Weekend Trips From Seattle That Feel Like a Real Vacation

One of the best things about living in the Seattle area is that you don't have to board a plane or take a week off work to feel like you've escaped. Some of my favorite vacations have happened less than three hours from home. The moment you step onto a ferry, watch the skyline disappear behind you, or settle into a waterfront cabin, it feels like you've traveled much farther than you actually have.

Weekend trips have become one of my favorite ways to travel. They're easy to fit into a busy schedule, they don't require months of planning, and they remind me that adventure doesn't always have to mean crossing an ocean. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. 

Whether you're craving a relaxing spa weekend, charming coastal towns, fresh seafood, beach walks, or island hopping, these destinations offer the perfect reset. Each one has its own personality, but they all share one thing in common—they make you feel like you're on a true vacation.

The Best Home Base When Visiting the Cotswolds

If you're planning your first trip to the Cotswolds, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is where to stay. With dozens of postcard worthy villages scattered across the English countryside, it can be tempting to book a different hotel every night. But after spending time exploring the region, I can confidently say that Bourton on the Water is the best home base when visiting the Cotswolds.

At first glance, that might seem like an odd choice. Bourton on the Water is one of the most visited villages in the Cotswolds. During the middle of the day, the narrow streets are filled with tour buses, day trippers, and visitors snapping photos of the charming stone bridges crossing the River Windrush. You'll even find full news articles written about the unfortunate over tourism of the Cotswolds, and in particular, that of Bourton on the Water.

But here's the secret: If you are staying there, you get to experience Bourton on the Water at its very best! We didn't find it crowded or overrun at all!

The Ultimate Guide to Free Birthday Freebies: Companies That Want to Celebrate You

One of my favorite ways to save money {and do a little treat yo self!} is by taking advantage of offers that companies are already willing to give away. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I'm not about spending money just because something is on sale, but I am about saying yes when something is completely free. Free is my favorite four letter word!

Your birthday is one of the easiest times of the year to score freebies. Restaurants, coffee shops, beauty stores, and retailers love celebrating their customers with complimentary treats, discounts, and gifts. Most of these offers simply require signing up for a free rewards program ahead of time, and then the birthday surprises start showing up in your inbox.

If you've never taken advantage of birthday freebies before, here's how to get started and some of my favorite companies that offer something special during your birthday month.

Would I Go Back? Reexamining East Africa, Safari and Gorilla Trekking

When people ask me about my favorite places I've ever traveled, East Africa is always near the top of the list. Actually, that's not entirely true. It's not just one place. It's a collection of countries, experiences, wildlife, people, and moments that somehow all blend together into one unforgettable chapter of my life. 

I've been fortunate enough to visit Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the island of Zanzibar over multiple trips, and every single visit has left me wanting more. Unlike destinations where you check off the highlights and feel satisfied, East Africa has a way of pulling you back. The landscapes are different. The cultures are distinct. The wildlife changes from region to region. Even after several visits, I still have a list of experiences I haven't had yet.

So...would I go back? Without hesitation! 

Travel Truths I Didn't Expect After Becoming an Empty Nester

When my kids were little, I used to dream about the day we'd become empty nesters. Not because I wanted them gone {although there were certain days!}, but because I imagined what life would look like once we weren't tied to school calendars, sports schedules, and PTA meetings. Since we had our kids when we were still in college, we didn't get any of that time to enjoy traveling just the two of us, so we were excited to get to experience that as well once the kids were grown. 

I pictured spontaneous weekend getaways, off season trips to Europe, and hopping on a plane whenever airfare dropped.

And while some of that has absolutely come true, there were a few travel truths I never saw coming. 

If you're approaching the empty nest years, or if you're already there, here are some of the biggest surprises I've discovered about traveling after your kids leave home.