living proof of God's grace & living free to share hope, encouragement & adventures
A while back, I wrote a blog post on pre-travel anticipation. (Go read that first, if you haven’t already.) And now, I want to add to it. The other day while reading this John Piper devotional, it hit me that the even greater key to living for today and not living for future travels is …
If you’ve ever thought: Gee, I’d like to visit several countries in a week! ...this post is for you. One thing I’ve learned from my solo travels is how much I can see in just one day. All it takes is an eagerness to explore and the stamina to stay in GO mode. Multiply that …
Continue reading One Week in Europe? How to Create an Itinerary for Four Countries
I spent an entire week in Switzerland back in May 2018, and put a whole lotta effort into creating the perfect itinerary. But, the perfect itinerary also includes time for spontaneity—which is why I’m not surprised that my list of favorite Swiss experiences includes both planned and unplanned things. These are the highlights of my …
Continue reading Best Places to Visit in Switzerland: Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, & Zurich
It’s a given. No two people have the exact same recommendations for a travel destination. Naturally, there will be some duplicates, but we all just have our preferences. Before my O’ahu trip, lots of folks reached out with quite the variety of recommendations. Some recs I tried. Some I didn’t. But all were appreciated! They …
Continue reading My Top Recommendations for Oahu: Food, Beaches, & Hikes
I am a planner. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love the spontaneous moments of life! It’s just that the planning comes naturally. It’s instinctual. So, you better believe I plan for trips—especially those international ones! I go all travel agent and even put together a full itinerary by day. BUT, before you start thinking, …
Continue reading 7 Tips on How to Be a More Spontaneous Traveler
Did you know that yesterday was World Tourism Day? I didn't… till Twitter told me. Those trending hashtags always keep me in the know! Sooooo, in honor of #worldtourismday (better late than never, eh?), I thought I’d write a quick post on how NOT to be a tourist – just to challenge the norm. When …
Continue reading How Not to Look Like a Tourist When You Travel: 5 Tip
Where did you spend Museum Day Live? Me? I paid a visit to The Ringling in Sarasota, FL. Because, HELLO. Free admission! That’s right. The Smithsonian Mag’s 13th annual Museum Day Live was Saturday, September 23, and a BUNCH of museums around the country were FREE. Who doesn't love free?! I hadn’t visited The Ringling grounds …
Continue reading Visiting The Ringling and Ca d’Zan in Sarasota for Museum Day Live
Exactly one year ago today, I took my first real solo trip. By real, I mean out of my city, out of my state, road trip style, big girl trip. Savannah, GA had long been on my bucket list – even back when I lived in Michigan. Also on my bucket list? A solo, crossing-state-lines …
Continue reading Things to Do in Savannah Georgia: My First Solo Trip
The other night, I never went to bed. Instead, I went to Blowing Rocks. The first time I saw a photo of Blowing Rocks Preserve, I added it to my bucket list. And, funny thing. Once I did, I started noticing more and more Instagram photos of this rocky, limestone beach—many taken at dawn, given …
I just realized I haven’t been on a roller coaster in 3 ½ years. Three and a half years. Guys. This is completely unacceptable! As one who will take on the tallest, fastest anything, I’m having major thrill ride withdrawals. Funny, though, I hated roller coasters from the age of eight to eighteen. Funnier still …
Continue reading Best Roller Coasters in the World on My Bucket List
adventure and the girl 