50 States by 50 Challenge: Rediscovering My Own Backyard

For the longest time, I was laser-focused on visiting as many countries as possible. I could rattle off my favorite international destinations, the incredible people I met, and the unforgettable experiences I had—but when someone asked how many U.S. states I’d been to? I couldn’t tell you. That realization hit me hard.

Then came the pandemic, which forced me to slow down and re-evaluate the way I travel. That old mindset of “I need to see the world” slowly shifted into something more grounded: “I want to explore what’s in my own backyard.”

Enter: The 50 States by 50 Years Challenge

Have you heard of the challenge to visit all 50 states by the time you turn 50? I’m not sure where I first came across it—probably during one of my trips—but once I started counting how many states I’d visited, I stumbled across a Washington Post article that sparked something in me.

The writer shared that some of their favorite travel memories came from random, unplanned trips to new states—simply because they were new. That curiosity led them to discover the All Fifty States Club. When they joined in 2017, the club had about 2,800 members. As of March 2022, it has over 8,000 members. If you know me, then you know I love a challenge and finding this club was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Why We Travel

If you’re a fellow traveler, you’ve probably had people ask: Why do you travel so much? There may not always be a clear “why,” but there's always a sense of purpose. That same article included a quote that stuck with me:

“If you have an open mind and an adventurer’s spirit, every place has something worth your time.”

I couldn’t agree more. Every new place brings unfamiliar sights, cultures, and stories—and that feeling of discovery is addictive in the best way. Traveling gives me a kind of adrenaline rush I can only compare to a natural high. There is always somewhere new to explore, someone new to meet, and a reason to keep going. Finding the All Fifty States Club gave me even more motivation to keep exploring my own country.

Where I’m At Now

So far, I’ve been to 33 states—which means I’m only two away from becoming eligible for the All Fifty States Club!

This fall, I’m checking Alaska off the list. I’ll be visiting my wedding venue just outside Denali National Park, and I plan to spend a day fishing with a local guide (bucket list moment, for sure). That leaves just one more state to go before I officially join the club.

Naturally, I’m already thinking about where that final state should be. I’d love to make it a festive, cozy, Christmas-season trip—something with major Hallmark Channel vibes. And yes, I have a running list of U.S. destinations that are especially magical at Christmastime. (It’s practically a sub-bucket list at this point.)

Want to Join Me?

Curious how many states you’ve been to? Use this fun tool to count: How Many States Have You Been To?

Now that you know about the All Fifty States Club, does it make you want to travel more within the U.S.? Have any underrated, off-the-beaten-path recommendations? I’d love to hear them—especially for the states I haven’t yet explored.

What’s been your favorite trip or place in the United States so far? Drop a comment or message me—I want to know! Be sure to follow along here as I take on the 50-state challenge and share what I did, what I ate, and the memories I made in each one.

Here’s to rediscovering America, one state at a time. 🇺🇸Now scroll down to see which states I’ve already crossed off the list!

UPDATE:

Since I originally wrote this post in 2023, I’m excited to share that I’ve officially visited 38 states—and I’ve joined the All Fifty States Club! 🙌

It’s been such a rewarding challenge, and crossing that milestone felt like more than just checking boxes on a list. Every trip added something unique to my journey—whether it was the people I met, the beauty of unexpected places, or the joy of seeing my son experience new corners of the country with me.

I’m still going strong with my goal to visit all 50 states before I turn 50, and now I get to do it as a proud member of a community that celebrates exploring every part of the U.S. Can’t wait to keep sharing these adventures with you!