SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD How to Avoid Being Turned Away at the U.S. Border Posted on July 14, 2025December 20, 2025 I’ve crossed more borders than I can count. But something has shifted. Under the Trump administration, even the most routine arrivals into the United States feel tense. I’ve read stories about tourists being turned away for vague reasons—missing hotel bookings, saying the wrong thing, having the wrong stamps in their… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend a Awesome Weekend in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Posted on July 3, 2025February 16, 2026 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Starved Rock Reveals Its Story One Step at a Time Posted on June 29, 2025December 21, 2025 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… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Starved Rock Is One of the Best Hiking Trails in Illinois Posted on June 19, 2025December 20, 2025 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Life in the Midwest: Romantic Destinations for Couples Posted on June 12, 2025December 20, 2025 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. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: What a Better Life Actually Looks Like Posted on June 1, 2025December 26, 2025 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 36 Hours in Des Moines: How to Plan a Fun Weekend Posted on May 29, 2025May 9, 2026 36 hours in Des Moines gives you just enough time to get a feel for the city. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from the Quad Cities, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go. The gardens are full of color, the air feels crisp, and the trails make it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The Capitol building is worth the time—it’s grand, detailed, and full of history. We went once in the dead of winter. It was cold, gray, and everything felt shut down. I wouldn’t go back that time of year. Des Moines has its charm, but it shows up best when the weather does too. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 36 Hours in Naperville: 8 Reasons for a Weekend Visit Posted on May 25, 2025July 23, 2026 We didn’t plan much—just a quick trip to reset. But Naperville surprised us with peaceful trails, bold coffee, garden paths, and a long glass of rosé. From riverside walks to quiet moments in nearby towns, we found exactly what we didn’t know we needed: a little beauty and breathing room. Read more