Travel Tales and Tips

27/05/2024

May we never forget that freedom isn’t free. 🇺🇸

19/05/2024

Our recent day trip from Riviera Maya, Mexico is now featured on the Blog. We had an amazing day with a Toursbylocals guide, exploring Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, Valladolid, and Ek Balam as a family. It was the absolute highlight of our trip, and I share how we fit this action-packed itinerary into one spectacular day:
https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/riviera-maya-day-trip

For spring break, we traveled to Riviera Maya, which included an incredible day trip to Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, Valladolid & Ek Balam..

09/05/2024

Our trip to Yosemite National Park is finally up on the blog! In this installment, we hit some of the park’s top highlights, hiking the Mist Trail, exploring Glacier Point Road, driving Tioga Road out to Tuolumne Meadow, and finishing up in Wawona with some Giant Sequoias.
https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/yosemite-national-park

This is Part 1 of a 3 part series focused on a trio of California's famous U.S. National Parks--Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia...

07/04/2024

Had a wonderful week in Mexico. We got to relax at a beautiful resort in Riviera Maya and also explore some of the amazing Yucatán peninsula—Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam; Cenotes; Valladolid and Playa Del Carmen; a spider monkey sanctuary; and much more. Here are some of my favorites. Can’t wait to write about it all! 🇲🇽

21/01/2024

Dreaming of sunny summer travels on this snowy weekend. Reminiscing with some of my favorite and shots from our travels.

03/01/2024

Just got back from a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown, VA—also known as the Historic Triangle. For December, the weather was wonderful, and we spent every day outside exploring. The kids loved all of the hands-on artisan demonstrations in Colonial Williamsburg, the living history museum of Jamestown, and walking the Yorktown Battlefield. It was a perfect family vacation filled with educational opportunities and some fun with an evening spent at Busch Gardens Christmas Town (the holiday shows there were excellent).

11/09/2023

I wrote this a few years ago now, but I still have much the same feelings as I reflect on this tragic day in our history. “…[Twenty-two] years ago, we promised that we would never forget the sacrifice of the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11. Just as importantly, though, we need to hold on to the lessons we learned following those tragic events--the reminder that tomorrow is promised to no one and the present is a gift. Today, remember all of the wonderful lives that were cut too short by prioritizing what's truly important, being present in the moment, showing kindness to others, being there for those who need you, hugging your loved ones a little tighter, and not putting off saying "I love you" until tomorrow.”

https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/2019/09/11/reflections-on-911-eighteen-years-later

Photo: 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero Where the Twin Towers Once Stood Few days in my life have left as indelible a mark as September 11, 2001. This year, I've found myself reflecting more intently than usual as it marks a mid-point of sorts. I've now lived exactly half of my life in a pre-9/11 world....

03/09/2023

This summer's trip was to one of my biggest bucket list destinations--Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks--and they lived up to the hype! From the largest trees in the world to vast canyon views to stunning waterfalls, there's something for everyone. Throw in an abundance of wildlife and some of the country's best hiking, and it's clear why people travel from around the world to visit this corner of the country. I can't wait to write about all of our adventures at this famous trio. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite photo.

04/07/2023

I snapped this a few years ago and have always thought of it as a hopeful promise of the next generation of dreamers. 🇺🇸

We cater to the travel lover, publishing travel tales, tips, itineraries, photos, and reviews. We love reporting back on cultures and sites around the world!

02/07/2023

The final installment of our series on Washington state is up on the blog! This chapter focuses on our time in Seattle, to include taking the car ferry over from Bainbridge Island. We hit many of the city highlights, to include touring Pike's Place Market and downtown Seattle with Seattle Free Walking Tours, explore the Museum of Pop Culture, visiting the Ballard SeafoodFest, and dining on some wonderful cuisine along the way!
https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/washington-part-6-seattle

This is Part 6 of a 6 Part series focused on Washington. We will spend one very busy week traversing a wide loop around the scenic state, hitting three gorgeous National Parks; visiting the fun North Cascade Highway towns of Winthrop, Chelan, and Leavenworth; and viewing a waterfall twice the height...

