The Fly Away American

11/11/2019

Practice what you preach 📢

After a long weekend at and speaking about the importance of Tourism - with a capital T- and the Sustainable Development Goals, I honestly didn't get much time to see the city of Riga, let alone the country of Latvia. So don't expect any top ten expert tips from me.

However, as I've been working to contribute more towards the when I travel. (And when home.) I did venture out and speak to some locals, check out local restaurants, and do some shopping.

Found this fantastic artisan area in Riga where you can purchase local Latvian products, mostly direct from the artisans.

I used to 'travel light' and avoid souvenirs, but lately I've been putting my money, purposefully, where my mouth is. Investing in high quality products, where proceeds directly benefit the local people in the community or the person who made them - cash in hand.

My Riga treasure is a handmade woolen hat, something that will always remind me of the kindness of the Latvian people, and their artistry, everytime I pull it out for warmth. Also snagged The Kid a beautiful small wooden doll, dressed in traditional Latvian clothing - the latest addition to her ever-growing collection of women from around the world.

Goal 5: Gender Equality
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Goal 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

🇱🇻 ❤️🌏

09/11/2019

You know the way your heart gets all happy when those first few snowflakes come down and the winter feels hopeful instead of dark?

This afternoon I spent some 'me' time walking nowhere and everywhere in Riga, Latvia.

For some reason the light rain falling on the cobblestone felt so peaceful, just like that first winter snow, something I haven't felt in what feels like forever. The way the light reflected off the stones, despite the overcast sky. The way it felt quiet and like I had the streets to myself, despite other passer-bys.

I've had a hard few weeks, and while there have been positive moments professionally, I'm at the point where I have not much left to give.

Thank you Riga for your silence and peaceful moments. Always, always be grateful for those moments in life where you can just... Breathe.

14/09/2019

Zebra stripes are some of the most distinct markers in the animal kingdom. No two sets are alike. Be a zebra. 🦓

11/09/2019

A new post? It's about time. 😅 Have you heard of Agritourism? Read about my stay at Agriturismo MASO PERTENER in Trentino, Italy.

{My stay was part of a trip with Visit Trentino.)

Agritourism, or Agriturismo when in Italy, is a type of accommodation that combines agriculture and tourism. Read about Maso Pertener, in Trento Italy.

09/09/2019

The "Monkey Fingers" of the Dades Gorge in Morocco - a wadi gorge (typically dry outside of the rainy season) carved out by the Dadès River. These crazy formations are spectacularly huge, and beautiful. 🐒

09/09/2019

05/09/2019

Our local guides and camel wranglers in the Sahara. They both grew up in the little village of Merzouga near the dunes. The boy on the left led our camels and even carried smallest kid when he started getting antzy. They also protected the kids like superheroes when the sandstorm flew in. Thankful we went with a local company. ❤️

01/09/2019

Did you know that many 4 and 5 star resorts (including all inclusive resorts) have the option to buy day passes? All the perks of the good life for a day, without the costs of staying overnight. Plus, who really wants more than one pool day with so much to explore? I found daypasses on the . Not an ad, not sponsored, just a good old fashioned . 👌

01/09/2019

Today we for the inside scoop on all things food in Marrakech. We ate until near exploding, so many different dishes and facets of Moroccan cuisine. Full review to come, highly recommend!

31/08/2019

My unimpressed selfie partner in crime.. 😂🐫

30/08/2019

🐫

27/08/2019

Not gonna lie, I've never been more in love with the sounds of a city. From the beautiful music, to the calls for prayer, to the comings and goings of donkeys and market madness. The sounds of Marrakesh transport you to a totally different time.

26/08/2019

Hello from Marrakech, Morocco. We had quite the first day here. 😅 (Follow along on stories for the play by play.) I'll start the trip off with this beautiful pot of mint tea. Served at our riad by our welcoming and hospitable hosts.

01/08/2019

If you need a laugh... So awkward. 😂

We were in Trentino last June 2019, to attend event in italy, where we met some of the best travel bloggers and content creators around. We took ...

14/07/2019

We had a lovely weekend to the Isle of Wight. (It's an island off the south coast of England) The island is a very special place to us, and one that we return to over and over for sunshine, big smiles and all the ice cream.

29/06/2019

Can I just say I hate this s**t? It tells women that in order to travel, they need to be single and never fall in love or have children. I know so many moms/married friends without kids/single moms with kids/ and single women who travel the world. Stop buying into this extremely narrow messaging. End of message.

20/06/2019

❤️

14/06/2019

Some thoughts from the Traverse Events conference in Trento, Italy. Let's keep the conversation going. ✌️

Travel blogging is no longer a random group of people sharing their adventures on the road. The industry has reached the point where global issues are relevant to the work we do. Now that the discussion is open, we need to take it to the next level and be advocates for global change.

14/06/2019

Italian mountain

13/06/2019

What a week it's been here in Italy exploring the beautiful region of Trentino. I've caught up with old friends, drank way too much wine, had ALL the food, laughed until I cried, cried with joy, biked up a mountain, hiked around the Dolomites, pretended to fly fish, met new friends, and found myself totally inspired by this incredible travel community of seriously talented people.

Now, I'm ready to go home to my family {and job} that I love - but with new motivation and gratitude for every experience I've had here.

Safe travels gang. Hope to see you all at or later this year! 🙏

13/06/2019

When you finally have a few hours to see the churches and castles and find out it was totally worth the wait.

12/06/2019

If you're following along on my trip to Italy, take a look at this video of our first day in the beautiful Trentino region from Can you spot me? 😍

Our journey in the Italian Dolomite region continues. In this video Nellie and I are exploring outside Trento in the Terme di Comano region. We are currently...

11/06/2019

Oh, Italy. The happiest place on earth. 🇮🇹⛰️🍝🍷

10/06/2019

Hello from the top of Monte Casale 🏞️ I rode a mountain e-bike the entire way up. (and it was steep!) I was kind of dreading it to be honest but it was easy for even a non cyclist. And those views of the Dolomites 😍

Note: I'm hosted by Visit Trentino this week

06/06/2019

Buona sera from Trento! 👋 This gorgeous city is located in the province of Trentino in Northern Italy.

Somehow I've visited all the surrounding regions in previous trips to Italy, but never made it to Trentino.

This weekend I'll be speaking on Paid Social for followed by a week in the mountains with Visit Trentino for all the hiking, trekking and canyoning it can throw at me. So looking forward to good food, good wine, and the best people. La vita è bella - life is good. 🇮🇹

13/05/2019

Guys, I'm so excited to be speaking at Traverse Events in Trentino, Italy next month! I'll be talking all about social advertising (the day job) and why you should be investing in your brand. I'd love to see you there! (Message me for a special discount ;) )

10/05/2019

I'll be heading to Marrakesh in a couple months. I'd LOVE to take a cooking class. Does anyone have personal recommendations? Really looking for something that benefits the local community in some way, on top of teaching me to use a tajine like a pro. 😂

10/05/2019

16/04/2019

Love him. ❤️

15/04/2019

😭💔

Smoke can be seen billowing from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, NBC News reports.