Hi there 👋🏼 I’m Divya!

I am the founder of Weekend Wanderers and am based in the San Francisco Bay Area and currently loving the California life. I am originally from the colorful south of India and an only child with a big love for creativity—something I got from my parents, who inspired my early love of art, culture, writing, and photography. Growing up, like many immigrants, I was all about academics, with my sights set on top schools and a career that would make me an independent adult. Back then, travel and the outdoors weren’t really on my radar—my focus was mainly on reaching my goals close to home.

A snap with mum and dad at graduation.
I loved colors as a kid – that umbrella was my favorite accessory
Aditya and I at the Hobbitton set in New Zealand. The first international trip we took.

Eventually, that path led me to Stanford University for my Master’s, and then to a career in Silicon Valley, where I work in the software industry and genuinely enjoy what I do. Still, my job doesn’t quite feed my creative side, so I started looking for new ways to bring that spark back.

In 2016, I met Aditya, and everything shifted. We discovered a shared love for exploring the outdoors, trying new experiences, and immersing ourselves in nature. We got married in 2018, and since then, we’ve traveled to so many beautiful places together. Balancing our full-time careers with our passion for travel is tricky, but it’s always worth it.

Weekend Wanderers

Welcome to Weekend Wanderers—my little corner of the internet where I share my passion for travel and the outdoors, one weekend at a time. Weekend Wanderers was born from my love for travel, adventure, nature, and the simple joy of breaking free from the everyday hustle to discover something new.

With a full-time career, I know firsthand the challenge of planning meaningful trips around a busy schedule. I also know just how precious weekends and vacation days are—those perfect moments to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. Through Weekend Wanderers, my hope is to inspire you to step outside, explore, and make thoughtful, sustainable choices along the way.

Here, you’ll find curated travel guides, destination itineraries, bucket lists, hidden gems, tips for outdoor adventures, and, best of all, a community of like-minded explorers. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or dreaming of your next big adventure, Weekend Wanderers is here to help you make every moment count.

We love hot springs, onsens and spas to wind down our day after a hike or an adventure!
On our first backpacking adventure on the beautiful California’s Lost Coast
Our stay in Japan’s country side had the best tea view and our host was the kindest we’ve ever met!

How we travel

Nature Nerds

After moving to the U.S. and spending more than a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re all about that outdoor life. Whether it’s hitting the trails or camping under the stars, nature is our happy place – and let’s be honest, nothing makes life’s little worries feel smaller than staring up at a mountain (or realizing you’re lugging a way-too-heavy backpack on a 10-mile hike). We try to get out there and backpack at least once a year, because fresh air and wide-open spaces are always worth it!

DIY Itinerary Junkies

Guided tours? Not our style. We’re all about winging it (with a solid plan, of course). We love the freedom to roam around on our own, meeting the locals, make a wrong turn here or there, and stumble upon hidden gems along the way. It’s all part of the adventure! Give us an empty itinerary and we’ll fill it to the brim with places to explore, spots to eat, and maybe even the occasional detour that turns into the best story.

At Grey Glacier in Chile after 4 full days of backpacking!
We trained to jump off waterfalls in the glow worm caves of New Zealand
My first Piranha catch in the Amazonian forest of Peru
Backpacking in California’s Desolation Wilderness
Local enthusiasts

There’s no better travel guide than the locals we meet on our trips. We’re the kind of travelers who like to stay in cozy airbnbs, camps or hostels, strike up a chat with the café barista, and ask locals for their favorite hidden spots. Some of our best stories come from those unplanned recommendations – the trail that only the locals seem to know about, the town with the cutest sheep or the bakery with best treats.

Budget-Friendly (With a Sprinkle of Splurge)

Most of the time, we’re all about keeping it budget-friendly so we can explore more places. But hey, if a luxurious night under the stars or a fancy meal with a view calls our name, we’re game (just maybe not every trip!).

We try to travel with family in India every time we visit
Backpacking and camping is my favorite way of traveling with friends! And yes, we do plan everything ourselves!
Hot springs at sunrise in the Eastern Sierras of California
Traveling with Friends

We love traveling with friends—it’s just different, in the best way possible. Sure, coordinating plans can get tricky, but there’s something so special about experiencing new places with people you care about. Shared memories have this magical way of becoming even more meaningful. Plus, friends who travel together stay together, don’t they? Be it mapping out a quick weekend escape or planning an epic adventure, we’re all about creating experiences that leave us with stories to laugh about for years to come.

Partner with me!

If you loved my story and want to work with me, drop a message on my Instagram or get in touch here.