Meet Brittany Ryan: Travel Blogger & Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Ryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain (The author of this quote is actually disputed but Mark Twain is often attributed to it.) This quote reflects my entire outlook on life. It reflects my values, dreams, and desires. Additionally, it perfectly captures the spirit of travel. When I was in high school, I asked myself what I feared most in life. The answer that came to mind was “regret”. I never wanted to wake up one day, reflect back on my life, and realize that I had not fully lived it. Not only does this quote beautifully capture the spirit of adventure but it also captures the spirit of learning and growing. It encourages us to connect with the world around us, conquer our fears, and brave the unknown.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a travel guide both literally and figuratively. I teach women how to create a life well-lived – a life that we can look back on and be proud of, without any regret. I’ve traveled around the globe, visiting 18 countries (so far), and I share my passion for jet set living through my blog and podcast on global travel and personal development. But I haven’t always lived the jet set life. As a young adult, I started seeing things through an unhealthy lens of comparison. What started as a motivating desire for self-improvement snowballed into a destructive habit of constant comparison. Grades, looks, athleticism, wealth – you name it – I wanted to be the best in every possible way. This toxic thinking led me down a very dark path where I started to compare my weight with others – not just with classmates, but also with magazine covers. I started believing that being ridiculously thin was what made me special, what set me apart from others. Controlling my weight demonstrated my unique propensity for discipline. My days were spent obsessing over calories, severely limiting my food intake, and sticking to an insane exercise regime. My inner dialogue of self-loathing and envy consumed me. I had become a shadow of who I once was, and I was far from living the life that I had always dreamed. Once in college, I observed my beautiful and smart sorority sisters living their best life. They were having fun, making memories, and making lifelong friendships. I wanted that too. I finally found the courage to break free from the mental prison I had created for myself. I began re-defining what a life well-lived looked like. I had an epiphany – I started to realize that life wasn’t about attaining impossible levels of perfection; it was about meaningful connection. It was about the time spent sharing love and laughter, making treasured memories, and seizing opportunities. I wanted to make up for lost time, and I wasn’t going to waste it ever again. So, I signed up for a study abroad program in the UK – my first time to travel outside the country. And little did I know, my jet set life had begun. During my first visit to Europe, I was enchanted by their way of life. I felt as though I had stumbled upon the world’s paradise. It seemed as though people had discovered the secret to life there. After a couple of days of exploring, I sat down in a bistro and ordered wine and a charcuterie board. I could just pinch myself, I was so thrilled to finally be in Europe. I was taking in all the sights and people around me. I saw stylish ladies engaged in conversation over a long lunch, a young couple in love strolling along the promenade, a child frolicking near a fountain, a group of friends enjoying a picnic next to a literal castle. They all seemed to be so blissfully happy. They seemed to “get it.” Get what was important in life. Their lives were slower than the constant hustle and bustle that I knew back home. They took time to connect with each other, they took time to be healthy and outdoors, they took time to truly LIVE. As I sipped my wine and watched the people go by, it became clear that this was how I needed to live my life. No more mentally punishing myself for not being thin enough, pretty enough, smart enough, rich enough. No more wallowing in a sea of guilt. I needed to focus on the blessing and gifts of this world, the incredible beauty it holds, and the amazing people in it. I could no longer live in a world of delayed happiness and delayed gratification. I needed to be a woman who was truly living out in the world and not in her head. It was time to actually be the woman I had always dreamed I would become. No more waiting for the perfect figure, the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect man. Instead I embraced the here and now. I created a new vibrant lifestyle for myself – a life full of celebration and appreciation for life’s little pleasures, like laughing with friends, sharing memories with family, traveling the world, feeling moved by music, and savoring a culinary delight. I focused on all the wonderful things I had, and I let go of what I didn’t have. I released myself