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Category: Inspiration

These are articles covering various subjects to inspire you to pursue your goals, to travel, and to try something new!

15 Travel Shows to Keep You Inspired at Home

If you’re like me, you’re probably getting a little stir crazy at home while we wait out these unprecedented times and hope for a tomorrow that once again involves world travel. To quench my thirst for travel, I’m exploring areas close to home, and I’m also streaming travel shows to keep my travel dreams alive until they can once again become a reality.
This list of travel shows is some of the travel television I’ve been streaming lately. Some of the shows on this list remind me of past trips I’ve taken, and others inspire ideas for future travels. Watching travel shows is not as good as actually being able to travel, but it definitely helps!

Food & Travel Shows

Warning: Do not watch these shows on an empty stomach. I love watching food and travel shows, but they tend to make me really hungry! Lately, due to closures and other restrictions, these shows also remind me of how quickly things have changed. I hope for a day when I can once again immerse myself in the food culture both locally and abroad. All right, let the salivating begin!
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
This food and travel show with host Guy Fieri is probably not new to most of you, but maybe it’s been a while since you’ve watched it. In case you didn’t know, Guy started filming for season 32 at the end of last year. Season 32! That’s a lot of episodes to inspire your future travels and food stops along the way.
I’ve met people during my travels that plan their trips around the nearest Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives restaurants for their intended destination. Once you watch the show, you’ll understand why. So if you’re planning a road trip this summer, watch the show and see if any of the restaurants featured are along your route and get ready to feast on some incredible food!
I recommend you see if there are any Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives restaurants located near you and plan a trip to visit one soon! You might call ahead first to make sure they’re open, then make a day of it and create some great memories, while eating some fantastic food.
Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto, iTunes, YouTube, and most major streaming services
Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi
This Hulu Original travel show starring Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef) explores the connection of the food we eat in America to its origins and influences within our communities.
This is perhaps one of the things I love most about trying new foods when I’m traveling. It is such an excellent way to connect to the local culture and experience the region you are in. There is a story behind each dish, and food transforms life in ways we often overlook.
Food is a common tie that brings us all together. I love learning about the history behind the foods we eat in America, and it reminds me of what a beautiful melting pot our country is.
Streaming on: Hulu
Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse
This Amazon Original travel show takes us on a food adventure with host Emeril Lagasse. Top chefs join Emeril as he goes on a culinary trip around the world to discover what goes into making some of our favorite global dishes.
Eat the World will have you making plans for where to eat on your next trip and possibly inspire you to try making some of these dishes at home. Bam! Okay, sorry, just felt like I needed to throw Emeril’s famous catchphrase in there, perhaps you’ll do it too when cooking up one of these incredible dishes.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Street Food
Street Food is a Netflix Original travel show that explores the street food commonly seen on different continents. There are two different Street Food series to choose from on Netflix. One is Street Food Asia, and the other is Street Food Latin America. I recommend watching both. It teaches you more about the various street food options and also about the sub-culture behind street food vendors.
I love sampling food at a street food market. It’s an easy (and cheap) way to sample a variety of local foods. These markets often open up at night, and I love the energy and atmosphere that surrounds them. It’s a travel and food experience all in one place.
Streaming on: Netflix
Bizarre Foods
Okay, speaking of street foods makes me think of this food and travel show hosted by Andrew Zimmern. There are 22 seasons of the show and a whole lot of different foods to consider trying and a few definite no’s.
I’m pretty adventurous, I’ve eaten scorpion, silkworms, grasshoppers, and other types of non-traditional foods, however, Anthony Zimmern takes this curiosity for food to a whole new level. Cringe, binge, and be thankful you don’t have to eat everything he does!
Other shows with Andrew Zimmern you might enjoy are Driven by Food and The Zimmern List.
Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV, iTunes, YouTube, and most major streaming services

Non-Traditional Comedic Travel Shows

Here are a couple of less traditional travel shows. I’m not sure they’ll always inspire you to travel to the specific places their hosts do, but they’ll make you laugh and help you see tourist destinations from a different perspective.
If you enjoy these then you may also want to consider The Layover with Anthony Bourdain, I mention this and other favorite travel shows in this other article about travel movies and TV shows.
Travel Man: 48 Hours In…
This travel show hosted by Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd) is almost an anti-travel show. That’s not the right word, really, but Richard certainly seems to be a bit of a reluctant traveler at times and often finds the most peculiar places to visit or odd means of visiting popular areas.
Richard’s quest is to see each popular tourist destination in only 48 hours. His dry British humor will have you laughing along in his adventures, and perhaps his unique travel choices will inspire a few of your own.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and iTunes
James May: Our Man in Japan
Another off-beat travel show this time with James May, who you might recognize from shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour. He, too, tries unique and off-the-wall adventures during his tour through Japan. He learns more about the Japanese culture and meets locals who introduce him to experiences unique to their country.
I’ve only been to Japan once, but May’s adventures remind me of my trip and inspire me to try some unique experiences of my own on my next visit there.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Travel Shows to Inspire a U.S. Road Trip

These travel shows will inspire your next road trip or even a camping trip to stay at one of America’s gorgeous National Parks. I love our National Parks system. We may not have ancient buildings or old castles, but what we lack in historical buildings we more than makeup for with the beauty of our parks. If it’s been a while since you’ve explored the U.S., start planning a trip with these travel shows.
Secrets of the National Parks
Explore the secrets of our National Parks with this beautiful television series. Learn about the unique natural wonders in these parks, as well as some of the wildlife that lives there. You will get ideas of things to do and what to see when you visit some of America’s National Parks. The videos are beautiful to watch, and it inspires me to go and explore more of the parks that I haven’t yet visited.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video and Tubi
America’s National Parks
This series by National Geographic about America’s National Parks focuses more on the wildlife that lives in each of the parks. This is a nature and travel show in one. I watch it and am grateful that we have these National Parks as a refuge for our wildlife and unique plants to preserve them for future generations to see. It is such an amazing world we live in!
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video and Disney+
Seeing the USA
Seeing the USA is a reality-style travel show. Follow Brandy Yanchek as she explores the U.S., meeting locals, and learning about the culture of each state she visits. You will get ideas for places in each country that perhaps you might not have considered before and also learn about some of the local businesses that are unique to each city she visits. If you’re considering a trip somewhere in the U.S., check out this series found on Amazon Prime Video.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Adventure Travel Shows

