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…
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.
Leaving America: The Truth About Staying in the U.S. for 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…
Cook Your Travels: 6 Simple Asian-Inspired Dishes to Try This Week
I’m a little bored in the kitchen. So, this week I’m cooking like I travel—with purpose, flexibility, and a hunger for flavor that reminds me where I’ve been. This week, I planned a full lineup of easy Asian-inspired dishes. I made a grocery list. I was halfway through the Commissary…
10 Ways We Avoid Travel Mistakes with Simple Planning
Before we land in a new country, we follow a simple routine—check visa rules, download maps and apps, prep our documents, and pack chargers where we can reach them. These small steps save time, reduce stress, and help us feel ready to explore the moment we touch down, not scramble to catch up.
White Lotus Season 3: How to Avoid the Mistakes Victoria Ratliff Makes Abroad
The White Lotus Season 3 brings luxury to Thailand, but one character—Victoria Ratliff—reveals something deeper. Her offhand remarks about monks, culture, and belonging reflect real-world entitlement. This post explores what her character gets wrong about travel, spirituality, and respect—and why those attitudes aren’t just fiction. They’re familiar.
How to Travel with a Friend Who Doesn’t Speak Your Language
I said yes to a trip with a woman I barely knew.We didn’t speak the same language, but I trusted her and the friendship we were creating.The conversations aren’t smooth, but the silence becomes part of the dialogue. A few months before leaving Korea, I met 강미향 or Angela (her…
Leaving America: When You’re Living a Life You Don’t Want
After years of staying for family, I’ve realized leaving America—at least part-time—offers the space to feel present, free, and fulfilled. Living abroad isn’t about escape. It’s about choosing a slower rhythm, deeper connection, and a version of life that feels more honest than what I’ve settled for here.
Happy Birthday Traditions from Around the World
I turned another year older doing what I love—traveling slow, eating well, and soaking up small joys with Steven. This birthday, we shared wine at a local vineyard, watched a movie downtown, and ended the day with Thai tea. It reminded me how birthday traditions can reflect who we are.