About Me: Let’s get personal.
Hola, Friends! Welcome to Traveling in Spanglish, my name is a Joana (although some of my friends call me Josie, too!).
I’m a forty-something Latina, born in The Bronx and currently based in Tampa, Florida. I’m the wife of a pretty incredible man, Aaron, and “mami” to two amazing kiddos, Noah and Juliana, whom I have had the privilege of homeschooling. I own and manage a successful Airbnb in Italy called Casa Querencia, I teach literature and history to high schoolers, and I travel every single chance I get.
I love learning about people and their cultures, eating good food, traveling in style and discovering scenic views. I’m always on mission to find the world’s most enchanting street art and beautifully ornate doors, one travel adventure at a time. At any given moment you can find me singing, dancing, laughing out loud, walking with my nose stuck in a book, or loving on my family & friends.
This passion is what transformed Traveling in Spanglish from a blog where I shared my historias from the road into a platform where I now create and lead curated travel experiences around the world.
Why, Spanglish?
Growing up, I felt like I bounced around between two worlds (mainstream America and Latin society). I put a lot of energy into learning about the cultural communities all around me so that I could figure out where I fit; where “home” was.
As I’ve aged, I’ve realized that “fitting in” isn’t necessary for me anymore. I’m a beautiful American hybrid, a colorful combination of the cultures around me—the very personification of Spanglish!
Hence, the name of this site.
The love for exploring different cultures has remained, and that’s why travel has become such an important part of my life.
“Spanglish” is my travel language!
My Professional Side: Expertise in Every Itinerary
When you travel with me, you’re not just following an itinerary — you’re stepping into an experience thoughtfully designed with care, cultural insight, and years of real-world travel expertise.
I’m a trilingual professional who has spent years exploring and building connections across cultures. From managing complex logistics to leading small-group cultural tours in Italy, I focus on creating experiences that feel seamless, immersive, and genuinely joyful. My fluency in Español and conversational Italiano allows me to connect more deeply with the people and places we visit — because the best travel happens when we go beyond the surface.
I am also a licensed Seller of Travel (Registration #ST466159), which means every journey I lead is managed with the highest level of professionalism, transparency, and security.
Working conmigo means traveling with someone who understands the rhythm of international travel — the details, the language, the unexpected moments — and who knows how to turn them into something unforgettable.
My Promise to You
Authentic adventures. Thoughtfully curated. Led with corazón.
For years, I’ve shared my travels through blogging and YouTube — telling stories from the road, capturing cultures, and inviting people to see the world through my lens. These tours are simply the next step in that journey: an opportunity to travel together, not just follow along from afar.
As your guide, I promise to create experiences rooted in real cultural connection — the kind that happens around long tables, village piazzas, and quiet moments when a place finally reveals itself.
Every journey is intentionally curated with care, insider knowledge, and professional expertise so that your time in Italy feels seamless, immersive, and unforgettable. From our first hola to our final toast together, my goal is simple: for you to be fully present in the experience — exploring, connecting, and making memories sin estrés.
In other words… I got you. 🙂
¡Vámonos! Let’s make this aventura happen, together.
From corazón to destino.
xoxo,
Joana