Expedition Overland
Expedition Overland is a reality-style travel show that follows a team of people in their vehicles as they travel across remote areas in an overlanding expedition. Overlanding is sort of like backpacking, but with an off-road vehicle. You carry what you’ll need to sleep and eat and any emergency supplies you might need should you get stuck somewhere. You are typically driving off-road through remote areas and over rugged terrain. The adventure is in the journey.
Expedition Overland shows the planning, equipment needed, and the fun that goes into one of these adventures. You may just find yourself heading to the nearest car dealer to begin an overlanding adventure of your own.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video and YouTube
Around the Next Bend
This reality travel show is about an epic adventure two young (and extremely underprepared) guys take on their journey rafting down the Ganges River in India. Their trip appears to have been a spontaneous idea.
Although some have commented on their lack of things like a waterproof bag for electronics, I love hearing stories of people pursuing their dreams and seeking out new experiences. Perhaps it will inspire your spontaneous adventure. At a minimum, it should make you smile.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video and iTunes
By Any Means with Charley Boorman
If any of you have watched the Long Way Round or Long Way Down shows, then Charley Boorman will be a name you recognize. Follow Charley in this travel show as he avoids commercial travel and instead tries to travel by any (transportation) means necessary.
He’ll use animals, small aircraft, rides with strangers, motorcycles, and more as he journeys from Ireland to Sidney (season one) and Sidney to Tokyo (season 2). Charley has a playful and expressive side, and you can’t help but smile along with him as he relishes in the joy of the journey and the discovery of new places and people.
On a side note, season 2 is called Right to the Edge: Sydney to Tokyo By Any Means. It’s helpful to know that when searching for streaming options.
Streaming on: YouTube and Dailymotion (originally aired on BBC)
Rogue Trip
Rogue Trip is the latest travel show released by Disney Plus. In this father-son travel show, you’ll travel to countries most people will never get a chance to visit.
Former war journalist Bob Woodruff takes his son Mack on a journey to explore some of the countries he visited during his work with ABC. They visit places like Columbia, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and more. See beautiful places, unique wildlife, and learn about the people and culture that make up these countries.
Streaming on: Disney+
Lost Cities
Lost Cities is another Disney Plus travel show that reminds me of a real-world Indian Jones adventure. You’ll follow Albert Lin as he seeks out Lost Cities scattered around the world. Albert uses the latest technology combined with the knowledge of locals to seek out lost civilizations.
You’ll learn more about the history and the mysteries behind places like Petra, Stonehenge, El Dorado City of Gold, and more. So grab your bullwhip (I don’t know, Indiana Jones seemed to think they were useful) and join the adventure!
Streaming on: Disney+

More Travel Shows To Inspire You

There are so many great travel shows to inspire you when you can’t travel and help you plan for when you can. Read more of my favorite travel shows and travel movies in the post 32 Travel Shows & Movies to Inspire You at Home. I understand that it can be a challenge right now to stay positive and to plan for future trips. I recommend you explore areas where you live and stay inspired by the many fantastic travel shows, movies, and books that are available to you.
To Future Travels!

July 25, 2020
Awesome Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers
Do you know someone who loves coffee? Buying gifts for others can be a challenge, especially when they seem to have “everything.” Here are some coffee gift ideas for the coffee lover in your life that they are sure to love! There is something for every coffee lover on this list, including that hard to buy for individuals. From gear to grinds, you’re sure to find the perfect gift!

Coffee Gear
I love getting new coffee gear. Yet, I often struggle to justify the purchase for myself. So I appreciate it when someone buys me coffee gear for a gift. Here are some of my coffee gear favorites and a couple that still on my wish list.
Electric Kettle
Purchasing an electric kettle was one of the best decisions I made. I bought it on a whim one day at my local department store, and I’ve never regretted it! That was about 15 years ago, and since then, I’ve had three different electric kettles.
Things I love about electric kettles.
It’s fast and easy, and you don’t have to worry about remembering to shut off the stove.
You can choose which temperature best suits your brewing needs. This is important if you want to get the maximum flavor from your coffee beans.
I know this post is about coffee gifts, but an electric kettle is terrific if you are also a tea drinker! Black tea is best brewed at higher temperatures, such as 180-212 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas green tea is best at160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. With a variable temp kettle, you can set the perfect temperature for your tea.
Another perk many electric kettles have is the “keep warm” feature. This allows you to set your desired temp and keep it warm at that temperature for an extended period. You no longer need to reheat your water when you want that second cup. Now, it’s ready as soon as you lift the kettle.
Temperature Controlled Electric Kettles:
This glass tea kettle has five temperature settings with colored lighting to signify the different temperatures. It also has a “keep warm” feature that will keep the tea kettle at the selected temperature for up two hours. This is nice for someone like me that often wanders off and forgets that I was boiling water for tea.
The Cuisinart CP-17 PerfecTemp kettle is one of the top-rated variable temperature electric kettles. It has 6 different temperature settings as well as a 30-minute keep warm function.
Gooseneck Electric Kettles:
If your coffee lover enjoys brewing pour-over coffee, then a gooseneck kettle will make a perfect addition to their kitchen. The long gooseneck spout gives greater control when pouring over coffee grounds or loose leaf tea.
The Bonavita 1.0L gooseneck kettle is one of the top-rated gooseneck kettles. Rather than provide pre-set temperature options, the Bonavita gooseneck kettle lets you manually set your exact desired temp. It also has a keep warm feature and a memory setting for your preferred temperature.
The COSORI electric gooseneck kettle is a beautiful little 0.8L kettle with a wide variety of temperature settings and a 100% stainless steel interior. It quickly heats water to the desired temp and can keep it there for up to 60 minutes.
Coffee Grinder
A coffee grinder makes a great gift! If your coffee lover doesn’t already have one, then I highly recommend purchasing them a coffee grinder. The ability to buy whole coffee beans and grind in batches allows for maximum flavor and freshness.
This Capresso burr coffee grinder is similar to the one I use, and I love how easy it is to adjust my coffee grind to suit my brewing needs. Although more expensive than a typical grinder, it allows for greater control over the size of your coffee grind. A burr grinder makes it easy to get the right coarseness, whether you’re brewing for a drip maker or an espresso maker.
The Krups Spice & Coffee Blade Grinder is a budget-friendly option. Although not as precise as a burr grinder, they also double as spice grinders (just clean well between uses). I started out using one a blade grinder and still use one for my spices.
Coffee Scale
There’s a science behind the perfect cup of coffee, and for those looking to up their coffee brewing skills, this allows them to measure the ideal coffee to water ratio. According to the National Coffee Association (yes, we’re that serious about coffee), the “golden ratio” is around 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. This works out to be somewhere between a 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water ratio.

Although they make scales designed explicitly for weighing coffee and weighing your pour-over brews, you can also use a regular kitchen scale. The main features that a person might want in a scale made for coffee brewing would be an option to disable the auto-off feature and also to weigh small amounts precisely.

So, if your coffee lover is an avid pour-over brewer, then consider the features of a coffee specific scale. Otherwise, one of these kitchen scales will work just fine. Plus, they are great for anyone who also likes to bake!
The Ozeri ZK14-AB Pronto kitchen scale is an excellent budget-friendly choice. It is battery operated. It does not have a way to disable the auto-off feature.
The Jennings CJ-4000 compact digital scale runs off of either battery or an AC adapter. It does allow you to disable the auto-off feature.
The Hario V60 coffee scale is specially made to weigh coffee and to weigh your pour-over coffee while you brew it. It also has a built-in timer for monitoring your brew and pour times.
A Milk Frother
This is a luxury item. Do you really need it? Perhaps not, but it is nice when you’re creating a latte at home to add that warm, foamy milk topping. Perfection!

I have used a variety of frothers over the years. You can choose from a simple wand frother or an all-in-one frother and warmer like this steamer or this frothing pitcher. These types of frothers also offer cold milk frothing which is wonderful when making a sweet cream cold brew or an iced macchiato at home.

