Paddling Through Paradise: A Multi-Day Kayak Adventure in the San Juan Islands with Outdoor Odysseys

Anytime I would mention that I had a multi-day kayaking trip through the San Juan Islands scheduled, people's eyes would light up. If I had a quarter every time someone said that that sounded like a dream, I'd be a rich girl! Here's the thing, the San Juan Islands is kind of a PNW hidden gem. Heck, it took me more than two decades of living here before I ever got up to the islands to experience them myself. Sometimes even the locals even forget about the magic of the islands.
You see, a kayaking adventure like this through the San Juan Islands isn't just a trip, it's a whole sensory immersion. From the moment your paddle dips into the San Juan Channel, the wind in your face, water lapping against the kayak hull, endless island vistas, and sightings of harbor seals and bald eagles, you know you've stepped into something extraordinary. Outdoor Odysseys elevates this experiences with expertly guided sea kayak tours giving you a taste of gourmet multi-course meals and overnight camping on islands like Stuart and Jones Island. It's honestly one of those things you have to experience for yourself! Here's why!

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Best Area to Stay in Charleston, South Carolina

If you're planning a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, you're probably dreaming of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, trees dripping with Spanish moss, and food that feels like a warm hug. Charleston is a city that knows how to charm, and after nearly thirty years since my last visit, I was ready to book a few day stay but wasn't quite sure where the best place to stay would be. I did a lot of research and after our two night stay, I'm here to say that I think I found the best location to base your Charleston adventures.
Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a little solo adventure, or a family trip filled with history and Lowcountry cuisine, this area is the best place to stay to make the most of your time in this picture-perfect Southern city.

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Travel Things I No Longer Do Now That I'm Older: Lessons From a Seasoned Traveler

There's something about getting older that brings a bit of beautiful clarity to how you travel. Maybe it's the years of travel mistakes, or heck, getting lucky while traveling and realizing you accidently did something right. I've made the mistake of overpacking and having to lug heavy overstuffed suitcases around and I've even regretted wearing the wrong shoes for a day full of sightseeing. I mean, trading being comfy for being cute is a real thing! But travel looks different now. I feel like I'm starting to know how to travel best for me, or maybe it's just traveling smarter.
I used to pride myself on squeezing in the most for the least: the cheapest flights, the tightest itineraries, the "just in case" outfits stuffed into checked luggage. But with age has come wisdom {and to be honest, a little more disposable income!}, and now I travel in ways that feel more sustainable, enjoyable, and aligned with how I want to experience the world.
Here are a few things I no longer do when I travel now that I'm older, and what I've chosen instead.

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How I Scored a 10-Day Trip to Vietnam on a Budget (Hint: Flexibility is Key!)

My brain started spinning and I started thinking. Every day I get messages from people and I try to respond to all of them. One message slipped into my DM's after I shared a recent sale from the thrift shop. You see, I often thrift with one thing in mind...find one piece that I can flip that will cover all of my purchases. I often say I try to live frugally so that I can spend money on the things that matter to me. For me, what matters is travel! So why not combine both of those things and create a travel budget from nothing? And hence, the Trash to Travel Challenge was created! So many people tell me that they'd love to travel, but they don't have the extra money. Well friends, I feel like I showed you one way to overcome this issue! 
At the end of my challenge, where I traveled to was dependent on how much I made. You see, I would be ok with a staycation nearby, but in one month, I managed to make about $2500! I decided I'd see if I could maximize that travel budget and hit off one of those bucket list destinations. I wanted to show other people what was possible and honestly, I kind of surprised myself! But then after the trip was booked, I got a lot of questions about how I was able to get a trip "so cheap". Well friends, I'm going to tell you how I decided on my trip location {Vietnam} and how I was able to score a 10-day trip from the South to the North on what some people might feel like is a limited budget. 
Maybe you don't want to go to Vietnam, but you have another bucket list international destination in mind. This is how I managed to score a deal, and how you can too! 

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N Concourse Seattle Tacoma Airport: Where to Eat and What to Do During a Layover or Before a Flight

I spend a LOT of time at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport. Like a lot of time! Not only do we have three kids who live out of state, we also enjoy traveling. It's not uncommon for me to be at the SeaTac airport {or as it rebranded itself a few years ago SEA}, several times a week. We all love our local Alaska Airlines and the ease of so many direct flights to most of the places that we want to go.  If you are flying in or out of Seattle on Alaska Airlines, you might just find yourself in the N concourse. The N concourse at SEA just completed their final phase and if you’ve got some time before a flight, or heck, if you want to get a local taste after you arrive, here are some of my favorite shops, dining and entertainment in the N concourse. You might want to get to the airport early to enjoy all of them!

