I look for street food, quiet cafes, hikes with a view, and places that hold meaning. I’ve found them all over the world. Now I want to find them in Nigeria, Togo, and Benin—three countries in Africa tied to my history that I’ve never seen with my own eyes. I’m ready to see the truth about Africa for myself.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Truth About Driving to Èze: Beauty, Panic, and an Unexpected Lesson
A stalled car. A stranger’s help. A mad uphill dash with my kids in the backseat. That’s how my day in Èze began. What followed was a quiet walk through flower-filled alleys, castle ruins, and a handmade perfume that now holds the memory of one beautiful, chaotic, unforgettable day.
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD
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How to Avoid Being Turned Away at the U.S. Border
I’ve crossed more borders than I can count. But something has shifted. Under the Trump administration, even the most routine arrivals into the United States feel tense. I’ve read stories about tourists being turned away for vague reasons—missing hotel bookings, saying the wrong thing, having the wrong stamps in their…
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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5 Coolest Midwest Getaways to Beat the August Heat
August gets hot around the Midwest, so I try to stay near the water. Lakes, rivers, shaded trails, and breezy islands help me enjoy summer without feeling miserable. I can hike, swim, or just sit by the water and relax. That’s how I make the most of August.
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD
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Dear Spammers, My Blog Isn’t Free Marketing for You
I receive guest post requests almost daily, but most feel like cold, careless spam. I’ve lost count of how many emails I’ve received that start with flattery and end with a request to use my blog to sell someone else’s product. They don’t care who I am. They haven’t read…
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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More Than Pretty Pictures: The Truth About My Jeju Photography Tour
A girls’ photo trip to Jeju Island sounded like a dream. But language barriers, missed expectations, and cultural differences turned it into something more complicated. Still, between the forests, fish dishes, and quiet sunrises, I found growth, grace, and a few surprising lessons behind the lens.
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD
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The Truth About Instagram vs. Real Travel Experiences
Social media inspires travel—but also distorts it. This post explores the power-of-influencers and how curated content shapes where we go, what we expect, and how much we spend. From crowds to debt and cultural strain, we need a more honest conversation about the real impact of picture-perfect travel online.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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How to Spend a Awesome Weekend in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Looking for an easy weekend escape from the Quad Cities? Cedar Rapids offers art, history, markets, and museums—all within 90 minutes. Whether you’re strolling through Brucemore or sampling food at NewBo City Market, this Iowa city packs just enough charm and culture to make the drive worth it.