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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2019 in Review: A Year of Travel, Stories & Life
Twenty nineteen. What a year. What a long year. With political, social, and environmental issues at the forefront under a constant barrage of headlines and the 24/7 newscycle, it’s a little hard to look back on the year as a whole. But if we don’t look back – on society as a society and on ourselves as individuals, we can’t appreciate how far we’ve come or learn from our missteps. That’s why I write an annual recap each year. It’s tying a bow on the year, making a mark that this time is over, and the next chapter is about to begin. By the numbers, 2019 included: Visits to 6 countries…
One Year On: How Bourdain’s Death Changed My Life
It's been one year since Tony Bourdain died, and my life is completely different. I wanted to share why that happened.
Announcing Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism
Curious what it takes to write a book for Lonely Planet? Learn about Dark Skies: A Practical Guide for Astrotourism, the book I wrote and how it came to be.
Introducing Mr. Valise: My #1 Travel Buddy & Life Partner
Curious about Mr. Valise, my #1 travel buddy and life partner? Here's an introduction to Mr. V and our relationship history, for interested readers!
A Mantra for 2019 for Writing, Travel & Life
Want to set a yearly mantra? Learn about my 2019 mantra and why I chose "reach" to inspire the coming year -- plus how to set your own mantra for 2019.
2018 in Review: A Year of Stories, Photos & More
As 2018 ends, let's look back over the year. Here's a recap of my travels, stories, and other delcious details packed into a post of my 2018 in review.
A Mantra for 2018: Work, Travel, and Life
Once again, it's time to set a yearly mantra for 2018. Learn which words I considered this year, and the word I finally end up choosing as my mantra.
In Celebration of My Mom: 7 Before 70
On my mom's birthday, I asked her to share goals with us. Here is her '7 Before 70' list to work on in the next decade of her life!
On My 30th Birthday: The Conclusion of 30 Before 30
After my 30th Birthday, it's time to look back on my 30 Before 30 challenge. Was I able to achieve my goals? What happens to the ones I didn't finish?