As I decorated my Christmas tree this year, I found myself pausing at each ornament—tiny souvenirs from my BBT travels over the past three years. Every one of them carries a memory: laughter that lasted for hours, unexpected adventures, and friendships that grew faster than I ever imagined.
My name is Erin, and I’m a Grade 1 teacher from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (yes—BBT is for Canadians too!). I stumbled across BBT on Instagram shortly after the pandemic, at a time when I felt an overwhelming pull to see more of the world. As a single female traveler who identifies as more of an introvert until I find “my people,” traveling alone didn’t feel comfortable. A group of teachers, though? That felt like the perfect fit—planned, organized, and full of people who just get what it’s like to be in the classroom. And if there’s one thing teachers do well, it’s swap stories.
Over the next three summers, I said yes to three BBT adventures, saw corners of the world I never dreamed I’d reach, and met people who have now become some of my closest friends.
Summer 2023 was my leap-of-faith trip to Greece. As a longtime Mamma Mia fan, I was ready for all the sunshine and Santorini blues. Walking the black sand beaches, climbing up the Acropolis, and hiking that steep, winding path in Fira alongside the donkeys were moments I’ll never forget. That trip showed me: I can do this. And it lit a fire in me for more.
I didn’t waste time—I booked Italy for Summer 2024. That trip felt like stepping into a dream. We zipped through Rome’s winding streets and Florence’s hills in “Little Elephant,” and ate more delicious food than should be humanly possible. Italy was magical, and I honestly didn’t think any trip could top it… until Summer 2025.
The best part about BBT is that you don’t just make friends—you make repeat travel friends. So, naturally, I was convinced (looking at you, Sam McCormack) that Australia 2025 was the next big adventure. By then, my friend Amber had listened to so many of my travel stories that she joined too. In July 2025, off we went—halfway across the world—to a brand-new continent for a full month of exploring.
Australia completely stole my heart. We swam in the Great Barrier Reef. We saw kangaroos hanging out like neighborhood pets. We ate gelato for dinner… more than once. And we did things I never imagined I’d be brave enough to try. It’s also the place where I made some of my closest friends—people I wouldn’t know if not for BBT.
And now, as I look ahead to August 2026, that same friend and I—along with some of our favourite travel buddies—are headed to Peru, knowing already that it will be unforgettable.
BBT has opened up an entirely new world for me—literally and figuratively. If you’ve ever wanted to travel in a way that’s safe, organized, filled with adventure, and instantly social, take the leap. Book the trip. It might just be the beginning of memories you’ll cherish forever—and friendships that feel like you’ve known them a lifetime.
