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.
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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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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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…
LIFESTYLE
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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.
LIFESTYLE
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From Memories to Mistakes: When Photos Go Too Far
Photography has never been easier—or riskier. As smartphones replaced film cameras, convenience surged but safety declined. From cliffside selfies to impulsive snapshots, this post explores how modern photography habits have shifted and why awareness matters more than ever when capturing life on the go.
LIFESTYLE
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How WITS Connects Women Who Love Travel and Content Creation
Why I Keep Going Back to WITS Creator Summit Is WITS worth attending? Absolutely. I asked myself that same question before signing up for my first Women in Travel Summit in Portland, Maine. I didn’t know a soul. But by the end of the weekend, I felt like I had…
LIFESTYLE
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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…
LIFESTYLE
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Real Ways I Make Money as a Travel Blogger Today
I didn’t start Duffelbagspouse to make money. I just wanted to tell real stories about travel, family, and constant moves. Over time, I found ways to earn from what I love. This post breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how storytelling can become part of something sustainable and real.