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A Couple's Review of Secrets Playa Mujeres Resort in Cancun, Mexico

I love a good resort vacation and I love traveling the world. But the one vacation that actually feels like a vacation to us is a trip to an all-inclusive resort. We started sneaking away as a couple when the kids were much smaller for a few days here and there. We even brought our kids to a few all inclusive resorts where they quickly became a favorite for our family. Unlimited drinks, food and a beautiful beach, what more could you ask for? We realized it had been about five years since the last time we went to an all inclusive resort {thank you global pandemic}, and my husband was insistent that we stay at the Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort. Because I can be happy at a Motel 6 or hanging in a hammock on the beach, my husband's standards and desires typically come into play in our resort selection. Just because my standards are different, doesn't mean that I don't have opinions! As someone who has stayed at more than a dozen all inclusive resorts in more than five countries, this is the review you are going to want to read before you book!

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The Perfect Weekend in Pasadena, California

I was recently cast in my very first commercial and naturally it was filming in Los Angeles. I say this like this is some every day occurrence, but friends, it is not. But it did take me to LA for a mini trip and I was left with more time on my hands to explore than I was anticipating. And explore I did! When people think of LA they often think of Hollywood, Santa Monica, or maybe even Disneyland. But I found that Pasadena is a destination in its own right. With its charming Old Pasadena district, world-class dining, cultural attractions and basic proximity to all the major LA hot spots, Pasadena makes a great home base for your Southern California adventures! I've got some tips to make the most of your visit.

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Thinking Outside the Box to Save Money Abroad: Using Tesco Clubcards

Sometimes I stumble backwards into a new way to save money. If you're a savvy traveler like me, who knows that every penny you save is more money you can spend on more travel or experiences, then this tip is for you! It feels like one of my more genius ah ha moments that I learned while traveling abroad, and I'm happy to get to share it with you!

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Save Money on Airfare! Step by Step Guide to Getting a Fare Adjustment

Booking airfare can be one of the most stressful parts of travel planning. Especially because it's often one of the most expensive parts of trip planning. There's always that nagging thought of "what if the price drops after I buy my ticket?" Thankfully, there have been some changes in recent years {thank you global pandemic for SOMETHING}, and you just might be able to get a fare adjustment for airline tickets you've already purchased. I'm going to walk you through step by step what I do so that you can set up price alerts easily and point out which airlines make the process the easiest!

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How to Make the Most of Stopovers: Turn Layovers into Mini Vacations

Turning layovers into mini-vacations is a smart way to make the most of your travel experiences without incurring additional airfare costs. Many airlines offer free stopover programs, allowing travelers to explore an extra destination en route to their final stop. When I discovered this little trick, I thought it was so genius! I haven't stopped telling people about it and I highly encourage it so that you can make the most of your travel. You're already doing the travel, why not add in the option of exploring another country?!

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Discover the Majestic Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs in Ireland: A Complete Guide

Ireland is home to some incredible natural wonders, but one of the ones that I found to be the most awe-inspiring were the Sliabh Liag Cliffs (sometimes more commonly known as Slieve League). These cliffs are often overshadowed by the more famous Cliffs of Moher, but they offer a less crowded and arguably more dramatic experience that shouldn't be missed. Towering over the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's rugged west coast, Sliabh Liag is among the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe, rising nearly 2000 feet above sea level!
Sliabh Liag has something for everyone and will leave you in awe, whether you're an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just someone seeking a serene and stunning landscape. These cliffs fly under the radar but were one of the most impressive things we saw on our whole trip around Ireland. I'll share everything you need to know about visiting these spectacular cliffs, including how to get there, how to navigate parking and the shuttle, a few tips for hiking and some hidden gems in the surrounding area you aren't going to want to miss!

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A Guide to Visiting Skellig Michael on a Landing Tour: What You Need to Know

Tucked away off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, Skellig Michael is one of the most remote islands you can get to. It rises dramatically from the Atlantic Oceans, its rugged cliffs and ancient stone structures barely visible when you first arrive, but once you focus in, you'll be so mesmerized by the adventure and the history that awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, once home to a community of early Christian monks, offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty, history, and a little bit of a physical challenge. A landing tour to Skellig Michael is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but there are several things you need to know before you embark on this incredible journey!

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What I Wish I Packed on my Trip to Ireland

After traveling to Ireland, not once, but twice, I think one of the most important lessons I learned was that no matter how prepared you think that you are, there's always going to be something that you wish you had packed! As someone who prides herself on packing light and efficiently, I was sure I had thought of everything. But Ireland, with its unpredictable weather and unique experiences, humbled me. If you're planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, here's what I wish I had packed and what you shouldn't forget!

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Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know To Give You the Freedom to Explore Ireland on Your Own!