Coffee Makers

This list of coffee makers goes beyond your traditional drip coffee maker. These are some coffee gift ideas for the coffee lover who likes to try new things.
Vietnamese Coffee Maker
For the coffee lover who wants to explore coffee experiences from other cultures, this makes a great gift–and a great cup of coffee! Check out my recipe for how to make Vietnamese Coffee Three Ways. You just might discover your favorite way to drink coffee!
Chemex Pour Over Coffee Maker
This is one of my most recent coffee-related purchases. Pour-over coffee makers brew a less acidic cup of coffee and extract more flavor from the coffee beans. I will say the name “Chemex” sounds very unappealing, but it makes a delicious cup of coffee! The Chemex coffee makers come in 6, 8, and 10-cup sizes. You also need to purchase these filters to use with your Chemex.
AeroPress Coffee Maker
The AeroPress coffee maker was something I received as a Christmas gift, and I love it! At first, I was skeptical, but I was pleasantly surprised at what a flavorful cup of coffee this simple coffee maker produced.
Like the Chemex, the AeroPress also brews a less acidic cup of coffee than your traditional drip coffee maker. It works similarly to a French press, but without the bitterness and occasional sediment associated with a French press.
The Aeropress is excellent for travel. The one I received for a gift came with a carrying bag and 350 microfilters. It is lightweight and compact, made in the USA and constructed of BPA-free plastic, thus no worries about it breaking during transport.
I saw that they also have this new travel design that comes with a mug, which also doubles as the carrying case for the AeroPress coffee maker.
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
I love cold brew coffee! I realize my low-acid coffee talk probably sounds like a theme at this point, but cold brew coffee also has a lower acidity than traditionally brewed coffee. Thus it’s easier on the stomach. Many people choose to drink cold brew for that very reason.
Now you do not need to purchase a cold brew maker to make cold brew coffee. You can of course also make it using a French press coffee maker or even a good old canning jar. However,
if you know someone who likes to drink cold brew daily, then they may appreciate owning a dedicated cold brew coffee maker.
The Takeya cold brew coffee maker makes it easy to brew overnight and eliminates the need for straining your brew though paper filters or cheesecloth.
OXO’s cold brew coffee maker is a slightly more “upscale” option and is also highly rated. This cold brew maker is easy to use, and the pieces stack together to make it compact for storage when not in use.
Coffee
Let’s face it every coffee lover has one thing that always makes a great gift–coffee! Here are some great coffees beyond what you can buy at your local grocery store.
Bean Box Coffee
I love supporting local and independent businesses, and Bean Box checks both of these off for me. Plus, they sell excellent quality coffee. Win-win! You can read more about Bean Box in my article about artisan coffee roasters.
Bean Box works with 35 Pacific Northwest roasters (and counting) to bring you a huge variety of coffee flavors. If your coffee lover enjoys being surprised by their coffee or loves to try new things, Bean Box coffee is a perfect choice!
Here are some coffee gift ideas from Bean Box:
World Coffee Tour Box: The ultimate tour of the world’s top coffee-producing regions.
Barrel-Aged Coffee Gift Box: Gift the ultimate craft coffee tasting experience to a coffee + spirits lover.
Coffee and Tea Gift Box: Perfect for the tea and coffee lover.
Trades of Hope Coffee
Trades of Hope is another fantastic company that supports artisan entrepreneurs and independent coffee growers. Your gift of coffee makes a significant impact on the lives of the coffee growers and their families in Guatemala.
If your coffee lover is a little more of a traditionalist and doesn’t necessarily want to sample unique flavors of coffee, then the Trades of Hope Natalia Blend Coffee is a great option. It is a high-quality medium roast coffee, perfect for your morning cup of coffee.
Altruistic Joe Coffee

Altruistic Joe is a veteran-owned small business selling delicious fresh roasted coffee. They also give back 20% of all their sales to deserving charities, so you can feel good about every purchase you make knowing it not only supports a veteran but also other worthy causes. Plus, their coffee is delicious! I recommend getting their sampler pack or trying my favorite, the Big Iron Blend.

Coffee Subscription

Why give a single bag of coffee when you can give a year of coffee! This is another excellent gift for the adventurous coffee lover in your life.
Bean Box offers a variety of monthly coffee subscriptions that you can personalize according to the type of roast your coffee lover prefers. Choose from the Bean Box Sampler, which allows your coffee lover to sample four different coffees each month. You can also purchase the Coffee of the Month subscription, where they’ll get one bag to sample each month.

Travel Mugs

While most coffee drinkers probably have more coffee mugs than they need at home, they may not have the perfect on-the-go mug. Travel mugs make great gifts as a good travel mug will keep your coffee hot (or cold) long after you’ve left the house.
Tervis is a Florida-based company that makes these almost indestructible travel mugs that are great for hot or cold beverages and are dishwasher safe! Choose from a variety of designs like this too cute Mary Poppins design or for the Friends fan in your life check out this Central Perk design. There is a vast selection from which to choose!
The Sea to Summit X-Mug is an excellent choice for hiking, motorcycle trips, and travel in general. It collapses, so it takes up almost no space, and I’ve used mine for eating oatmeal or drinking coffee. It is a versatile mug.

Coffee Gifts for the Sweet Tooth
I admit that I tend to prefer salty and spicy snacks rather than sweet snacks. However, I love all things coffee–including sweets! My favorites include chocolate-covered coffee beans, coffee ice cream, coffee candy, and coffee-flavored desserts (like this coffee cake or this coffee jelly).
Any coffee lover is sure to enjoy receiving this 3lb container of Dilettante chocolate-covered espresso beans. I know I did! Bali’s Coffee Candy is also a yummy coffee treat for that person who loves all things coffee. If they enjoy chocolate and coffee, then consider purchasing them some espresso coffee chocolate bark.

Books on Coffee

Here are some great book choices all about coffee. Whether your coffee lover is a coffee aficionado or just a beginner looking to try new recipes, these books will make great gifts.
Craft Coffee: A Manual: Brewing a Better Cup at Home by Jessica Easto
The Coffee Recipe Book: 50 Coffee and Espresso Drinks to Make at Home by Daniel Lancaster
Coffee Obsession: More Than 100 Tools and Techniques with Inspirational Projects to Make by DK
The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing — Coffees Explored, Explained and Enjoyed by James Hoffmann
Tips on Where to Buy Your Coffee Gifts

I give links to Amazon as most people have access to Amazon online. However, I recommend you also look at your local department store to see what deals they have. Another store you might consider is Bed Bath and Beyond.
If you sign up for their mailing list, you’ll receive a 20% off coupon each month to use toward fun purchases like coffee gear! I often find that their standard price combined with the coupon gives me the best deal anywhere, including when compared with Amazon.com.
Happy Caffeinating!

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June 5, 2020
Don’t Just Look For the Helpers: Be a Helper

Last week I wrote an article about Anne Frank, her isolation, and the lessons we can learn from her. At the same time, I also finished the movie edition of the book A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood by Mr. Rogers. It was out of this combination of reading and research that got me thinking about “the helpers.”
Today’s Coffee: Stemwinder Blend from Fundamental Coffee Roasters

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The Helpers

Mr. Rogers describes when, as a kid, he’d see scary things on the news, his mother would comfort him by telling him to “look for the helpers.”
I thought about the six helpers that aided Anne and the other seven people hiding in the secret annex. They were: Johannes Kleiman, Miep Gies, Jan Gies, Bep Voskuijl, Johan Voskuijl, and Victor Kugler.
These six people risked their lives to come to the aid of others. One of them, Victor Kugler, was asked after the war why he helped them, he replied, “They were my friends…” He didn’t need any other reason.
Throughout history, there have been so many helpers, and I cannot possibly list them all. A few of them are Harriet Tubman, Corrie Ten Boom, our veterans, Oskar Schindler, Martin Luther King Jr., Ida B. Wells, Frederick Douglass, Paul Rusesabagina, Elizabeth Fry, Mother Teresa, 9/11 rescue workers, our firefighters, police officers, medical workers, etc., etc.
There are so many helpers throughout the history of the world, and even now, if we look closely, we can still find them.
However, I think we must take it one step further. We can’t just look for the helpers. We must also be a helper. Each of us must rise to the occasion presented to us and choose to help those around us.
When asked “why,” I hope we respond “because they were my friends, my fellow humans and because they needed help.”