29/05/2023

07/05/2023

Just took our first Disney Cruise, traveling with our kids on the Dream. The itinerary was Eastern Caribbean 7 nights with stops at Tortola, Saint Thomas, and Disney’s Castaway Cay. Since we’ve been to Tortola and Saint Thomas before, we opted for excursions to The Baths at Virgin Gordas and St. John’s Trunk Bay. Both sites were gorgeous. Our favorite stop, though, was Castaway Cay. We scored a cabana there so had access to the cabana-only beach which was so peaceful. It was the perfect way to cap off our trip. On the ship, highlights were dining at the specialty restaurants (both Palo and Remy) which were unique and delicious experiences, the Broadway quality shows each evening, the fun character interactions, and the Pirate Night complete with fireworks on the high seas!

11/03/2023

Washington Part 5 is up on the blog! This segment covers the scenic Olympic National Park. Some of the highlights include the coast of the Olympic Peninsula and three distinct sections of the park--the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent, and Hurricane Ridge.
https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/washington-part-5-olympic-national-park

This is Part 5 of a 6 Part series focused on Washington. We will spend one very busy week traversing a wide loop around the scenic state, hitting three gorgeous National Parks (Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades); visiting the fun North Cascade Highway towns of Winthrop, Chelan, and Leavenwo...

28/02/2023

Please share your favorite spots in Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks!

31/12/2022

Here’s to a new year full of possibilities!

16/12/2022

Just got back from a trip south. We stopped off in Greenville, SC for 2 nights to take in the winter festivities. (See the comments for the 3-day itinerary from a past trip.)

13/12/2022

Just finished a trip to the Biltmore Estate. I’ve always wanted to visit for the Candlelight Christmas event to see the house all decorated for the holidays. It lived up to the hype, and the whole family loved it. We want to make returning a family tradition.

20/11/2022

Washington Part 4 is up on the blog! This was my favorite part of the trip--Mount Rainier National Park. Some of the highlights of this installment include a stop-off at gorgeous Snoqualmie Falls (en route), a gondola ride to a picture-perfect mountain view, several unique hikes highlighting the snowy landscape, and a night in the park's historic Paradise Inn.
https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/washington-part-4-mount-rainier-national-park

This is Part 4 of a 6 Part series focused on Washington. We will spend one busy week traversing a wide loop around the scenic state, hitting 3 gorgeous National Parks; visiting the fun Cascade Loop towns of Winthrop, Chelan, and Leavenworth; viewing a waterfall twice the height of Niagara; and even....

11/09/2022

I wrote this a few years ago now, but I still have much the same feelings as I reflect on this tragic day in our history. “…[Twenty-one] years ago, we promised that we would never forget the sacrifice of the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11. Just as importantly, though, we need to hold on to the lessons we learned following those tragic events--the reminder that tomorrow is promised to no one and the present is a gift. Today, remember all of the wonderful lives that were cut too short by prioritizing what's truly important, being present in the moment, showing kindness to others, being there for those who need you, hugging your loved ones a little tighter, and not putting off saying "I love you" until tomorrow.”

https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/2019/09/11/reflections-on-911-eighteen-years-later

Photo: 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero Where the Twin Towers Once Stood Few days in my life have left as indelible a mark as September 11, 2001. This year, I've found myself reflecting more intently than usual as it marks a mid-point of sorts. I've now lived exactly half of my life in a pre-9/11 world....

10/08/2022

The next installment of our trip to Washington state is up on the blog! In Part 3, we head to the fun Cascade Loop towns of Winthrop, Chelan, and Leavenworth. Western themed Winthrop, vineyard-draped Lake Chelan, and Bavarian inspired Leavenworth each bring their own unique flair to the region.
https://www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/washington-part-3-the-cascade-loop
Hotel Rio Vista Old Schoolhouse Brewery Rocking Horse Bakery Sheri's Sweet Shoppe Fielding Hills Winery Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento's Ristorante Nefarious Cellars Bavarian Lodge Andreas Keller Restaurant Bushel & Bee Taproom Icicle Brewing Company Woodsman Pub at Bavarian Lodge

This is Part 3 of a 6 Part series focused on Washington. We will spend one week traversing a wide loop around the scenic state, hitting three gorgeous National Parks; visiting several unique Cascade Loop towns; viewing a famous waterfall; and riding a car ferry to Seattle. In Part 3, we head to the....

