Travel Tips
I've been traveling more than half my life, and have visited nearly 30 countries.
Along the way, I've learned a few tips to help make the process of traveling more enjoyable.
Scroll down to see them all.
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What to Do in Seattle Before Your Cruise (or After It!) in 2023
When it comes to Alaska cruises, you have two southern ports to start or end your adventure: Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. While I like Vancouver well enough – and sailed north out of that port on my Windstar cruise in June 2022 – Seattle will always hold a special place in my heart, and it's the port I recommend sailing in/out of since I know the city and love helping people spend time there...
Tieks Review 2022: Are Tieks Worth the Cost?
The number one barrier to buying a pair of Tieks ballet flats is the price. Trust me, I get it. If you're reading this post or any other Tieks review, you're probably curious if a simple ballet flat can really be worth all the hype – and the price. Tieks cost $185+ per pair, after all! This isn't pocket change for most of us and is a bit scary when it's time to hit the 'Checkout' button...
The 10 Best Skagway Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
It's hard to choose, but among Alaska cruise ports, Skagway is probably my favorite. Skagway is a weird, wild, wonderful destination: it has been home to a confluence of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that dates back to the late 19th century. The best Skagway shore excursions reflect that, too...
The 9 Best Sitka Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
Located on the Pacific coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka is a bit off the main cruise routes through Southeast Alaska. While many companies do offer itineraries with a port stop in Sitka, plenty more itineraries stick to the calm waterways further inland and make other port stops like Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. If you're on this post, you may have stops in those ports of call too – but you also want to know what to do during your time in Sitka, and which Sitka shore excursions are the best...
Unbound Merino Review: Your New Essential Travel Layers?
Over the years, I've gotten worse at packing. When I first started this site, the whole premise was packing light and using a valise (a weekend bag) to explore the world – hence the name of "Valerie & Valise." I was young (and dumb), with a strong back and loads of energy; now I'm a bit more mature, with back pain and a rolling carry-on, like so many others...
The 9 Best Icy Strait Point Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
You've finally decided: 2023 is the year to take the Alaska cruise you've been dreaming of – whether it's been a few years or a lifetime of waiting. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska – if you know which excursions to choose, that is...
How to Choose the Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2023
Alaska is a dream destination, and people are always surprised to learn that I grew up there. After that, they often ask me "What is it like to grow up in Alaska?" I love answering this, as it reveals that – for all its magic – Alaska is a pretty normal place with spectacular scenery. Then, people usually follow up by asking "Can you help me plan my Alaskan cruise/choose my Alaska cruise excursions?"...
The 9 Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
Alaska's first city, Ketchikan, is surprisingly colorful. The buildings and waterfront are a mosaic of color: greens, reds, purples, and yellows are punctuated with totem poles (including the one in the U.S. passport!) and fishing industry memorabilia. Like most ports in the Last Frontier, Ketchikan has character – as do the Ketchikan shore excursions you can book during your Alaska cruise...
10 Essentials You Need to Pack for Portland in Any Season
For a long time, Portland, Oregon wasn't really 'on the map.' People in the Pacific Northwest liked Portland, and local residents were proud of their city, but were also glad to keep the secret of Portland's quirky nature and the variety of activities you could enjoy there...