What Egypt Teaches the Impatient Traveler
Some destinations are worth the wait When I was in 6th grade, I studied ancient Egypt, lucky to have a teacher who believed Egyptology wasn’t too grand a concept for such young minds. I became mesmerized by hieroglyphics—enchanted by a language made up of pictures rather than letters. Tales of jackal-headed gods, buried treasures, and linen-wrapped mummies crept into my dreams each night. I learned that the pyramids were built between 2589 and 2504 BC—a concept as unfathomable as infinity. Or black holes. Or trying...
Novel Destinations: The Remarkable Rise of Literary Tourism
Some of my earliest childhood memories are linked to the Nancy Drew Mystery series. I can even trace my love of reading to a specific book, The Hidden Staircase, by Carolyn Keene. In this captivating story, Nancy, a teenage detective with a knack for cracking cases, discovers a haunted mansion filled with dark passages, a hidden staircase, and plenty of riddles. These tantalizing tales kept me awake at night. I would crack my bedroom door open wide enough so the hall light would spill onto...
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 Foundwas 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 to...
100 (Amazing) Places To Go
When my kids were little, the 100th day of school was a very big deal. In the days leading up to the 100th day, the excitement was exponential. There were 100th-day projects, 100th-day activities, and 100th-day surprises—all culminating in a 100th-day celebration with a guest appearance by Zero the Hero (a masked superhero played by their teacher’s fiancé). I never questioned why the 100th day of school was such a big deal. I was knee-deep in 100 Honey Nut Cheerios, 100 LifeSavers, and 100 cotton...
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....
Another Riveting Day in the Life of a Travel Blogger
I’m on the couch. Three hundred ultra fine-tipped markers are strewn across the coffee table. With more care than the task warrants, I select my palette. Forest green, mint green, pistachio, powder blue, sapphire blue, and crimson. I choose these colors as if it’s the most important decision I’ll make this morning. It might be. Looking out the window, I notice the colors I’ve picked mirror the colors in my view. Evergreen trees, bright blue skies, a cardinal. I start with pistachio, staying in the...
It’s Her or Me
“Your room isn’t ready quite yet,” says the man at the front desk. His crisp, white, short-sleeved shirt offsets his muscular, coffee-colored arms. The resort logo is centered on his matcha green tie, which is slightly askew. His nametag is perfectly level; ‘Hello, I’m Ajay!’ it reads. “Okay,” I reply, “About how much longer.” My question comes out as a command, a New York habit I’m keen to break. Ajay begins punching computer keys with his long, elegant fingers. Like he’s playing the piano. My...
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...
I wouldn’t go there if I were you (Why where we choose to travel matters)
The landline rings. I immediately know it’s my mother calling. From the way she says ‘hello’ I know something else—that I'm not going to like the conversation. I'm tempted to feign a poor connection and hang up. ‘A woman was kidnapped in Uganda', my mother says, her voice measured, with frantic undertones. 'At gunpoint’, she continues, ‘alone, while on safari.’ ‘I'm not going to Uganda for four months, Mom', I say, my voice measured, with annoyed undertones. ‘And, I'm 49 years old. I'm a grown-up.’...
A Passport’s Life (and 10 places to go next)
Is your passport ready? Lately, I've thought much about where I have already been and more about where I would like to go next. I have taken a hard look at my soon-to-expire passport. What kind of life will my future passport lead? I have ten ideas, or so. I am an obsessive collector. At ten, I started collecting postage stamps, fascinated by the colorful, miniature designs and illustrations. By twelve, I was also collecting stickers; Hello Kitty, Miffy, scratch ‘n’ sniff, sparkly, and those...