Recommended Reading

If you are a teacher, or a parent, you need to read A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Fred Rogers’ insight and empathy for children is incredible! I highly recommend it!
I also recommend reading Anne Frank: the Diary of a Young Girl. If you have middle school age kids or older, read it with them. Then discuss the parallels between our current stay-at-home situation and Anne Frank’s isolation. Anne’s diary offers a powerful perspective and also provides solace in knowing Anne shared similar feelings that they might have right now.
Post a comment about a helper who inspired you or an idea for ways we can all be helpers.

Let’s encourage each other!

May 1, 2020
Isolation and the Inspiring Story of Anne Frank
Isolation can heighten feelings of anxiety and fear. It can cause us to lose perspective and to lose hope. During this time of isolation, due to COVID-19, my mind was drawn to the story of Anne Frank. Anne Frank was a girl who knew something about isolation. She understood, better than most, the fear, loneliness, and uncertainty isolation and the factors surrounding it can bring.

It is normal to feel anxious and fearful and even wonder when, or if life will ever return to normal. Often our sleep is disrupted due to our anxiety and worries about the future. Anne experienced all of those feelings.

When we are isolated, it is easy to focus only on the negative, rather than all the good that still exists. Anne is an excellent example of someone who never lost sight of the beauty of life. She didn’t let her troubles keep her from hoping and dreaming.

Her story holds encouragement for those of us dealing with our feelings of loneliness and fear. It is also something that might benefit students struggling with their grief over the loss of graduation, school, and interactions with their peers. We can empathize with Anne’s story and also gain a new perspective on our current situation.

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Anne’s Story of Isolation

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, inspired me so much that during a recent trip to Europe, I visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. I saw the room where she slept and the small desk where she wrote her diary. I tried to imagine living in this space, sharing the small bedrooms with a parent or a stranger for two years. It makes me a little bit claustrophobic just thinking about it.
I think of my own home compared with the space in the secret annex, almost half of it would fit in my bedroom alone.
Anne, along with many other children and families, hid in attics and secret rooms. They could not go outside or even look out without endangering their lives. They were in a forced isolation that makes my stay-at-home order look like a luxury vacation.
For over two years, Anne and her family hid in the secret annex. They could not go to the store or walk outside or contact anyone outside the annex. During the day, they couldn’t even flush the toilet and had to be extremely quiet when walking around.
During my tour at the Anne Frank House, I walked up the wooden staircase to the annex, and across the creaky wooden floors. I can tell you, moving around without making any noises, would have been very difficult!
The children could not attend school, play outside, go to parties, or talk to friends. Anne, her family, and those hiding with them no longer had the freedom to come and go as they pleased. They were utterly dependent on the help of those hiding them.
These people risked their lives to bring them food and news from the outside. They were the helpers and unsung heroes we can all aspire to become.

Learning from Anne Frank

So as I sit here at home, writing this at a desk by the window, I am thankful. Thankful that I can look outside and even walk outdoors. I can drive myself to the grocery store and walk around without fear.
Anne represents the Jewish people and the horrific events of The Holocaust; however, more than that, she symbolizes hope, faith, and human resilience. We can all relate to her because we all know what it’s like to doubt ourselves, to feel lonely and afraid, and to have dreams for a better life.
Anne Frank was a remarkable young woman. Although Anne would never live to see it, she accomplished a goal of hers while in isolation. The dream of being a published writer. She left a beautiful legacy, and there is so much we can learn from her life.
Here are several lessons from her diary that can teach us how to deal with times of isolation and inspire us to live fully.

To Never Lose Faith
Anne Frank had reasons to doubt the good in humanity. She had reasons to question God and her faith. However, she never stopped believing in God or in the good that still existed in the world.
Every Individual Matters
You matter. Your story matters. You never know the difference you can make if you’ll only share your unique gifts with the world.
“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”
― Anne Frank
“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” ― Anne Frank
Self-Doubt is Normal
We will all have self-doubts. That’s a part of life. However, moving forward, even when we’re afraid or don’t know if we’ll ever be “good enough” is what matters.
If you have something that makes your heart sing, then do it for you, and the joy it gives you. I am so glad that Anne didn’t stop writing for as long as she was still alive.
To Learn From Our Mistakes
This might be one of the greatest lessons to learn from Anne’s story and The Holocaust. We must remember what happened, learn from it, and prevent it from happening again.
“What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again.” ― Anne Frank
The Benefits of Journaling
A diary is a great way to get our thoughts down and our feelings. It is useful for kids and adults alike. Often if we have a safe space, such as a diary, we have the freedom to express our feelings without fear of repercussions or reproach. Writing is freeing and therapeutic.
“The nicest part is being able to write down all my thoughts and feelings; otherwise, I’d absolutely suffocate.” ― Anne Frank
To Be Dreamers
Oh, what a kindred spirit I find in Anne. She had so many dreams, and I bet, given a chance, she would have accomplished every one.
Focus on The Positive
Anne taught us to focus on what we have to be grateful for, despite our troubles.
I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.
― Anne Frank

Final Thoughts About Anne

Anne and her family went into hiding from the Nazis in July 1942. She was 13 years old. After two years of hiding in an annex over the warehouse where her father worked, they were captured by the Nazis and taken to concentration camps.
Anne went from the isolation of the annex to a concentration camp where she died at the age of 15.  She loved to write and hoped to one day be a famous writer. Sadly, Anne never saw this come to pass. She never had the opportunity to return to school, to fulfill her dreams, or to see her diary published. Anne never had the chance to return to a normal life.
Perhaps, as a tribute to Anne, and to all those who lost their lives too soon, we can do our best to live our lives fully. Chasing our dreams, inspiring those around us, and always believing there is more good than bad to be uncovered.
Our isolation is temporary; eventually, children will return to school, and we will celebrate with family once again. Anne Frank never stopped dreaming while in isolation, and I know she would have lived life passionately given a chance.
So what about you? What will you do with your life?
Anne’s diary, from those two years in isolation, has inspired millions of people around the world! Anne did, in fact, live on after she was dead.

Recommendations for Books & Movies About Anne Frank
Books:
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s Tales from the Secret Annex: A Collection of Her Short Stories, Fables, and Lesser-Known Writings by Anne Frank
Eva’s Story: A Survivor’s Tale By the Step Sister of Anne Frank by Eva Schloss
Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family by Miep Gies
Anne Frank: The Book, The Life, The Afterlife by Francine Prose
Movies & Television Shows
Anne Frank Remembered (1995)
Anne Frank: The Whole Story (2001 TV-miniseries)
Icons of Our Time – Anne Frank (2013) (short 23-minute summary of her life)
Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour through the secret annex in Amsterdam. You can look inside each of the rooms and learn facts behind their use.

