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…
PLACES
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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.
MILITARY SPOUSE BLOG
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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…
PLACES
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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.
MILITARY SPOUSE BLOG
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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.
PLACES
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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.
PLACES
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Why Starved Rock Is One of the Best Hikes in Illinois
I’ve hiked a lot of trails, but there’s something about Starved Rock State Park that keeps pulling me back. Just under an hour from my front door, it feels like another world since Rock Island is so flat. The 2,630-acre park in LaSalle County, Illinois, is located along the Illinois…
LIFESTYLE
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Perception vs. Perspective: Travel Stories That Changed How I See the World
A stare too long. A whispered word. A moment I almost walked away. But what happened next shifted everything I thought I knew about traveling as a Black woman. This isn’t just a story—it’s a reminder of what happens when we pause, stay, and see the world with new eyes.