Some of the travel essentials I use every day started in my suitcase but never made it back to storage. From organizers to power banks and skincare staples, these items keep me comfortable and organized whether I’m at home or on the go—and now, I wouldn’t want to live without them.
Category: LIFESTYLE
Get practical tips from DuffelBagSpouse Travel for maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a military spouse on the go. As an Army Wife and Air Force & Navy Mom, she offers straightforward advice on eating right, exercising regularly, and keeping a positive mindset. Her blog provides insights on balancing home and family life, engaging in self-care, and nurturing relationships. Learn about her favorite hiking trails, beauty routines, and spa experiences. It’s all about making your well-being a priority and thriving through the ups and downs of frequent moves.
LIFESTYLE
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Is the Wanderlust Gene Real? I Took the DNA Test to Find Out
I’ve always felt a deep, restless pull to explore the world. When I heard about the wanderlust gene, I had to know—was my obsession with travel something deeper? I took a DNA test to find out if this craving to go was written into my code. Here’s what happened.
LIFESTYLE
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Leaving America: What a Better Life Actually Looks Like
Most mornings feel flat, like I’m just going through the motions. I make coffee, scroll my phone, and nothing feels real. But then I think about the life I had when I lived abroad—how even simple things felt new and meaningful. I remember walking through markets, hearing languages I didn’t know, sitting in cafes with no pressure to rush. That life made me feel awake. I don’t want another quick trip or break from routine. I want a life that feels like it matters—where I’m curious again, where things make sense, and where I feel like myself.
LIFESTYLE
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11 Best Anti-Theft Travel Bags for 2025 That Are Small, Lightweight, and Perfect for Everyday Use
After having my bag stolen in Spain, I never travel without anti-theft protection. These 11 anti-theft travel bags for 2025 combine hidden zippers, RFID pockets, and slash-resistant straps—all in practical, stylish designs. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, these bags offer peace of mind without sacrificing function or style.
LIFESTYLE
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I Wish I Still Had Little Kids—Just to Take Them to KidZania
KidZania is more than a play place. It’s an entire city designed just for kids—with jobs, currency, banks, and even a flight simulator. It’s the kind of experience that lets children feel capable and confident. If my kids were still small, we would have gone in a heartbeat. For now, I’m hoping to go with my grandchild one day. And maybe I’ll still tag along.
LIFESTYLE
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Why I Finally Got My REAL ID—Even Though I’m Not Sure I Really Need It
I finally got my REAL ID after putting it off for years. With the May 2025 deadline approaching, I didn’t want to risk delays at the airport or issues with identification. Here’s what the process was like, what it cost, and why I think it’s worth having one now.
LIFESTYLE
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How Bad Experiences Can Make the Best Travel Memories
Before I travel, I scroll through perfect pictures and glowing reviews. Everything looks perfect—sunlit balconies, smiling faces, food that’s too pretty to eat. But what I see online rarely matches what really happens when I get there. The truth is, travel also includes missed trains, strange meals, awkward moments, and…
LIFESTYLE
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Leaving America: The Myth I’m Staying to be Close to Family
I used to say we stayed in the U.S. for family. It sounded noble. Responsible. Like something a good daughter, mother, or sister would say. But after moving back from South Korea and spending a year and a half trying to make that reason feel true, I’ve started to question…