Check Out Joanna Snyder’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Snyder

Hi Joanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello loves,

Here is my story, my goal is that this will help you in some way. Maybe by showing you healing is possible, or that your past does not define your future successes. Either way, I hope this speaks to your heart!

I grew up in a very tumultuous home. My father was manic, and we never knew what mood he would be in. Often his mood and reactions dictated how my mom, my 3 siblings and I interacted and existed. My home was also extremely conservative – didn’t have a TV, and we were very poor. My dad couldn’t hold down a job and my mom did all she could to make ends meet. We went on one family vacation as a kid – to Pensacola, Florida.

As a teenager, I was determined to not make the same mistakes my mom did, by being with someone so unstable. What I did learn from my mom, was her unwavering loyalty. Whether right or wrong, she was loyal and faithful to my dad. I ended up getting a job at a local Health System (where I still work to this day). I also started dating and really good man. At 16, it was the first time in my life that I felt love and felt seen. Going into college I was determined to make my way, and to have a stable home for my future kids. I was also determined to give them the life I never had.

I ended up getting pregnant at 21 with my daughter. Her dad and I had a massive falling out and he left. I was terrified, I looked at giving her up for adoption, but I couldn’t do it. I was now even more determined to not let this stop me and to make an amazing live for us both. I then enrolled in a local university and got my degree in Business Management. I began to have some success at work and was promoted.

During my undergraduate studies was the first time I left the country. I was able to travel to South Africa and Nicaragua for medical missions. It changed my life. I found that travel opened up a new part of me. I felt truly alive and free for the first time in my life. I was determined to be able to travel more.

I ended up getting married, started my master’s program and having 3 more kids in 5 years. I truly don’t remember those years. They were an absolute blur. I got my MBA while I was on maternity leave with my youngest. I felt so incredibly proud of myself. I recall my dad asking me, “Why would you get a master’s degree, it’s a waste of money.” My mom also telling me that my job was now at home with my kids. I loved my job. It was mine; I had earned those degrees through grit. Despite the mom guilt I pressed on.

We began to travel extensively with our kids. Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, England, France, etc. Those trips were the highlight of my year. I LIVED for them. I would extensively plan them, and it was so much fun for me. I loved the feeling of being present on the trips. Truly enjoying my kids and experiencing something new.

I truly felt like I had beat the odds. I had done it. I was so proud of myself.

My husband and I began to fight a lot, we had always fought, but it was bad. We ended up not being able to reconcile, and we got divorced. At this point, I revelated my life. What do I want? What is next? I decided to run towards travel. It has been what has given me the greatest joy and freedom. After my divorce, I reconnected with my high school sweetheart, and we are now engaged!

My goal now is to help inspire and inform any parents that want to travel. Maybe your past is not ideal, or you are going through it. I have been there, and I want to help get you out there! We only have one. Take the chance, make the change.

If I can do it, so can you!

XO,
Jo

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many, many times I wanted to quit. I just wanted to escape, but I didn’t. I got up, I went to work, I took care of the kids, I led the meetings, and just kept going.

The biggest struggle along the way was imposter syndrome. I knew I had beat the odds. I had gone from food stamps to a good salary. I knew that rarely happened. I was constantly considered that the ‘house’ I was building would tumble down.

I had the usual struggles too: who is going to watch my kids, do I have enough money this week for groceries, am I doing a good job? Am I failing my kids?

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My background is in healthcare finance, and project management. I am currently leading an ERP implementation.

What I do in my free time, is my travel YouTube channel @aworldjotraveled – currently vlogging through France and Switzerland with my kids, fiance and family.

I have learned so much about photography and videography!

I have my Instagram focused on European travel tips and itineraries @aworldjotraveled. I have traveled extensively and just truly want to help others have an amazing experience. I am attempting to work with brands – very new to this, but I am learning SO much!

Up next will be group trips! Super excited about this.

I am known for my spontaneous travel style through Europe, and the amount of insider info I have. This is all a result of my travels, learning from past mistakes :).

What sets me apart – My goal is to be as authentic and genuine as possible. I want my audience to be able to relate to me, and I genuinely want to build a community of likeminded individuals that can travel with each other.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
How I have found mentors in the past, was interacting with people that are in the place I want myself to be in. Building a relationship with them and asking for advice. If they know you are genuine and their work with you will bear fruit. They will be more than willing to help you and invest in your success.

I have done this online as well. I find accounts that I want to be like ‘when I grow up’ and reach out to them. Comment on their posts, etc.

Pricing:

• I can help you plan your trip! Price ranges from $250 – $600
• I work with brands – Starting at $250 – $450+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aworldjotraveled.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aworldjotraveled
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aworldjotraveled