Renting a car in Ireland can be one of the best decisions you make when visiting this beautiful country. It gives you the freedom to explore the rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages at your own pace. However, the process can be a bit overwhelming, especially driving on the other side of the street on the other side of the car! This can be quite precarious, as you navigate narrow roads with lots of hidden corners not to mention the hidden obstacles you'll find as you drive. More on that later! You'll want to make sure you are well-covered with insurance. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland, from understanding all of the insurance options to providing essential tips for driving around the Emerald Isle.

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Circle the Emerald Isle in 15 Days! The Best Self-Driving Ireland Itinerary. Part 1: Northern Ireland and the Antrim Coast

You know the beloved quote by travel lovers, "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list!" This sums up how we embrace travel, especially as we are getting older. As a couple, we want to make sure we fully embrace each of the areas we are travelling to because there are so many places on our list, that we want to make sure we see them all, and we don't just scratch the surface with our travels; we want to feel like we really saw them. I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland a few years ago with a travel writers group, and I fell in love with the island in the short time I was there. The diversity of the country, the incredible people, the wonderful food and the tumultuous history, had me wanting to dive in and get back to Ireland to explore it the way we like to explore a place, thoroughly and slowly embracing every moment.  My biggest fear was that we had only scheduled 15 days to self-drive the whole island, and I wasn't sure that would allow for us to really immerse ourselves in the culture and not just be bouncing around, but we quickly found that it was the absolute perfect amount of time! 
We put hours upon hours of planning every portion of our Ireland itinerary. We found that there were some items that were major hits, and a few that we could have skipped, but overall, it's an itinerary we wanted to share because it was absolutely perfect! Of course, there were a few things we would have changed and those will be noted in the itinerary, but overall, we patted ourselves on the back for our planning! We left Ireland having experienced the food, the culture, making friends with the people and slowly exploring the popular and not so popular spots. If I never get the opportunity to travel back to Ireland, I left feeling like I really got a good taste of the country and to me, that's the most perfect ending to any trip. So come along with me as I share the perfect 15-day self-driving itinerary of Ireland.

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Do You Need a Converter or Adapter For Your Upcoming Vacation?

Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, but it can bring about some really complicated and confusing questions. For most Americans and Canadians, a crucial and sometimes confusing aspect of international travel is understanding the need for electrical adapters and converters. I'm part of several travel groups and this is a near daily question that brings about complicated answers, so let's dig into it. Even the most seasoned traveler can feel lost when it comes to knowing the answer. But hopefully this guide will help you understand if you will need a converter or adapter on your next international vacation. 

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My Top Three Overrated Travel Destinations

Travel is often portrayed as a glamorous and enriching experience, with endless social media posts and travel blogs painting a picture of perfect destinations where the reality often falls short of expectations. While every destination has its own charm, some places receive so much hype that they can leave travelers feeling a bit underwhelmed. I'm sharing my personal experiences with three destinations that, despite their global popularity, didn't quite live up to my expectations. Remember, this is just my experience, everyone travels differently and can feel totally different about an area.

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The Magic of Returning to the Same Vacation Spot: Why Seabrook, WA is Our Family's Home Away from Home

In a world where the allure of new destinations and experiences is ever-present, there is something profoundly special about returning to the same vacation spot year after year. For our family, that place is Seabrook, Washington-a charming beach town that has grown with us as we've created memories, shared laughter, and watched our children grow up against the backdrop of its picturesque landscapes. Seabrook has become more than just a vacation spot; it's a place that feels like home, filled with memories that span the years and generations. And while Seabrook might not be "your spot", I want to dig into why it's important to return to a vacation destination, wherever that may be, for your family! 

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Travel Gadgets That Really Are Worth the Hype

Traveling is an adventure, but it's also a process that comes with its own set of challenges. From long flights and layovers to keeping your devices charged and staying organized, having the right gear can make all the difference. With so many travel gadgets on the market, it's hard to know which ones are worth buying. Especially when it comes to limited packing space. These are my tried and true top five travel gadgets that really are worth packing. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first big trip, these must-have items are going to help you enjoy the journey! 

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Exploring Portland, OR Without a Car:A 48 Hour Adventure

Portland, Oregon, has a fun little slogan that says "keep Portland weird". It often appears on signs, bumper stickers and the occasional building and Portland has embraced it as their unofficial motto. Portland is a haven for urban explorers and food enthusiasts and has just enough quirk to keep it charming...or weird, whichever you like! With its vibrant food scene, eco-friendly ethos, and easy accessibility via public transit {or your two legs!}, Portland is the perfect getaway even if you arrive car-free. In this guide, we are going to delve into how you can make the most of 48 hours in Portland starting with your first adventure-taking the Amtrak Cascades route from Seattle or Tacoma, WA! Then we will explore downtown Portland without a car, indulge in a food tour and stay centrally located all while still savoring the delights of the renowned Portland food cart scene. Are you ready? Let's go!

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