Our travel story began with romantic getaways, grew into family adventures with kids, friends, and relatives, and has now come full circle — back to just the two of us, exploring the world together.

With our children grown and off on their own journeys, we’ve entered a new chapter. Rae retired in 2020 and launched Suitcase Escapes to share our passion for travel. John’s still working full-time (for now!), but retirement is just around the corner — and with it, even more time to hit the road together.

We’re not full-time nomads, and we haven’t sold everything to travel the world — but we’ve built a lifestyle that lets us explore often, comfortably, and on our own terms.

When we’re not out discovering new places, we’re deep in research mode — reading blogs, watching vlogs, and planning our next escape. We love mixing culture, cuisine, and adventure with a splash of wellness and the occasional indulgence. Think: Thai foot massages after a long hike, 13km of white-water rafting in Bali, or sharing shisha and street food with locals down a hidden alley.

We’re fiercely independent travellers who love crafting our own itineraries, finding free self-guided gems, and occasionally joining small group tours for a social twist. John’s all about road trips and scenic drives, while Rae’s the one spotting photo ops and roadside treasures.

We believe in balance — between luxury and simplicity, adventure and relaxation, giving back and treating ourselves. From hiking national parks to supporting ethnic communities like the Hmong in Sapa, Vietnam, we travel with open hearts and curious minds.

Rae got her first passport at just nine years old — and still vividly remembers her first cruise through the dreamy South Pacific Islands with her mum and sibling in tow.

Back in the ’70s and ’80s, overseas holidays meant flipping through glossy brochures at the local travel agency. Group tours were the norm, and destinations like Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Hawaii were the go-to spots for affordable, exotic escapes.

Rae’s mum was a trailblazer — a modern, independent working woman who saved all year for a two-week adventure somewhere far-flung. Rae was lucky enough to tag along. Each year, she’d ask, “Where to this time, Mum? South Pacific, Asia, or somewhere in Oceania?”

By the time Rae hit adulthood, her sights were set on Europe. It took nearly two years of saving on a minimum wage to fund a three-month backpacking trip — solo, shoestring, and full of self-discovery. She teamed up with fellow wanderers across the European countryside, chasing freedom and connection. Back then, long-haul flights cost twice what they do today.

Meanwhile, John was carving his own path — travelling the globe for over two decades while serving in the Australian military, quietly building his own love for the world beyond home.

Fast forward a few years — Rae met John, they tied the knot… but a honeymoon wasn’t in the cards just yet. Instead, they poured their energy into raising two adventurous sons who quickly caught the travel bug too.

Like a tight-knit wolf pack, the Ronan’s hit the road (and skies) every school holiday, chasing bucket list dreams together. Even when their eldest was still toddling around in nappies, they were back exploring the Pacific Islands — proving that wanderlust doesn’t wait for convenience.

As the boys grew and started school, family holidays expanded into full-blown group adventures. Close relatives often joined in, turning trips into joyful, ten-person escapades to budget-friendly gems across Asia — from the beaches of Bali to the markets of Thailand.

The Ronan’s lived by the motto: “A family that plays together, stays together.”

Around the dinner table, they’d relive their wildest travel moments — laughing at the misadventures, near-misses, and unforgettable memories. “Remember that time when…?” became a family tradition, always followed by, “Right, where to next?”

For Rae’s 50th birthday, John pulled off the ultimate surprise — a romantic escape to the Maldives.

It was the beginning of a new chapter: travelling as a couple again, with a little more freedom and a lot more intention.

While Asia had long been a familiar favourite, Europe began calling — once a distant dream from Australia, now a thrilling reality.

Two years later, Rae returned the gesture with a six-week road trip through Italy. From the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast to the canals of Venice, and up into the majestic Dolomites, they explored it all. It was one of their most exhilarating and logistically ambitious adventures yet — and they loved every minute of it.

Since 2019, they’ve continued road-tripping through Europe, Australia, and the Pacific Islands — until COVID-19 hit pause. But now? They’re making up for lost time with even more passion and purpose.

People often ask, “What’s your favourite place in Italy?” And their answer?

It’s not about the places. It’s the people they met, the laughter they shared, and those fleeting, magical moments that made the journey unforgettable.

In 2022, we officially launched our travel and food blog, Suitcase Escapes — a space to share the stories, flavours, and unforgettable moments we’ve collected (and continue to collect) around the world.

With John’s retirement on the horizon, we’re gearing up to turn our travel dreams into full-time adventures. Whether it’s the buzz of a big city or the quiet charm of slow travel, we’re passionate about capturing it all — and bringing you along for the ride.

We’ve explored dozens of destinations and have a suitcase full of stories to tell — from hidden gems to culinary discoveries and cultural deep-dives. If you’re curious, inspired, or just love a good travel tale, we’d love for you to subscribe and follow along.

Up next: our five-week road trip through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe — exploring the landscapes, flavours, and histories of Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Want a sneak peek? Here’s a look at the route we’ll be taking — and the stories we can’t wait to tell.

We love connecting with fellow travel and food enthusiasts — your stories, questions, and feedback mean the world to us.

Whether you want to share your thoughts, ask a question, or just say hello, feel free to drop a comment on our posts or reach out directly.

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