Hi! I’m Julie, the founder of Trips of Dover, where I create unforgettable travel experiences centered around three of my greatest passions—sports, music, and food.

My journey to becoming a travel advisor started when I took a step back from a 13-year sales career to figure out what truly excites me. 

I grew up in Clemmons, NC, the youngest of three kids, with an older brother who played all the things. Before I was old enough to compete myself, I spent years on the sidelines watching him.When I finally got my turn, I dove into everything—dance, swimming, softball, basketball, gymnastics, and even neighborhood hide-and-seek (which, in my opinion, was the most exhilerating).

By high school, I had to narrow it down, so I took a leap into something new—cross country. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. As a freshman, I finished second in the state, and over the next four years, I earned All-State honors each year and helped my team win a 4A state championship. Running led me to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I competed in cross country and track. There, I earned multiple All-ACC honors while being surrounded by some of the most talented athletes in the country.

But my sports story didn’t stop with running. In my final semester at UNC, I decided to try out for the most dominant dynasty in sports history—the UNC women’s soccer team. I was, by all accounts, a terrible soccer player, but somehow, they let me on the team, and I got to be part of a national championship-winning squad. That experience cemented my love for both elite competition and the joy of being part of something bigger than myself.

Even in adulthood, sports remain central to my life. I’ve traded running for tennis, a sport that keeps my competitive fire alive. And while I never had time to learn an instrument as a kid, I made up for it by picking up the cello just before the COVID lockdown—and I’ve been taking lessons ever since.

And then, of course, there’s food. I’ve always had a strong appetite (probably thanks to all that swimming as a kid), and I fully embrace my FOMO when it comes to eating. I never want to waste a meal on something mediocre—whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall tasca in Lisbon or a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tuscany, I just want the food to be good. Thankfully, my husband, Kevin, shares my obsession with great food, unforgettable sports moments, and live music, making us the perfect travel duo.

With Trips of Dover, I bring together all these passions to curate trips that immerse you in the best flavors, sounds, and games around the world. Whether it’s a food tour in London, a tennis tournament in Indian Wells, or a concert at Red Rocks, I’m here to make sure you have the opportunity for experiences that you’ll talk about for years to come.