JSL Travels

Hi, I’m Simona!
I’m a plant-based mom and the voice behind JSL Travels, where I share our family’s adventures, travel stories, and tips on eating vegan while on the go. Having spent half my life in the USA and half in Europe, I’m a walking blend of both cultures. Now based in the Czech Republic, our bags are always packed for the next adventure.

Together with my husband, Lukas, and our adventurous son, Jayden, we’ve made travel a way of life. When Jayden was just 9 months old, we embarked on an epic RV road trip through 15 U.S. states. Since then, we’ve explored the globe—from spending months in Asia to uncovering hidden gems across Europe.

Through the ups, downs, and all the in-betweens, we’ve learned a lot—and I’m here to share it all, from detailed itineraries and practical tips to hilarious mishaps (because, let’s face it, they happen).

What’s the Blog About?

• Itineraries That Actually Work: Skip the research—I’ve done it for you, with vegan-friendly stops included.
• Family Travel Tips: Practical, relatable advice for traveling with little ones (and keeping everyone happy and well-fed).
• Destination Guides: From iconic must-sees to hidden gems, including vegan restaurants, eco-friendly stays, and animal sanctuaries we adore.
• Vegan Food Finds: Explore plant-based eats around the globe, from vibrant street food in Asia to gourmet vegan dining in Europe.
• Events & Sanctuaries: Discover vegan festivals, animal rescue sanctuaries, and community events we’ve experienced on our travels.
• Real-Life Travel Stories: Honest, behind-the-scenes tales of toddler meltdowns, lost luggage, and our quest for vegan food in unexpected places.

Why Follow JSL Travels?

• You want tips from a family who’s been there, done that.
• You love travel but don’t have time to research “what to do” or “where to eat vegan.”
• You’re looking for vegan food recommendations, eco-friendly destinations, and ethical travel inspiration.
• You enjoy a good laugh while reading about real-life travel chaos.

Check out our full story below—we’d love to inspire your next adventure!

Growing up, I loved adventure and dreamed of traveling, but being under the tight grip of a communist regime meant my dreams were somewhat grounded. Eventually, the world opened up as communism faded into history, and travel became more than just a distant dream—it became a tangible possibility. Yet, navigating the world of visas was like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—challenging and often costly. By the time I hit the big 2-0, my passport had only seen the likes of Spain and Italy, one being a school trip.

With no money and barely speaking the language, I applied to be an au pair. Next thing I knew, I was off to explore the British countryside, armed with nothing but a sense of adventure and a whole lot of hope. The year in England was both challenging and beautiful. Old county charm, afternoon teas, and newfound friendships fueled my passion for exploration.

Then I decided on another au pair escapade, this time finding myself basking in the sunny glow of Los Angeles, California. What was meant to be a brief stint turned into an epic journey that lasted almost two decades. I fell head over heels for California and its vibrant lifestyle, and it’s also where I met Lukas. Our connection was immediate, and within just a week of knowing each other, we decided to move in together. Nearly 19 years later, we’re still here, happy together.

We’ve both put in the hard work, and it’s paid off. If you’re living in Hollywood, studying acting is a must. I scored a mix of small gigs, commercials, and soaked in all the glitz of Tinseltown. It’s surreal to recall my teenage self watching the Spice Girls on a music channel on TV (remember those big boxy TVs where you had to get up to change the channel), feeling worlds apart, only to find myself years later in Mel B’s home, being introduced to Jennifer Love Hewitt. Moments like Peta Wilson spontaneously planting a kiss on me, with Lukas trying to take the snapshot, felt like I am dreaming. Nikita had always been my favorite character, so the encounter was especially surreal.

Yet, amidst the glamour, Lukas and I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a staging company in LA when the concept was still fresh. Lukas also pursued his passion for designing and building homes. Despite our hectic schedules, we made sure to prioritize travel. Whether it was spending summers in the Czech Republic and Europe, embarking on adventures in Asia, or indulging in camping trips exploring US National Parks in our van, we always found time to explore.

In 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, our lives shifted gears with the arrival of our son, Jayden. Feeling like raising a kid in LA wasn’t our cup of tea, we sold our staging company and hit the road for one more grand trip. More than 2 months and 16 states in our van was a blast. It was our way of saying goodbye or more like – see you later. Then we packed, and with 3 dogs and baby in tow, we swapped Hollywood for the cozy streets of the Czech Republic.

Now, at three and a half, Jayden is the happiest kid when we’re on the road. He asks when we’re going back to Thailand or when he can see his friends in Sri Lanka. He even remembers all the fish he saw in Adu Badi (his pronunciation).

And why am I writing this blog? I’m here to sprinkle a bit of inspiration, urging you to hit the road, take risks, embrace your uniqueness, and above all, fall madly in love with life.