“Who else but me is ever going to read these letters?” ― Anne Frank
Millions Anne, millions.
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April 30, 2020
32 Travel Movies & Shows to Inspire Travelers at Home

Travel movies filled with beautiful cinematography and adventures in new places make me smile! It is one of the ways I “travel” when I can’t actually travel.
I watch as the people in the films pursue a passion, whether it’s traveling to a dream destination or accomplishing a goal of hiking a mountain or spending a year surfing. It’s all about people with the courage to let go of their comfort zones and chase their dreams.
As I sit at home, watching their stories unfold, I imagine myself doing what they are doing, packing their bags and hitting the road. For that one to two hours, I am traveling with them.
That’s the power of a good story and why watching travel movies and reading books on travel are two of my favorite ways to take a journey when I’m stuck at home.
Below are some of my favorite travel movies and television shows. I list them by category, so you can choose whichever genre you are in the mood to watch right now. Let’s jump in and start our travels!

Classic Travel Movies

I’m a sucker for classic movies, and these are some of my favorites. If you avoid black and white films or only stick to recent releases, you’re missing out! These classics are set in different countries and bring back some of that Old Hollywood charm.
Sometimes all you need for a good travel movie is a great location and your favorite actors. These are perfect for a movie night when you want to watch something fun and light-hearted.
Roman Holiday
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck star in this film about a princess who sneaks out and spends the day with an American news reporter.
Princess Ann (Hepburn) wants to spend one day as an ordinary (aka not a princess) person. While Joe Bradley (Peck), the news reporter, hopes to get the inside scoop of his life! You’ll feel like you’re spending the day sightseeing in this romantic comedy set in Rome.
Charade
Audrey Hepburn’s character travels to France on a ski trip only to be caught in a web of mystery and intrigue in this classic romantic comedy. This movie also stars Cary Grant, Walter Mathau and James Coburn. Charade is one of my favorites!
Hepburn had several films set in Paris; Funny Face is one of them and another favorite of mine. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you watch it. The satirized beatnik dance scene with Hepburn’s character cracks me up! (I’m kind of a Hepburn fan if you hadn’t noticed.)
To Catch a Thief
Okay, so I guess I’m also a Cary Grant fan. This Alfred Hitchcock mystery is set in the French Riviera, where John Robie (Grant) is a retired cat burglar who must clear his name after a string of burglaries make him the prime suspect.
He follows, Francie (Grace Kelly), who he suspects will be another victim, in an attempt to track the real burglar and clear his name. Race along the Riviera in this fun rom-com thriller.
The Endless Summer
Okay, technically, this should be under Documentaries, but it’s also kind of a classic, so I guess we’ll call it a Classicmentary? Docuclassic? Well, whatever genre you choose, if you want to chase the warm breezes year-round, then have fun watching this surfing classic.
This travel movie follows surfers as they chase the sun to Hawaii, New Zealand, and South Africa. I love the cheesy voice dub-overs that are indicative of this period. This one combines humor, sunshine, and big waves to create a fun docu-classic (or whatever term we decided on). It’s guaranteed to make you smile!

Travel Comedies

Need a fun night filled with silly antics, adventure, and a lot of laughter? These travel movies are sure to hit the spot!
Romancing the Stone
Romancing the Stone is an 80’s movie starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. Their adventure takes place in the Colombian jungle where city girl and romance novelist, Joan Wilder (Turner), attempts to rescue her sister Elaine from kidnappers in Colombia.
She meets up with Jack T. Colton (Douglas) and, in a typical opposites-attract romantic comedy the two dodge bullets, find a treasure and rescue her sister. If you like the Indiana Jones movie series, you will most likely enjoy this one too.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
This classic comedy portrays hectic holiday travel in the United States. Neal Page (Steve Martin) travels home to be with his family for Thanksgiving and ends up with a very talkative Del Griffith (John Candy) as his annoying travel companion. Holiday travel is stressful enough, but these two experience it at an entirely new level!
You can’t help feel bad for Steve Martin’s character as he deals with Griffith’s bumbling antics. However, in the end, the writers have us cheering for John Candy’s lonely character and remembering what the holidays are all about.
Last Holiday
If you only had a few months to live and money was no object, what would you do? In Last Holiday, Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) quits her job, empties her bank account, and travels to the Czech Republic to stay at a luxury resort and spa.
She fulfills lifelong dreams as she makes the most of what life she has left. This travel movie will have you imagining your dream trip, too – just don’t wait until you’re dying to make it happen!
Catch Me If You Can
Frank Abagnale, Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a world-class con artist. He’s robbing banks at 17 years old, impersonating doctors, lawyers, and pilots.
This film has the viewer joining the chase as FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) follows Abagnale all over the world in an effort to apprehend him for his many crimes.
Abagnale is something of a genius really, and you can’t help but cheer for him as he outsmarts the FBI and attempts to live his dream life (albeit as a criminal).

Travel Documentaries

My favorite travel movies fall under the documentary category. Why? Because it’s real people, pursuing their passions, and showing us that we can do it too!
I love watching people live out their dreams. It makes me happy! Documentaries more than any other genre capture the spirit of travel and its many benefits. If you don’t usually watch this type of movie, I highly recommend you start with these!
Antarctica: A Year on Ice
Travel to Antarctica and learn about the people who live there and work there year after year. I think you might be surprised how inspiring this documentary is.
It left me thinking more about how I want to travel to this cold and remote continent to see for myself what makes it so unique. Plus, getting to see all the penguins would be pretty cool too! I do know one thing, though–I only want to visit in the summer, I’m pretty partial to sunlight!
Maidentrip
This documentary is about Laura Deckker, who, at 16 years old, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Maidentrip documents the hurdles she overcame to accomplish this incredible feat. Sailing was in Deckker’s blood.
She was born on a sailing trip and lived on a sailboat until she was 5. Her father encouraged her sailing dreams, and her tenacity and determination made her dreams a reality.
Although I don’t recommend that kids leave school to embark on solo trips around the world, you can’t help admire Deckker’s courage and commitment to her dreams. You can also purchase her book about her sailing adventure, “One Girl, One Dream.“
The Far Green Country
This travel documentary follows Eli & Kelly Pyke and their son Dakota, as they document their decision to live in an RV for one year. Their journey takes them through many of the U.S. National Parks as well as parts of Canada.
The Far Green Country depicts the ups and downs of long-term travel, but also the benefits of slow travel. It tells the story of a family falling apart only to be healed by slowing down and connecting through travel and nature. The Pykes invite you to take the journey with them in this intimate travel movie.
The Far Green Country inspired my husband and me. As we watched it, he turns to me and asks, “how much would we need to do that?” This is why I watch travel movies — they inspire us even when we’re sitting on the couch at home, and they cause us to dream about all life’s possibilities.
Living on One Dollar
1.1 billion people live on one dollar a day. It was this statistic that inspired four college students to travel to Guatemala, where they lived for two months, experiencing firsthand what it was like to live on one dollar a day.
They created this documentary as a way to bring awareness to the needs of impoverished countries. These four young men went to Guatemala out of empathy and curiosity, and what they received in return was so much more than they anticipated.
During their stay in Guatemala, they experienced what it was to be poor, without food, sick, and without money for a doctor. However, even more important, they encountered the beauty of the human spirit. They were recipients of the generosity of a Guatemalan family who, although poor, opened their homes up to these students, embracing them and sharing with them the very best of what they had.
This family gave from the generosity of their heart, forged from the value and necessity of living in community with others. Travel allows you to see this beautiful side of humanity that we often lose sight of here at home.
When you travel, you have an opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes, albeit briefly, it changes you and creates an awareness larger than yourself. Living on One Dollar is an inspiring and educational documentary perfect for a family movie night!
180 Degrees South
180 Degrees South follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the 1968 journey to Patagonia by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkin.
After his trip to Patagonia, Chouinard went on to start the outdoor clothing company Patagonia. Tompkin, who was the founder of The North Face company, returned to Chile to focus on preserving wildlands in Chile and Argentina. It’s no wonder these two men inspired Johnson with their love of nature and life.
Johnson sets sail from Mexico, stops at Easter Island, and then continues to Patagonia, where he meets up with Chouinard and Tompkin. The documentary combines audio and visuals from the original 1968 trip with Johnson’s experiences and pursuit of climbing the Corcovado Volcano in Chile.
Johnson realized he had to make his dream happen. He learned from Chouinard and Tompkin that there’s a time for books and movies, but then there’s a time for experiencing life for yourself. 180 Degrees South documents his journey from planning to doing and invites you to do the same.

