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.
Category: DESTINATIONS
Explore 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.
DESTINATIONS
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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.
DESTINATIONS
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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.
DESTINATIONS
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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…
DESTINATIONS
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Why Starved Rock Is One of the Best Hiking Trails in Illinois
Starved Rock State Park offers real trails, not just walks in the woods. Climb to sweeping river views or hike into French Canyon for a waterfall reward. Just an hour from home, it’s the kind of place that makes your legs burn and your heart feel full—all in one afternoon.
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What Makes Chiang Mai, Thailand, a Destination You’ll Fall in Love With?
Chiang Mai is essentially Thailand’s second city – the smaller, more relaxed answer to the madness of Bangkok and the chill space sans the Phuket beaches. It was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, but now is a major draw for backpackers and travelers of all kinds, not to mention older ex-pats, humanitarians and digital warriors.
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How to Make the Most of 3 Days in London: Culture, Food, and Famous Sights
London has survived fire, plague, war, and time itself. In just 3 days, you can explore London’s iconic landmarks, sip tea like a local, and stand where kings once ruled. This guide shows how to make the most of a short trip—and why London belongs on your list.
DESTINATIONS
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Life in the Midwest: Romantic Destinations for Couples
Let’s be honest—traveling as a couple isn’t always candlelight and matching robes. Sometimes it’s one of you getting hangry, missing the turn for the scenic overlook, or arguing over who forgot the wine opener. But in between all that, there’s magic. A shared laugh on a quiet trail. That first sip of local wine with your feet up. The way everything slows down when the only sound is lake water and wind through the trees. The Midwest may not shout, but it knows how to show up—with quiet beauty, easy charm, and the kind of romantic moments that deliver in the most unexpected ways.