JOURNAL

I’m Claudia, a Costa Rica native with a lifelong passion for exploration. My journey into the realm of international travel was set in motion when I was just nine months old and my parents took me on an adventure to Los Angeles. I was fortunate to grow up in a family where travel was not just a luxury, but a way of life. From week-long beach escapades to annual trips to Florida or California, wanderlust was woven into the fabric of my childhood (I recognize the privilege in this and am eternally grateful for the opportunities I was born into).

Upon graduating high school, my thirst for knowledge and new experiences led me to the United States, where I was awarded a full-ride scholarship at the University of the Ozarks, in Arkansas. Life, however, isn’t without its curveballs. In the early 2000s, I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS), a chapter of my life that has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.

In 2017, I married the love of my life, Ricky. As a DINK couple (double income, no kids), we both hold full-time jobs and have learned to masterfully plan our travels around school calendars (Ricky is a special education teacher) and the limited vacation days most companies offer.

One of the things I relish most about traveling is the meticulous planning that goes into it. There’s a certain magic in finding the cheapest tickets (like the time we flew to Hawaii for $50 round trip) and crafting the perfect itinerary. Our friends often ask for our well-curated Google docs which have now become their travel lifelines. So I thought, why not share these gems with all of you?

My TS can sometimes intensify during trips due to the increased sensory stimulation, so learning to navigate the symptoms while savoring new experiences has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. When contemplating how to best share my experiences with TS, the intersection of my love for travel and my diagnosis always springs to mind. That’s a glimpse of what I’ll be sharing on this site: a blend of travel tips, personal experiences, and insights into life with TS, all wrapped up in a journey of discovery and personal growth. Welcome aboard!

Meet the Traveler Behind Lumière

Claudia Porras

Hey y’all! I’ve spent years exploring the world across 18 countries, 5 continents, and 25 national parks, documenting many of those journeys through my blog, The Tourette Traveler. My experiences navigating travel with Tourette Syndrome shaped the way I approach planning: thoughtfully, realistically, and with deep respect for how people actually move through the world.

Through Lumière, I design journeys that balance adventure, rest, culture, and meaningful moments, because the most memorable trips aren’t just about where you go, but how the experience stays with you.

Where in the world are you dreaming about next?

Tell me where your mind keeps wandering and what kind of experience you’re hoping for. I’ll help you turn those ideas into a trip that feels thoughtful, balanced, and genuinely yours.