Family Travel Movies

Here are some travel movies perfect for a family movie night and are suitable for kids of all ages. Movies are a way to teach kids about the beauty of travel and to have the courage to chase their dreams.
Up
Up is a heart-warming movie the whole family can enjoy. It’s filled with dreams, adventures, and a carpe diem message that says chase life now! You never know what will happen, so seize the day and don’t wait for your someday life, as it may never come.
Paddington
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this “real life” adaptation of the beloved children’s story. Paddington bear travels from his home in the Peruvian rainforest to England, where the Brown family adopts him as part of the family. This movie is silly and heart-warming. I think it will bring smiles to kids and adults alike.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
There are multiple versions to choose from when watching this Jules Verne classic. My favorite is the 1959 movie with Pat Boone. Go on an adventure to Iceland and journey to the center of the earth to discover dinosaurs, exotic plants, volcanoes, and more!
The Swiss Family Robinson
This Disney classic has young and old, imagining what life would be like on some exotic and remote island where water and food are plentiful. So, as long as you enjoy your family as your only source of company–you’re set! (The current COVID-19 lockdown has me putting that theory to the test.)
Around the World in 80 Days
Well, the name says it all. Join Phileas Fogg in yet another Jules Verne novel turned movie as he attempts to circumnavigate the world in 80 days! You can choose from the 1956 movie version or the 2004 version.
Jules Verne’s book has inspired numerous people since its publication in 1873 to make real-life attempts of Fogg’s route. Even today, there are tour companies that help you book around the world tours following his path.
Togo
In this recent Disney movie, we learn more about the story behind the historic effort to save the Alaskan town of Nome. Those of you who watched Disney’s Balto, released in 1995, might be familiar with the story. However, in the words of Paul Harvey, I encourage you to watch Togo and learn “the rest of the story.”
I’m not sure if the movie will inspire you to visit Alaska or not, but perhaps if it does, you’ll want to try dog sledding when you do. Togo displays the determination and courage of those who call Alaska home, as well as the connection humans have with dogs. It’s an exciting and heart-warming true story for the whole family! (Currently, it is only available on Disney+.)

Travel Dramas

These travel movies are a mixture of bitter-sweet moments. The desire to travel doesn’t start the same way for everyone. However, adventure is something that calls out to us until the day we die. If only we are brave enough to answer.
World’s Fastest Indian
Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) is a New Zealand man who dreams of traveling to the U.S. to race his Indian Scout motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He finally scrapes together enough money to take himself, and his bike, on a ship to America. America isn’t exactly what he expected (destinations rarely are), and he faces numerous hurdles in the journey to fulfill his dream.
He makes it to the salt flats, though, and achieves his dream in this inspiring movie. Most people would have given up on their goals by the time they were Burt’s age, but he didn’t let age, money, or the opinions of others keep him from going after what he wanted.
Midnight in Paris
This movie follows Gil Pender, who, on a visit to Paris, travels back in time to the 1920s and bumps into writers like Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. It’s a unique story that blends the present with the past and inspires you to book the next flight to Paris and write that novel you’ve been putting off! Okay, perhaps that’s just me.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This movie is full of beautiful landscapes and cinematic shots that create that sense of awe and wonder that travel provides. Its message is to stop daydreaming about living life and to live it. Begin your bucket list adventures and embrace life now. What some may not know, is the original movie came out in 1947 starring Danny Kaye.
Tracks
This travel movie is based on the memoir of Robyn Davidson. Tracks portrays the real-life journey Robyn took in 1977. Robyn, with her four camels, and a dog, walked 1,700 miles across Australia to the Indian Ocean. This 9-month journey was a dream of hers. A dream few understood, but it was something she felt she had to do. Dreams are like that sometimes, people won’t always understand the “why” behind your decisions, but as long as you do, sometimes that is enough.
Robyn’s courage inspired me. I don’t want to walk across Australia (snakes and spiders are not my cup of tea), but I do want to be courageous enough to go after my dreams.
The Way
In this moving story of love and loss, Thomas Avery (Martin Sheen) travels from America to France to recover the body of his son, Daniel (Emilio Esteves), who died while walking the Camino de Santiago. While in France, Avery decides to pay homage to his son by completing the 500-mile pilgrimage to the city of Santiago de Compostela.
If you’ve ever considered taking a long-distance hike, but aren’t exactly ready to reenact Reese Witherspoon’s role in Wild, then consider walking the Camino de Santiago. This almost 500-mile trail stretches from France to Spain in a mostly flat path that winds its way through various towns. You can even sleep in a bed every night if you’d prefer not to rough it in a tent.
The other advantage of this is that you don’t have to pack as much as you would on a typical backpacking adventure as you can eat in the towns along the way. You can even cycle the Camino de Santiago, but first, watch The Way and see a glimpse of what the journey holds.

Travel Television Shows

These are some of my favorite travel shows, and yes, most of them revolve around food. What can I say? I enjoy eating, and I feel that food is in itself a mode of travel. Food takes us on a journey through cultures, families, and communities. It encapsulates the whole experience of travel in a bite.

No Passport Required

I love the idea behind this show, and it goes perfectly with the theme of this article. We can travel somewhere new, even while we’re at home. Chef Marcus Samuelsson visits cities across America and learns about different American cultures, their history, and the food that is unique to them.

For example, he filmed an episode here in Seattle, where he explored the Filipino American culture. We learned how Filipinos migrated to America and about the role of food in their culture. No Passport Required will inspire you to seek out new cultures and places close to your home and to learn about those around you.

Somebody Feed Phil (I’ll Have What Phil’s Having)

You can’t help but smile along with Phil as he shares his genuine (and expressive) love of food and travel. This is a light-hearted show, Phil is not the cranky, seasoned traveler you might be used to seeing. His childlike joy of food and life is infectious! (you can watch on Netflix, and if you like it, you can purchase the DVD from his earlier series “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having”)

Rick Steves’ Europe

My grandma, who is 96 years old, loves traveling around Europe with Rick Steves. She, of course, does it from the comfort of her recliner at home, but she travels nonetheless! Rick Steves has been traveling around Europe and taking us with him for almost 20 years. If Europe is on your bucket list, his videos are a good place for you to start planning your trip.

