About wanderlush travels
What we do
WanderLush Travels was born from a love of travel and an appreciation of fine spirits. We lead group tours with itineraries that highlight the world's best locales and libations. Together, we will sip and sightsee our way around the globe!
Who we are
Ken has worked in the bar business for over 25 years and loves sharing his enthusiasm for whiskey and the knowledge he has gained throughout his years in the industry. He is the owner of Cask & Ale, a whiskey lounge in Madison, WI. Offering over 950 varieties of whiskey, it is the largest whiskey bar in the state. The bar has won numerous awards, including recognition as one of America's Top Whisky Bars by Whisky Advocate and Great Bourbon Bar of the World by greatbourbon.com. It has also been named among America's Best Bourbon Bars multiple times by The Bourbon Review and has been featured in Thrillist Magazine as the best whiskey bar in Wisconsin.
Jess has a passion for travel and has been exploring the world for the nearly three decades, visiting dozens of countries across five continents. She is a Spanish professor at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI, along with a certified travel agent. She has led student and alumni groups to Spain, Argentina, Cuba, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has lived in Spain, China, and Turkey for extended periods. She greatly enjoys learning about different cuisines as well, and her latest research examines Spanish culture through the lens of food.
Why we're different
WanderLush Travels is a family-run business that promises an intimate experience that is both high-end and relaxed. Through Ken’s contacts in the industry and the connections we have made abroad, we are often able to include personalized tours, private tastings, and specialized visits unbeknownst to most tourists. Our guests will learn production and processing insights and will have the opportunity to sample and purchase products that are not widely available in the
United States.
We keep our group sizes small so that we can get to know our travel companions and have meaningful interactions with each other and with those we meet along the way. We are also able to visit exclusive sites, stay in quaint hotels, and have unique dining experiences by limiting the number of participants. Food is an important part of our tours, and each trip includes thoughtfully planned group meals that showcase the variety of culinary offerings of our destinations.
Our itineraries are carefully designed to allow travelers to see the best of each location without overscheduling our days. We include ample free time for you to explore on your own and will gladly provide suggestions and help you book customized experiences or
additional activities during your stay.
