Personal Stories
Travel isn't all itineraries, guides, packing lists, and tips/hacks.
I have some thoughts and experiences that don't fit squarely into the mold of this site, and I share them here. Read on to learn about my travel goals, my thoughts about travel, and more..
Scroll down to see them all.
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August 2023 Alaska Trip Report:
Making Lemonade from LemonsWhile it might seem from the pictures and stories here on my blog that travel is always smooth sailing, it is always my goal to show travel as it really is: a wonderful opportunity, often messy and requiring flexibility, and always memorable. Such was the case for my most recent trip to Alaska in late August 2023; almost none of it went according to plan – but everyone learned from it, and I think we each even had a good time (at least once!)...
My Yearly Mantra for Writing, Travel & Life in 2023
Here we are, at the start of another year. If you're reading this, first off: thank you. You've joined me once again on this journey we're all making through life and I'm glad to have you along the way – whether that's just this one post or another one about traveling to Alaska (or somewhere else)...
2022 in Review: My 5 Top Travel Experiences
Here we are, at the end of another year – it is astonishingly cliche to say it flew by, because it's actually a well-documented (though admittedly depressing) psychological phenomenon. 2022 was the first year since 2019 where life felt quite normal; Mr. V and I settled into our lives here in Cleveland, and I/we took several incredible trips that both helped me create better travel resources for work and enjoy the beauty of the world...
Momentum Expeditions Alaska Journal:
12 Days on the Tatshenshini & AlsekThe gentle gurgle of the river. Wind making the fireweed dance. Towering mountains in every direction. Occasional thunderous noise from a nearby glacier. Eye-popping cold water when washing my face each morning. Tucking into a delicious, warming dinner at the end of a long day...
My Yearly Mantra for Writing, Travel & Life in 2022
As we mark the beginning of a new year, I'm back to share the latest word I'll be focusing on for the coming 12 months. Will you share your word with me?
2021 in Review: A Year of Home, Travel & Writing
Here's looking back on 2021, a weird and wonderful year.
California Photo Journal: Four Years of Exploring the Golden State
As we start a new chapter in our lives, I look back on four years of living in California and all of the adventures we've had.
A Yearly Mantra for Writing, Travel & Life in 2021
Well thank goodness that year is over, right? I mean, I’m not saying it was all bad. I know many of us had small and large joys and celebrations and successes (Mr. V and I got married in July!). But we also had a really crappy year for humankind, and have so much work left to do. Normally I’m excited to celebrate the New Year and set goals and such. This year, it seems even more important. So many people didn’t make it to this new year, or lost someone they love last year. Being here at the start of a new year is a gift, and I’m very grateful…
2020 in Review: A Year of Home, Family & (a little) Travel
What. A. Year. When I sat down to start this year’s annual recap – something I do every year (here’s 2016, 2018, 2019) – I didn’t even know where to begin. I didn’t know if I wanted to begin. I can’t pretend that it wasn’t one of the most devastating years of my life – of our lives, as a species. It’s hard to look back on the year we’ve had, even when I’m trying to create a fair appraisal and highlight reel of my own year and the travels I’ve had. But I want to have this record because I will look back on 2020 in the future and try to…
