Why did I fly solo, all the way to the other side of the world, to Thailand? Well, when certain situations align, it’s hard not to think it’s meant to be. That was the cadence for the time leading up to, and throughout, the entire two weeks I was gone. Afterwards, as I was reflecting on the journey, all I could really say was ‘wow’. Don’t you just love it when things work out so well?! To give you a little background story, my neighbors met in Thailand during the 1970s. She was a native and he was stationed there with the military. Over the years, they have told many stories about Thailand, an ..read more

Creating a teen getaway in Portsmouth, Ohio is a perfect opportunity to share some quality time together as a family. The teen years go SO FAST!! Busy schedules (work, sports, school…) can make for fleeting moments of together time. Being intentional is key. BUTTTT, the big question always pops up ~ what activities can we do that everyone is going to enjoy in the middle of winter in Ohio?!?! We found ourselves checking all the boxes and more during our weekend in Portsmouth. It’s a perfect teen getaway destination for indoor fun!! Here’s what we accomplished: Quality Time together Friendly co ..read more

Our recent trip to Blue Ridge, Georgia revealed more pleasant surprises than we could have imagined. We found this quintessential southern town near the Georgia/Tennessee border to be brimming with life and hospitality. Initially, the reason for visiting Blue Ridge was to pick up our daughter at the summit of Springer Mountain. She thru hiked the ENTIRE Appalachian Trail (2200 miles) and this would be the culminating destination. After spending three days in the area, we all agreed that a return visit needs to be scheduled. There are so many options for entertainment, and it is always changing ..read more

Portland, Oregon can be seen with multiple lenses. When a city’s motto is ‘Keep Portland Weird’ one can’t help but wonder what is in store. We made it our mission to find as many weird gems as possible in our two-day exploration. On the contrary, we found the city to be quite wonderful. Big cities can be overwhelming. Where to go, where to stay and how to get around are all common concerns. Let me help you take the guesswork out of your trip. I have used affiliate links within this article. They help both of us! Thanks in advance for using them. Let’s be weird in Portland OregonTransportation ..read more

Creating a literary tour in Portland, Oregon encompasses an eclectic range of opportunities. For book lovers, literary tours are all the rage. These destinations can include authors’ homes, places that a book was based on, exquisite libraries, bookstores and much, much more. Portland has been an up-and-coming city for well over a century. Because of this, education and literature play a predominant role. As I walk you through this literary vacation, you’ll see how age-old entities are now reappearing as ideal destinations to give traveling bookworms their fix. Securing Lodging for the Literary ..read more

Serendipity plays out in such beautiful ways. This time, the orchestra played its parts in Logan, Ohio. Hocking Hills is a huge destination for over six million visitors a year. Hiking, kayaking, rappelling, boating, and relaxing are just some of the reasons so many travel to the area. During the summer of 2022, I came across the downtown store, Gifts That Give Back. I loved the concept behind this fairtrade business and obviously loved what they represented. A small seed was planted that if I found a lodging facility that gave back, I could include this store in the voluntourism itinerary. Fa ..read more

If you are thinking about starting your own Airbnb, you’ve come to the right spot. Initially, the thought can be intimidating: decorating, cleaning, scheduling and advertising. As with all big projects, you just have to break it down into pieces and work your way through the process. Airbnb does offer a referral program. By using my link, both of us will receive a sign up bonus. That’s an extra $40 in your pocket just for signing up! Buying your property For this article, we are assuming you have already purchased your property. Because Airbnb options are so varied, this property could include ..read more

The Mall of America can be the perfect destination for families with teens. Thrilling teenagers can be tricky when it comes travel. The ultimate goal is to have a great time together and create lasting memories. With generational differences, finding common ground sometimes takes a little thinking outside the box. I sometimes use affiliate links in my content. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! The Mall of America, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a prime destination for fun, thrill ..read more

Heading to Bowling Green, Ohio? Knowing where to stay can be your biggest decision of a trip. Most of us realize that not all lodging experiences are created equal. The places that make us feel welcomed and give that cozy feeling are the ones that create a vacation that ranks high on our lists. The Refreshing Mid Century Modern Airbnb does just that. The owner goes above and beyond. The little touches of convenience, along with pops of era décor, create a wonderful vibe. We were graciously hosted for a girls’ overnight excursion. This was our launching ground for exploring Bowling Green. It is ..read more

Tuscarawas County has to be one of the most diverse counties in Ohio when it comes to activities. This is especially true when you take into account that it does not border on one of Ohio’s larger cities. It’s located near Interstate 77 on the eastern side of the state making its mark for all to discover. Day trips are always great, but if you’re planning to really savor what Tuscarawas County has to offer, I recommend no less than three full days. Each city, town and village is worth checking out. With no particular agenda in mind, walking the sidewalks will give you the opportunity to stop i ..read more