Uncharted with Gordon Ramsay

Follow Gordon Ramsay as he explores the world experiencing new cultures, foods, and local experiences on his quest to create his own dish with his unique flair in a friendly showdown with a local chef. It’ll have you wanting to travel and eat all in the same show! (Currently, this is only available on Disney+.)

Anthony Bourdain – No Reservations or Layover

If you prefer the more edgy travel host, then look no further than Anthony Bourdain. He’s no Phil and certainly no Rick Steves, but he was a prolific traveler, chef, and writer. He’ll have you drooling over the sumptuous meals he eats during his travels as well as daydreaming about traveling the world full-time. He gives you his opinion straight up and shares a life that few will ever know.

The Kindness Diaries

This reality/documentary-style travel show transports you around the world with Leon Logothetis. Leon sets out to travel the world without money, relying solely on the kindness of strangers. This beautiful series shows us that there are still good people in the world. That generous humans do still exist, and we can all do our part to add a little kindness to the world around us.

The Amazing Race

In The Amazing Race, contestants compete for the grand prize in a non-stop race around the world. The contestants compete in pairs consisting of a parent and child, husband and wife, brother and sister, and so on. My hubby and I applied to the show once, later realizing what a hot mess that would have been, we were thankful just to watch it at home rather than be on the show.

Anyone who travels knows how stressful travel can be. The Amazing Race takes that stress to a whole new level! Plus, you get to see beautiful and unique destinations and learn about giving back while you travel too.

Long Way Down

In this T.V. mini-series starring Ewan McGregor and his friend Charley Boorman, the two men set out on a 19,000 mile trip from London to New York City on their motorcycles. This movie had a small part in my hubby and I choosing our BMW dual-sport motorcycles. It’s a great adventure through Europe, Asia, and then the United States.

Disclaimer: This TV mini-series has so much bad language it might make a sailor blush. So do not watch this with kids around, or perhaps just watch it on mute.

Travel Movies & T.V. Shows

I’ve highlighted some of my favorites travel-related movies and television shows that I feel inspire the dreamer within. However, there are so many travel movies and television shows to choose from and these are just a small portion of what you can explore.
If you have a favorite I didn’t list, let me know. I’m always on the hunt for a good movie, so I love hearing recommendations.
If you’re looking for more ideas, read 15 Inspiring Things to Do When you Can’t Travel for ways to transport yourself to another destination. There are so many ways to feed our appetite for travel if we’re willing to put forth a little effort and use our imaginations!
“To Infinity & Beyond!”

April 8, 2020
15 Inspiring Things to Do When You Can’t Travel
There are a variety of reasons why someone may be unable to travel. These include restrictions due to a new wide-spread virus (and here I thought Outbreak was a fictional movie), lack of funds, sickness, work or school schedules, and so on. It can be frustrating when you want to travel, but can’t, so I’ve created this list of things to do when you can’t travel to keep you inspired until your next adventure. You can “travel” from the comfort of your home, with a little inspiration and a dash of imagination!
*Given our current restrictions on travel due to the COVID-19 virus, some of these things to do will not be an option under the current shelter-at-home mandates. However, many of these ideas will work, even if you are forced to stay indoors.

1) Read Your Favorite Travel Blogs
First off, I’m going to assume you’re doing that at this very moment (wink wink). However, besides reading all your favorite articles on Travelffeine (subscribe here), why not check out some other travel bloggers to inspire your next adventure. Here are a few to get you started.
A Suitcase Full of Books is a travel blog I recently came across. I feel that Elizabeth and I are kindred spirits in our love of literature and travel. If you’ve ever thought about planning a trip based on your favorite author or story, then check out her travels and start planning your trip!
Sailing Zatara is a sailing blog I heard about from a friend. If you’re a fan of Captain Jack Sparrow and dream of one day sailing a ship around the world then Sailing Zatara has you covered! The Whitaker family sold everything and set sail for a full-time life of sailing abroad. They also have a YouTube channel where they vlog about their travels. So grab your eye-patch and discover what it’s really like living full-time on a boat.
Maybe you’ve secretly thought of moving to some tropical destination, then check out TielandtoThailand to learn what it takes to uproot and move to another country. Angela and Chris moved to Thailand in 2013 and have been living there ever since. They share their experiences as ex-pats in Thailand and also travel tips for those coming here for vacation.
2) Read Inspiring Travel Books
Long before I was old enough to travel on my own, I traveled the world with a single visit to my local library. I would fill up my backpack with stacks of books on almost every subject imaginable. I’d check out books on languages, biographies, and fictional adventures in far off places. Books were how I dreamed, explored, and traveled the world, all from my home in Small Town, U.S.A. They are still where I turn for inspiration and adventure. All you need to travel is a good book and a little imagination!
Books to start your adventures at home
501 Must-Visit Destinations: I love photo books like this one, and each time I visit someplace new, I look through the book to see if I can check any of the destinations off with the hope of one day seeing all five hundred and one. Flip through its pages and let the photographs and descriptions inspire you to dream about your future travels.
The Lost City of Z: The book, as usual, is much better than the movie. It has adventure, mystery, scary creatures, and an exotic destination. David Grann sought to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the early 20th-century British explorer Percy Fawcett. Percy Fawcett went on an expedition in the Amazonian jungles, never to be seen again, and Grann went on his own adventure to retrace the lost explorer’s steps. If you love adventure, then you’ll enjoy this book and perhaps even be inspired to travel there.
The Log of the Snark & The Cruise of the Snark: These two books, one written by Jack London and the other by his wife Charmian London, describe their sailing adventure to the South Pacific. Jack London wrote The Cruise of the Snark, which tells his side of their expedition, whereas The Log of the Snark is the journal of Charmian London, giving us her point of view on their journey.
A Moveable Feast: This book was published posthumously from Ernest Hemingway’s writings and journals from his time in Paris during the early 20th century. It made me think of the movie Midnight in Paris (see below) and of that time in history where so many artists and writers were putting pen to paper and brush to canvas to create the masterpieces we enjoy today. It might also inspire you to take a trip to Paris and try to recreate the spirit of that era for yourself.
3) Watch Travel Films & Shows
My Grandma is 96 years old at the time that I write this. For years, she has been unable to take trips of any real distance. However, that never stopped her from “traveling.” Her favorite thing to do, as she calls it, is “traveling from her armchair.” I’d call her up and ask her where she’d traveled to recently, she’d tell me about someplace, usually in Europe, that she’s visited as she watched her favorite Rick Steves travel show or something of that nature.
I love watching movies and shows about traveling. It’s one of my favorite things to do when I’m looking for a little travel inspiration. Here are a few of my recommendations. To see more travel movie recommendations read 32 Movies & TV Shows to Inspire the Traveler at Home.
Travel Movies:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
This movie is full of beautiful landscapes and cinematic shots that create that sense of awe and wonder that travel provides. Its message is to stop daydreaming about living life and to live it. Begin your bucket list adventures and embrace life now. What some may not know, is the original movie came out in 1947 starring Danny Kaye. (You can stream the 2013 version on various platforms such as YouTube or Amazon Video)
Midnight in Paris
This movie follows Gil Pender, who, on a visit to Paris, travels back in time to the 1920s and bumps into writers like Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. It’s a unique story that blends the present with the past and inspires you to book the next flight to Paris and write that novel you’ve been putting off! Okay, perhaps that’s just me. (You can stream for free on Crackle, or pay to stream on YouTube and Amazon Video)
UP
This is a heart-warming movie the whole family can enjoy. It’s filled with dreams, adventures, and a message about what matters in life–our relationships with those we love. If it’s been a while since you watched it, or if you’ve never seen it before, I highly recommend you make it a family movie night and begin creating special moments right now.
Travel Television Shows:
Somebody Feed Phil
You can’t help but smile along with Phil as he shares his genuine (and expressive) love of food and travel. This is a light-hearted show, Phil is not the cranky, seasoned traveler you might be used to seeing. His childlike joy of food and life is infectious! (you can watch on Netflix, and if you like it, you can purchase the DVD from his earlier series “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having“)
The Amazing Race
In The Amazing Race, contestants compete to win the grand prize in a non-stop race around the world. The contestants compete in pairs consisting of a parent and child, husband and wife, brother and sister, and so on. Anyone who has traveled knows how stressful travel can be. The Amazing Race takes that stress to a whole new level! Plus, you get to see beautiful and unique destinations and learn about giving back while you travel too. (you can watch on Amazon Prime Video and CBS All Access)
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
Follow Gordon Ramsay as he explores the world experiencing new cultures, foods, and local experiences on his quest to create his own dish with his unique flair in a friendly showdown with a local chef. It’ll have you wanting to travel and eat all in the same show! (Currently, this is only available on Disney+.)
4) Listen to Travel Podcasts
Another great thing to do when you can’t travel is to listen to travel podcasts. Travel podcasts are great for learning about a new destination, getting travel tips, and exploring travel opportunities you may not have considered. You hear firsthand from seasoned travelers what they have learned during their years of traveling.
There are so many to choose from, but here are a few to consider:
Zero to Travel
This podcast has tips and ideas for how to travel long-term. It covers different ways to make money living abroad, as well as general tips all travelers can use.
Travel with Rick Steves
In this travel podcast hosted by Rick Steves, he interviews locals from his travels, and you learn the stories and history behind the different destinations.
Hawaii Vacation Connection
Learn about where to stay on the different Hawaiian islands, where to eat, do’s and don’ts of visiting Hawaii, and so much more. If you want to take a trip to Hawaii, start your vacation planning now with this all about Hawaii podcast.
5) Go on a Food Journey

