I haven’t felt so moved by a city like I have in Sofia since I went to Colombia in 2020. Bulgaria is a hidden gem- in fact, most of Eastern Europe feels this way. But Sofia is the subtlest of all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRGo9FJ1yEk Prior to going to Sofia, my Google maps bookmarks had dozens of pinsContinue reading "Sofia, Bulgaria Solo Travel & Why It’s One of My Favorite Cities"
Balkan Accommodations for the In-Betweener
The biggest difference of my corporate crash out versus my college travel days, is where I choose to stay. Now that I'm 31, I'm actually too old for most youth hostels and to be honest, that part of my life is behind me. My last ever hostel stay was in Cartagena, Colombia of a mixedContinue reading "Balkan Accommodations for the In-Betweener"
Packing for 6 Months in a Carry-On + Backpack
Years of various backpack-only travels have prepared me for my biggest test: 6 months on a backpack + one rolling carry-on bag. Don’t get me wrong, I have loved some fancy travel with 2 checked bags for a long weekend. But if you want the flexibility and affordability of getting around by plane, train, andContinue reading "Packing for 6 Months in a Carry-On + Backpack"
The Cost of Taking a Mini-Retirement
The #1 question I get asked is “how do you afford to take 6 months off to travel?” Honestly, I’ve thought about it similarly to any other major financial goal. Whether it’s a car, a home, or something else, you figure out what it will cost, decide whether it’s a priority for you, and saveContinue reading "The Cost of Taking a Mini-Retirement"
Corporate Crash-Out: Starting in Switzerland
Really since I started working in 2021, I dreamed of the day when I could get back to the wild travel I did after grad school that had been abruptly ended by COVID. It turned out that I actually LOVED having a job though. So much so that I kept delaying my dream. Fast forwardContinue reading "Corporate Crash-Out: Starting in Switzerland"
Corporate Crash-Out Checklist: Things to Do Before Your Mini-Retirement
After 6 years and 5 different roles, I quit a job I loved for… nothing? Working 35+ years to eventually retire with money to spend but poor health to enjoy it is NOT how I plan to live my life. Mini-retirements are growing in popularity as people realize life is short and they’re burning theContinue reading "Corporate Crash-Out Checklist: Things to Do Before Your Mini-Retirement"
Walking to Tijuana: Safety First +Things to Do
Everybody who I told "I'm going to Tijuana this weekend!" gave me that same look of "....are you pranking me?" Tijuana has a bad wrap. Is it justified? Well, the Department of State does classify it as a Level 3 travel threat (out of just 4 levels, and 4 is North Korea). As big fansContinue reading "Walking to Tijuana: Safety First +Things to Do"
Nile Cruising Through Egypt
(Looking for our Tik Tok Tour Guide? Years later, we are too- but here is the most comparable tour we could find. We had booked an 8-hour private tour through Viator for $218 with a guide named Sam! ) LINK TO FULL TRIP ON YOUTUBE: When people think of “world” travel, they generally picture theContinue reading "Nile Cruising Through Egypt"
Overseas Highway Route US-1 Roadtrip Stops + Key West Favorites
The drive from Miami to Key West is one of the most iconic in the USA and a route I drove many times from going to school in Tampa. The amount of time it takes to get there can be unpredictable on the two-lane road but there's PLENTY to do to make the journey asContinue reading "Overseas Highway Route US-1 Roadtrip Stops + Key West Favorites"
Christmas Market Road Trip: Germany & Austria
‘Tis the season for European Christmas market planning. When so many countries have them, where do you even begin? Right here. This is the spot. And I’ll spoil it: Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. WATCH our full road trip on Youtube! Pro tip: If you are going at Christmas, you are going too late. Timing isContinue reading "Christmas Market Road Trip: Germany & Austria"