Meet the Gallivanting Souls: Mike & Kristina
Our Mission: Empowering Travelers with Honest Reviews
We’re Mike and Kristina, the Gallivanting Souls.
We’re passionate Gen X travelers who believe the best part of the empty nest is the freedom to explore the world together.
As a husband-and-wife duo with over 20 voyages under our belts, we specialize in planning trips for diverse groups—from romantic getaways to complex, multigenerational family vacations.
Our Mission is Simple: To empower every traveler with honest, in-depth reviews of the two most crucial parts of any cruise vacation: Thrilling Shore Excursions and Mouthwatering Specialty Dining.
We share insider knowledge, budget strategies, and hard-earned lessons to ensure your journey is filled with unforgettable, lifelong memories, not stress.
Kristina: The Storyteller & Experience Seeker
Hi, I’m Kristina—just your average Jane with a suitcase full of stories and a deep belief that great travel should be accessible, not intimidating or out of reach.
For years, I’ve been the friend sharing pins, itineraries, and restaurant recommendations.
I started Gallivanting Souls to share real, non-influencer-polished advice.
I’ve made mistakes, learned lessons the hard way, and figured out how to travel well on a budget without missing a destination’s soul.
My travel recipe is “Cruises and off-the-beaten-path adventures – with a sprinkle of unexpected fun!”
I crave immersive experiences, whether I’m holding a sloth in Roatán or finding the best street tacos in a new city.
I share the wins and the hiccups so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
My Goal: To guide you like a friend would. No gatekeeping.
No fluff.
Just honest tips, real stories, and budget strategies to make your journey smoother.
This photo shows Mike sitting at the helm of our chartered 12-passenger sailboat, Navegante, with the wind in his hair and a big smile on his face.
We all agreed that booking our own tour in Puerto Vallarta was the best choice!
Mike: The Itinerary Master & Unexpected Adventurer
Mike, the mastermind behind our meticulously planned itineraries, is the organized anchor of our adventures.
Beneath his calm exterior lies a surprising sense of spontaneity that has flourished in our empty nest chapter.
Take the Panama Canal cruise: Mike, who usually avoids the spotlight, ended up circled up for the Hairy Chest Contest.
He embraced the absurd with gusto!
He didn’t win, but the laughter and cheers became his true trophies.
Mike reminds me that travel isn’t just about the itinerary; it’s about embracing unexpected moments, big or small.
From chartering our own sailboat in Puerto Vallarta to building intricate Lego cities at home, he brings a perfect mix of careful planning and insatiable curiosity to every journey we take.
Mike reminds me that travel isn’t just about itineraries; it’s about embracing unexpected adventures, big or small.
Who knows, maybe our next adventure will bring a hidden gem or a long-lost Lego set, thanks to Mike’s insatiable curiosity.
What we share
Travel Tips
Cruise Tips
Vacation planning
Port Information
Destinations
Home Port info
New Cruiser info
Tours
Budget Travel
Travel Stories
Packing
Travel Advise
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