from the false burdens I created out of self-sabotage. A weight was lifted. And I could now flourish. The jet set life is the trip of a lifetime – it’s an adventure where we explore what it means to seize the day and live life to the fullest. A jet set life is vibrancy personified. It’s a life full of curiosity and wonder for the world. It’s a life full of grace, gratitude, and grandeur. Being a jet setter means that you seek beauty, passion, and purpose – and no one can stop you from achieving it. Jet setters collect meaningful experiences and develop cross-cultural relationships from all around the world because it enriches us. I’ve created a community of jet set women who are explorers at heart and aren’t afraid to venture into the unknown. We are a growing collective of women who want a life full of travel, celebration, joy, inner peace, and thanks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the new Legacy West area – it’s the perfect area for a luxury staycation and it’s where I recently celebrated my bachelorette party. The best part of staying in Legacy West is that once you’ve check in, there’s plenty to do for the whole weekend without every needing an Uber or Lyft. Where to Stay: Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel An upscale blend of cosmopolitan luxury and modern décor, the Renaissance in Legacy West is the ideal place to stay for a weekend getaway. Designed with Asian and Texas influences, the look of this hotel is unique and luxurious but still warm and inviting. Relax with a crafted cocktail by their rooftop pool or on their patio by the fire pit. Take in the views with floor-to-ceiling windows in every high-tech room, complete with a marble bathroom and large shower with chromotherapy lighting. Where to Shop: You can’t go to Legacy West without checking out some of the luxury shops they have to offer. Stroll down Windrose Avenue, where you get to see new model Tesla’s driving through, since the Tesla gallery is located there. Take a break at the Starbucks Reserve for a special treat of superb snacks and rare coffees. Neighborhood Goods A different take on department stores, Neighborhood Goods features entrepreneurs’ unique goods, including fashion, accessories, beauty, home décor, family, wellness, and consumer tech. All within an experiential lounge setting, shop goods and gifts while sipping on a Neighborhood Mule from the in-home restaurant, Prim & Proper. Tecovas For a real Texan experience, shop handcrafted, high quality leather boots at Tecovas, an Austin brand. Their classic western design is created by artisans in a 200-step process! Beyond boots, Tecovas also offers leather duffle bags, belts, and accessories. Where to Eat: Toulouse Dining at Toulouse feels like you’ve stepped into a delectable café on the streets of Paris. This festive restaurant offers a creative and seasonal menu that will appeal to all foodies. Stop in on Friday night, Saturday night, or Sunday brunch to listen to live music from the outdoor patio which overlooks Windrose Avenue. (Don’t forget to pop upstairs and visit KAI for some bottle service and late-night snacks in their sexy and elegant lounge!) Haywire Enjoy an authentic Texas meal at Haywire. Their menu features heritage recipes made modern with locally sourced Texas ingredients. Haywire has three floors, each offering a different culinary experience. On the first floor, enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail in the whiskey lounge. Try a Wagyu Tomahawk ribeye with a glass of red on the second floor. And on the rooftop patio, you can grab brunch or have a casual dining experience. Where to Grab Drinks + Dessert: Legacy Hall No visit to Legacy West is complete without seeing Legacy Hall. This revolutionary artisanal food hall has it all. With three stories of pop-up shops, there’s a culinary delight for everyone. (A personal favorite of mine is Whisk & Eggs boasting sweet and savory French crepes.) Finish your night with some dancing around the picnic tables, listening to your favorite cover band. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am very lucky to have many supporters while I’m on my journey. From my family to my fiancé, to my friends, I have a large circle of support to keep me inspired as I try to grow a community of travelers that share the same interests and values. Creating a community of like-minded individuals can make you feel uplifted, encouraged, and motivated. It’s a safe space to learn and grow together. I’m more comfortable working independently, so I don’t naturally like to ask for help. I have to remind myself to reach out to others for guidance. Community and connection are so important. It’s crucial for our well-being and our self-realization. Having a loving support group reminds me to lean on my circle in times of challenge and celebration. I’m so grateful for the love and encouragement I’ve received, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

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