A smiling man standing outdoors with hot air balloons in the sky behind him, landscape with rock formations and mountains, during sunrise or sunset.

MEET JAKE

Born and raised in Texas (don’t worry, I left the cowboy accent back home), I now call Lisbon, Portugal home—drawn here by the light, the beaches, and, let’s be honest, the pastel de nata. When I’m not obsessively researching hotels or mapping out the perfect itinerary, you’ll probably find me with a caipirinha in hand, plotting my next adventure or calling out the world’s most overrated “hidden gems.”

I started Out There with Jake because I know firsthand how much time and money gets wasted on mediocre travel experiences. My mission? Cut through the fluff, keep it real, and make sure you never settle for average—whether you’re booking a boutique hotel, a bucket-list trip, or just your next great pastry.

Why ‘Skip Average’ Matters

Travel shouldn’t mean settling. After too many “luxury” hotels that missed the mark and “must-see” spots that weren’t, I realized people with taste deserve more—more honesty, more substance, and more value for their time and money. Out There with Jake exists to help you skip the research rabbit holes and avoid the mediocre. I do the homework, call out what’s not worth it, and guide you to experiences actually worth your standards.

Travel, But With Standards

Most travel content is built for algorithms, not real people. Out There with Jake is different. I vet every property and experience with a critical eye—prioritizing thoughtful design, true quality, and honest value. No fluff, no mediocrity, just curated recommendations that fit your style and standards. Because you deserve travel that lives up to your taste.

Mission & Vision: No Average Vacations

Vision: To be the go-to advisor for travelers who value substance over status, transparency over trends, and real experiences over hype.

Mission: To create trips for people who refuse to settle for average—delivering honest, design-forward recommendations that make every journey memorable.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!