Welcome to My Life is a Journey of Escapes! I’m Betty LaMarr—a proud California girl with deep Southern roots. My story begins in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where my earliest memories include hopping on a train to California and marveling at the sight of palm trees for the very first time. That moment sparked my lifelong love affair with travel.
My first adventure beyond the U.S. borders was a trip from California to Canada, just across from Niagara Falls. Little did I know, that simple journey would ignite a wanderlust that has taken me across the globe.
Since then, I’ve explored over 50 countries and territories and lived abroad for four transformative years in South Africa. My time as an expatriate was an eye-opening chapter, reshaping my worldview and enriching my life in ways I could never have anticipated.
Redesigning My Next Chapter
Throughout my life, I’ve worn many hats—tech executive, entrepreneur, and non-profit leader. While I’ve worked hard in each role, I’ve always prioritized travel to recharge, gain fresh perspectives, and give back to others.
Now, I’m excited to share the stories, insights, and lessons I’ve gathered. Many have admired my ability to balance career, personal growth, and exploration, and I hope this blog inspires you to design your journey of escape.
In many cases, people expressed a desire to travel with me. Many saw my journeys as courageous and adventurous, while others found my stories and escapes inspiring. Through my experiences, others could envision the joy of traveling and discovering the richness of different cultures.
Escapes for the Next Chapter
On the journey into my next chapter, I am passionate about spreading the joy of travel to hardworking women. This platform was created to share my adventures and encourage others to embrace the unknown, step into a place of adventure, and discover happiness in exploring the unfamiliar.
This blog is dedicated to women over 50 who have achieved so much and are ready to pour love and joy into themselves through travel. These women recognize that Life is a Journey of Escapes! You only pass this way once—so why not savor the journey?
I know these women because I’ve met them during my time in Corporate America and as an Executive Coach. They are successful women who have worked hard, made sacrifices for their careers and families, and are now at a stage where they proclaim, “Now is My Time!” They are ready to prioritize themselves, and luxury travel is a wonderful way to do just that.
For over two decades, I’ve traveled with a group of girlfriends who share my passion for exploration. Each year, we gather somewhere in the world, continuing a tradition that began on a beach in Durban, South Africa, in 2000, where we rang in the new millennium together.
Women thrive in community, and this annual ritual is a testament to that. While the pandemic briefly paused our tradition in 2020, we’ve reignited our commitment to connecting through travel. My hope is to inspire you with the stories, tips, and encouragement you need to say, “Count me in!”