01/08/2022

Washington Part 2 is up on the blog. We head north to visit snowy North Cascades National Park to see the emerald-sparkling Diablo Lake and the snow-capped Cascade peaks.
www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/washington-part-2-north-cascades

This is Part 2 of a 6 Part series focused on Washington. We will spend one very busy week traversing a wide loop around the scenic state, hitting three gorgeous National Parks; visiting the fun North Cascade Highway towns of Winthrop, Chelan, and Leavenworth; viewing a waterfall twice the height of....

23/07/2022

Washington Part 1 is up on the blog! In Part 1, we head to the little seaside town of Anacortes to take a whale watching tour out through the San Juan Islands:
www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/washington-part-1
Island Adventures Whale Watching Turo Calico Cupboard Anacortes

This is Part 1 of a 6 Part series focused on Washington. We will spend one very busy week traversing a wide loop around the scenic state, hitting three gorgeous National Parks; visiting the North Cascade Highway towns of Winthrop, Chelan and Leavenworth; viewing a waterfall twice the height of Niaga...

19/07/2022

Just finished an amazing trip across Washington state—can’t wait to share all of our adventures! We hiked 3 gorgeous National Parks, searched for whales in the San Juan Islands, explored iconic Seattle, sampled the regional wines at Lake Chelan, and visited the fun themed towns of Winthrop and Leavenworth along the way.

06/07/2022

Another Southwest Adventures installment is up on the blog today! In Part 6, we travel to Monument Valley to explore some of the southwest's most scenic vistas.
www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/southwest-adventure-part-6-monument-valley

This is Part 6 of a planned 10 part series covering our US National Park adventure across Utah, Northern Arizona, and Western Colorado. We will spend one whirlwind week traversing 1500 miles, exploring the natural wonders of each park and the surrounding cities. Our travels will take us on a zigzagg...

04/07/2022

I snapped this a few years ago and have always thought of it as a hopeful promise of the next generation of dreamers. 🇺🇸

04/07/2022

246 years ago, on July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted for the Declaration of Independence, and on July 4th, the colonies officially adopted it, marking Independence Day for future generations to come. 🇺🇸

01/07/2022

Southwest Adventures Part 5 is up on the blog! In Part 5, we travel to Page, AZ to visit the iconic Horseshoe Bend and explore the expansive Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, encircling the blue waters of Lake Powell. There are also plenty of tips for visiting the area's famed Antelope Canyon. You can read more here:
www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/southwest-adventure-part-5-page-arizona

27/06/2022

I had a memory pop up today with this article, and it brought back a lot of memories of our trip to Cambodia and our guide, Somuch. Hearing his story--and writing it--was extremely difficult. After I finished, I trepidatiously sent him a copy, and he thanked me for recording his family's story and said it brought tears to his eyes which was really touching. Cambodia is a beautiful country, and I loved our time there, but my memories will always be tinged with a bit of sadness for all of the suffering that its people have endured.
www.traveltalesandtips.com/single-post/2018/01/25/somuch-suffering-one-man-s-incredible-story-of-survival-in-cambodia-part-i

This is Part 1 of a 3 part series. I picked this piece up and put it down several times along the way. It is a painful story but one that needs to be told. We should never take our liberties for granted, and I think this article really drives home just how lucky we are to wake up in a free country e...

26/06/2022

It’s getting to be that time of year! Around the USA, fireworks will be blasting off for the next several weeks in honor of Independence Day. We kicked the season off last night. 🎇

20/06/2022

The southern loop of Yellowstone National Park reopens on June 22nd following significant flood damage to the park's northern loop roads [entry restrictions are in effect, check Yellowstone National Park (www.nps.gov/yell) for details]. Grand Tetons National Park remains fully operational. Here are some of my favorite wildlife shots from our trip to the two parks. I have never encountered so many unique photo opportunities outside of a zoo! Finding a moose was definitely a highlight of our trip, but it was all amazing.
[Safety Note: These were all taken with a zoom lens or from inside a car, always follow guidelines for keeping your distance!]