Hi, I’m Jill!

I’m based in San Antonio, Texas, where I live with my husband and two teens, although I’m usually somewhere else. 

My love of travel and the realization that the world is big started in my early twenties when I joined the United States Air Force. Although my service took me to some places that haven’t exactly made the lists of top vacation spots, the beauty and privilege of seeing other cultures and spaces outside my hometown have made me who I am. 

I’m often asked about my favorite destination or travel experience and for me, that’s like admitting you have a favorite child. I have three kids and three things are true: I always have a favorite, the favorite changes daily, sometimes hourly, and I’ll never spill who the favorite is. While I feel the same about travel, I can share that some of my most memorable travel experiences include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, driving a jeep up a boulder in Utah, riding a Mardi Gras float in Louisiana, and photographing street cats in Morrocco’s “blue city.”

I’ve been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Fortune Magazine, Travel + Leisure, and Love What Matters. My writing has appeared in Fodor’s Travel, AAA Texas, Business Insider, San Antonio Magazine, and many other print and digital publications. If you’d like to work with me, please check out my Media Kit.

Welcome to Jill Goes. I’m not sure where the next adventure is going to take us but I’m excited you’re along for the fun. 

Fun Facts

  • This site was formerly known as Ripped Jeans and Bifocals, which I started in 2014 shortly after we adopted my two sons. It was time for an update.
  • I’m married, with three kids and two grandkids. 
  • I’m a rabid Detroit Lions fan and firmly believe that yes, they will win a Superbowl in my lifetime.
  • My favorite food is Tex-Mex but I won’t eat it outside of South/Central Texas because I’m a snob.
  • My favorite thing to do when traveling solo is to order room service because it feels like such an adult thing to do.
  • I love 80’s glam metal/hair bands and I’ve seen Mötley Crüe live four times.
  • I don’t like beets, kale, pumpkin spice, or beer that tastes like fruit.
  • Although I’ve been on 10+ Disney cruises and a member of the Disney Vacation Club, do not call me a “Disney adult.” Ever. 
  • Flying first class has ruined me for economy forever. I still sit back there but I’m grumpy about it. 
  • I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Park University in Missouri with a degree in Social Psychology that I’ve never used.
  • I dislocated my ankle in 2023 and the hardest thing about recovering has been the fear of falling again. 
  • I have a love/hate relationship with social media. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram if you want a new, inconsistent social media friend.