Blue Mind Theory: The Science Behind Why You Feel Better at the Beach
Do you know what Blue Mind Theory is? You might not know the scientific definition, but if you’ve ever felt happiness and peace while standing at the ocean’s edge, you're more informed than you realize. Curious about the viral travel trend everyone seems to be talking about? Read on. My back is on fire. I curse myself for not applying sunscreen as I inadvertently step on a sharp shell. This is ironic, as searching for shells is why I’m out here in the first place....
How To Pack for an African Safari (Carry-On Only)
Are you heading on safari for the first time? An African safari is an adventurer's travel trifecta—a combination of breathtaking wildlife, stunning terrain, and unparalleled lodging and hospitality. With over 20+ game drives across four countries, I've learned a thing or two about how to simplify the preparation for this exciting experience. My packing lists follow—organized into four simple categories. You can also download my ‘Ultimate Safari Packing List’ to have them all in one easy-to-access place. And while it's not necessary to travel with...
How To Find The Best Hotel For Your Next Adventure
Do you ever wonder how to find the best hotel for your next adventure? It isn’t rocket science, but I do have my approach to finding what I consider the 'best' hotels. Think you have nothing left to learn? Let’s compare notes. And enjoy photos from some of my favorite hotels, resorts, and villas along the way. “How did you find that adventure lodge in Iceland?” “Where was that surfing resort in Nicaragua you loved?” “What time of year is the best to go to...
5 Things To Do In Vienna That Will Make You Fall In Love
It's pretty easy to fall in love with Vienna, that magical 'City of Dreams' in Austria. And it's not because of the vast amount of things to do in Vienna—the palaces, gardens, or world-class food. It's about the harmony of the city. The symphonic undercurrent of Vienna captivates locals and tourists alike. There are so many things to do in Vienna that have been written about time and again. Here are five highlights that made me fall for Austria's enchanting capital city. I’ve come to...
8 Amazing Gifts For Birders, Travelers, and Frequent Fliers
It's never the wrong time to buy a gift for the birder in your life. Do you have a birder in your life? A traveler? A traveler who likes to birdwatch? Look no further. A few of the best gifts for birders, travelers, and frequent fliers are summed up right here. On our honeymoon, my husband and I went to Africa on safari. The first morning in Tanzania, we woke at 6am to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. Just behind us in the jeep sat...
5 of the Best Caribbean Beach Bars
My top five favorite Caribbean beach bars and restaurants are personal. They're based on my memories of food, wine, people, and views. My top five list might change over time, but these are the Caribbean beach bars and beach clubs that keep my travel memories alive and kicking. My Top Five Caribbean Beach Bars When assessing the best beach bars, suffice it to say that I have a few baseline requirements. A vibe that naturally pairs with the island’s culture is one. Combining tourists and...
How To Start A Travel Blog, I Mean, Website
Starting a travel blog turned out to be a bigger challenge than I thought. From learning the language of SEO and OptinMonster to overcoming fear of failure, and embracing vulnerability. My travel website, I am Lost and Found was a true labor of love. If you ever wondered how I started a travel blog, I mean, website, you are in the right place. Thank you, Brené Thank you, Brené Brown, part-time TED-Talker, full-time mother, and all-time story collector, for introducing me to my vulnerabilities. Nice...
Who Needs A Travel Advisor? It Turns Out I Do.
As much as I love traveling, there are just some parts of travel I’d rather not plan. My travel advisor has often been a lifeline, saving me time, money, and my sanity more times than I can count. I’ve overheard people question why anyone would use a travel advisor when it’s so easy to book everything themselves. I’ll admit, I used to question it, too. I don’t anymore. Here’s why. Back in March 2020, my family made the unpopular decision to carry on with our...
What To Pack: 5 (More) Things I Can’t Do Without
Not long ago, I polled my followers on Instagram: ‘What should I write about next?’ 1 / Adventure Travel 2 / Luxury Travel 3 / Practical Travel 4 / Eco-Travel Winner: Adventure Travel Interesting. Perhaps people are looking for more than Dyson hair dryers and pillow menus when they travel. More interestingly, an equal percentage of followers voted for both Practical and Luxury Travel. In fact, my post, ‘Packing Matters: 5 Things I Can’t Do Without’ overwhelmingly beat my other posts in clicks last year....
5 Books About Travel (That Will Inspire Travel)
A book about travel has power. A book about travel can take us to Botswana, Bolivia, or Bhutan. It’s literary escapism—an easily accessed portal to another time and place. But most of all, a book about travel, when done well, inspires travel. (Please note a few affiliate links below. I may receive a small referral fee should a product be bought through my site but rest assured, I only highlight products I own and use.) My love of books is old and runs deep. I...