment: travel should never be a financial burden. So we set out on a mission to travel as much as possible without breaking the bank. Through countless adventures, we’ve learned that traveling within our means isn’t that difficult, and now, I’m here to share our experiences and wisdom with you.

Why Hello Wanderlust Family?

This website was born for 2 reasons
  • Empowering Your Journey: My primary goal is to empower you to explore incredible places without emptying your wallet. In every article, I meticulously break down the costs of our trips, offering insights, tips, and hacks on how you can embark on your own affordable adventures.
  • Inspiring Exploration: Beyond the budget, I want to inspire you to venture out, even if it means discovering hidden gems close to home. Some of my most cherished places are only a few miles from my house, reminding us all that incredible experiences are often within arm’s reach and cost very little.

What You’ll Find Here:

This is a welcoming space curated for fellow travel enthusiasts seeking authentic, people-first experiences. Here, you’ll discover in-depth guides on budget-friendly destinations, family-friendly activities, and dog-friendly escapades. Dive into the wonders of national parks, explore hiking trails that awaken the soul, and uncover the magic of big theme parks and vibrant cities.

Our Commitment to You:

At Hello Wanderlust Family, authenticity and expertise are our core. I am dedicated to providing trustworthy content. Each article is crafted with first-hand experience by me (Melissa Wheeler), offering you valuable insights, and expert tips with our family’s personal touch. Every destination, every activity, and every piece of advice shared here is from our own personal experience. I’d never write about a destination or trail I haven’t done personally. I share our genuine love for travel and our experiences with you to make your journeys extraordinary.

Join The Community:

I invite you to be a part of our vibrant community of explorers. Engage with our content, share your own travel stories in the comments, and connect with like-minded travelers. I will personally answer any questions that you ask in the comments within a day. Feel free to bookmark articles that resonate with you, share them with your friends and family, and let’s inspire more adventures together and teach people that they too can travel. Your voice matters here, and I’m eager to hear about your awesome travels, tips, and favorite destinations.

Thank you for joining us at Hello Wanderlust Family. Let’s embark on budget-conscious, family-friendly adventures that create lasting memories without financial worries. Together, let’s redefine the way we explore the world.

-Melissa Wheeler

Connect With Me

Feel free to email me at melissa@hellowanderlustfamily.com anytime.

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