Wow! Can you believe it’s already December of 2021?! We are in total disbelief that 2022 is right around the corner. But, December is upon us, and a new month means a new GA of the Month! If you’ve been around Wild Bum for a while, you know that each month, we introduce you to a member of our Guide Architect community. This month we are so excited for you to meet Shona Houston!
Check out her Guide Architect profile for all the goods.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am from the small town of LeRoy, Kansas – population 500 and grew up on a farm there! Then, I moved to the KC area in 2004 and haven’t left since! I currently live in Lawrence but work in KC as a Registered Nurse.
What type of traveler are you and what would you say is your travel style?
I like to have a plan and I get to know the area I am traveling to very well prior to arriving – as in street names, distances to places, how to get around, cost of restaurants, best places to eat, excursions, off the beaten path hidden gems, where the locals go, and what to avoid! I do like to be spontaneous too but I just like to be prepared for wherever I am going.
Where have you been? Where has been your favorite place?
So many places! I have traveled to 29 states and 7 countries – but have yet to travel anywhere in Europe! I love National and State Parks. My favorite places include Costa Rica and most recently Idaho.
Why did you decide to become a Guide Architect for Wild Bum?
I love being able to share my experiences with others – where to eat, where to go, what to do, what to avoid, etc. Being a planner makes this pretty darn easy for me!
What guides have you created? Do you have any upcoming guides we can look forward to?
I have created a Kansas City and Arkansas Guide. I am currently working on a guide to Florida and Idaho!
What is one thing you can’t travel without?
I cannot travel without my backpack, which is filled with all the other things I cannot travel without! I always have my phone (I don’t use a camera at all), a small tripod, chargers, headphones, my travel journal, a sharpie -super random, bottle opener, koozies, a beanie – I guess I have a lot of must-have’s!
What is something you enjoy about being part of the Wild Bum community?
It’s fun to be part of a community with like-minded individuals; those who love to travel, love to share their experiences, and help others have great adventures without them having to do a lot of the planning!
We are all about inspiring people to get out there and travel, use time-off to explore, and find their wild.
Tell us, when do you feel the most “wild”?
Hands down, being outside in nature; whether it’s hiking, kayaking, camping, or just a walk around the lake, is when I feel most alive! I love the mountains the most but also like to escape to the beach!
