journal

The Wander Word

Naples is a metropolis in southern Italy that sits on a bay overlooked by the looming, active volcano,  Mount Vesuvius.  For thousands of years, people have been visiting and inhabiting this mysterious and complex city that holds much of Italy’s treasures and magic.  Ancient History Naples: Capital of the region of Campania. Population: 2.2 million. […]

Naples, Italy: Why People Tell You Not To Go And Why You Shouldn’t Listen

Learn what a pow wow is, details about attending one, and the cultural importance of indigenous peoples.

A New England Pow Wow: Indigenous Culture Survives

Charleston boasts European charm, African influenced cuisine, and palm trees! Read what you can do here for a quick weekend trip.

How To Spend A Long Weekend In Charleston, SC

Located at the southernmost point of the United States, Papakolea Beach is in Naahelu on the Big Island of Hawaii. The name Papakolea is a Hawaiian word meaning “plover flats”, a type of bird that is common in the area. There are only four green sand beaches in the world, and Papakolea is one of […]

A Hawaiian Adventure: How to get to Papakolea Green Sands Beach

Green Sand Beach in Hawaii

Located in the middle of the Big Island, Mauna Kea is Hawaii’s tallest dormant volcano and the second tallest island peak in the world. It stands at over 13,000 feet above sea level and you can expect to get a spectacular view if you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day. About the […]

Mauna Kea: How to Drive Up Hawaii’s Biggest Volcano

Mauna Kea Volcano in Hawaii

In June 2021, one of my besties and I headed to Vermont to switch up our routine. The goal was to reset and recenter before the official start of summer. We stayed in this AirBnb which was originally a barn before the owner renovated it into apartments. We spent a lot of time between here […]

Barn Life 2021: A Vermont AirBnB Review

AirBnB: Serene Barn Retreat in Dummerston, Vermont

Brattleboro is a popular ski spot for the winter. While summertime isn’t ski season, there’s still lots to do in this Vermont town!

Summer in Vermont: Brattleboro

Hinsdale-Brattleboro Bridge in Brattleboro, Vermont

Immersion is an essential piece of all travel giving us insider local access and opportunities for meaningful experiences. Learn how here!

Cultural Immersion: 5 tips for wherever you wander

Apartment views in Naples, Italy

Tuscany.  Deep green hills, sunflowers, farms, and wine.  Oh, and the wine.  A picturesque view of undulating hills, and all the salami your heart could desire.  Daydreaming about one of the major cities?  Pisa?  Siena?  Florence?  It’s easy to get lost in the pandemonium that is a tourist hot spot, and it can sometimes feel […]

How to do Florence like a local: 3 secrets that will make you a Florentine traveler

Piazza Santo Spirito in Oltrarno Florence, Italy

If you read my post 5 way to travel stress-free, you might have noticed that packing light was the longest section.  One reason is because I described two airport-to-lodging scenarios.  One describes the scenario with heavy, checked luggage.  The second describes it using someone who packed light. When we are traveling somewhere, it is only […]

Packing light: Advice for a two week trip

Selfie of a lady with a suitcase