Each visit to Manhattan, Kansas, brings something new. My son Malik is a senior at Kansas State University, so we’ve spent many weekends here. We’ve done the campus tours, the football games, and even axe-throwing. But this time, we slowed down. We leaned into the quieter side of the “Little…
Category: PLACES
Explore with DESTINATIONS with DuffelBagSpouse: Master the art of slow travel planning and uncover global adventures. Let your travels inspire joy, create lasting memories, and enrich your journey with carefully curated experiences. Discover the world at your own pace.
PLACES
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10 Breathtaking Natural Wonders to Visit in New York State
New York is more than a city—it’s wild, beautiful, and quiet in ways that stay with you. This guide shares 10 natural wonders that shaped my love for the state. From roaring waterfalls to peaceful lakes, each place invites you to slow down, look closer, and feel something real.
PLACES
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Frankfort to Copper Harbor: The Best Northern Michigan Road Trip
This Northern Michigan road trip looped from Frankfort to Copper Harbor, with stops for hikes, beaches, cafes, and lakeside views. We skipped the rush and leaned into quiet mornings, local food, and open skies. Each stop gave us something different—and reminded us to slow down and take it all in.
PLACES
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The Side of Africa I Never Saw in the Media
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.
PLACES
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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.
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.
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.