Hi, I'm Laurel, the founder of Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel. You may have seen my work in BCC Travel, National Geographic, The Telegraph, Conde Nast Traveller, The Guardian, Forbes or BBC Earth, or you may have seen me speak at a travel event like the World Travel Market in London or Dubai, or ITB Berlin.

I love hiking and am passionate about getting more people out hitting the trails. But I also know how confusing it is when you're starting out and how so many women don't think they can take the time for themselves to go on a hike. I'm in my 40s and swear that hiking is the best beauty secret out there!

That's why I compiled my 25+ years of hiking experience into this online hiking for beginners course. Hiking has changed my life and I want you to experience how life-changing it can be for yourself.

Growing up in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains I had hiking at my doorstep. I’ve lived in Munich, Germany and hiked in the Alps every weekend for 11 years and now live in Bansko, Bulgaria, steps from the Pirin Mountains. . I've probably done close to a 1000 hikes.

In addition to weekly hikes - yes every week despite running a company, I also do long-distance treks and hike when I travel which has led me to hike in Italy, France, Switzerland, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Nepal, Jordan, Albania U.S. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakstan, Bulgaria, South Africa, Rwanda, Madagascar and many other destinations.

I don't tell you this to brag, but to show my experience in doing different types of hikes.

Hiking has had a profound impact on my life. I get all my best ideas when hiking, some of which have had incredible impacts on my business and income. I jokingly (but not really) say that hiking is my therapy.

The combination of being in nature, movement, and surrounded by beauty while challenging myself has helped me heal from a divorce and multiple miscarriages, but has also led to my success, and plays a big role in my happiness. If this side of hiking is of interest to you contact me for more details as I've some exciting stuff around this topic coming soon.

All of this is to say, that you're in good hands and I can't wait to help you get started or continue on your hiking journey, so let's get started!