One of my favorite things to do when I return from a trip is to find recipes from my travels and try making them. This is a fun way to bring the travel experience home. Find a new recipe that you’ve never tried and bring some culture to your table.
If you need some inspiration, check out my “Recipes Inspired by Travel” Pinterest board. I regularly add to this board, so subscribe if you want to see future pins as well.
If you don’t enjoy cooking at all, you can, of course, have a similar experience by getting take-out from a local restaurant. Try to choose dishes you’ve never tried before. This will make the experience more authentic.

6) Throw a Travel-Themed Party

This idea goes well with the previous one. Choose a country for a travel-themed party and then decorate and plan a menu based on that country. In addition to making dishes from other countries, you can have your dinner guests look up facts about your meal’s country of origin. Consider creating some trivia cards for a fun party game to learn more about that destination. Discuss favorite travel memories, if you’ve visited the destination of your dish before. Make a fun night of it and pretend you’re dining in another country.

7) Play a Travel Board Game
When looking for things to do at home, I love turning to old-school board games! I know in the world of technology, you have a lot of options for online video games, but there’s something so fun about playing board games. Perhaps, I feel that way since I grew up playing them, but either way, I think it’s nice to unplug once in a while and return to the world of low-tech fun. Here are a few of my favorites:
Ticket to Ride
This strategy game has a few versions. I own the original, which has you riding the rails across America trying to create the most train connections before your fellow players can beat you to it!
Risk
Risk is more about world domination than traveling for fun, and depending on who you play with–it might get intense!
Settlers of Catan
Catan is a great strategy game that has you trying to build a civilization and keep your fellow players from building theirs. It has a little bit of a learning curve, but it is a lot of fun, and the gameplay changes every time you play it.
Continent Race
Continent Race is a fun game the whole family can play. It is a game created by a kid for other kids. The entire family can explore the world together and learn all about the different countries around the world in this fun and educational game.
If you’d like a mobile app to play a game on your own, try World Geography Quiz Game. Have fun learning about countries all over the world. Learn about maps, flags, language, currency, etc. If you love travel and learning, then you’re sure to enjoy the World Geography Quiz Game.
8) Create a Travel Collage

Another fun thing to do when you can’t travel is to create a travel inspiration board, aka a travel collage. Travel collages are fun to do on your own or with a friend. Your family could even create one together for your next family vacation.
Find some magazines, or lookup maps and photos online and print out any that spark your interest. Then find a large piece of cardboard (use an empty box), poster board, or piece of thick paper and begin cutting and pasting to create your travel dream board!
You can use a mixture of maps, text and inspiring photos you found online. You can also create simple photo collages like the one I made below. Group together favorite vacation photos and memories that make you smile then frame it and hang it somewhere in your house.

9) Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Dust off your photo albums and travel down memory lane. This is one of my favorite things to do when I’m not traveling. It’s so fun to look back on past trips, whether it’s a trip to another country, a trip to the local zoo, or last year’s camping trip–it doesn’t really matter. It’s always great to see the smiling faces and remember those special moments you may have forgotten. Photos are time machines that take us to our favorite places and memories with those we love.
If you don’t have any physical photo albums, then why not go through your digital photos and make one with your favorite moments. Google Photos has a feature that lets you create a photo book that they’ll print and ship direct to you.
Create a Photo Montage
Another fun way to use your digital photos is to create a photo montage of your favorite travels. Then have a family movie night. Even better, if you have digital movies, incorporate these into your photo montage for a mixture of photos and videos. This is sure to be a hit with your family!
There are a variety of tools you can use to do this. One of the easiest is probably Google Photos. This simple option allows you to create short montages utilizing a mixture of photos and videos. Kapwing is another free montage/video software that will enable you to drag and drop your photos and videos to easily create a photo montage to share with your friends and family. For something a little more advanced, consider trying Shotcut, it’s free and has a lot of features, but there is a bit of a learning curve.

10) Learn a Language
Do you want to travel to Spain, but don’t have the money to do it just yet? Why not start by learning Spanish? Learning languages is a great way to start your travels while at home. It helps create a connection with the culture of the country you plan to visit. Plus, with technology, there are now some great (and easy) ways to start learning a new language. Even if you’ve only got 15 minutes a day, you can learn to speak a foreign language.
Here are some apps I’ve used for my language learning.
Duolingo
This is probably one of the most popular language-learning apps. It is easy to use and allows you to progress in your language learning from beginner to more advanced language skills. It has a ton of language choices too.
Memrise
Memrise uses a variety of memory techniques to help you learn a language quickly and remember it. This is an easy to use app for beginner language learners.
Beelinguapp
This language learning app lets you read books and listen to music in other languages. I’d say it’s a little more advanced than the other apps listed here, but a great way to expand your language learning.
HelloTalk
If you want to practice your language skills with native speakers, then HelloTalk is a great place to start. You can chat with native speakers from around the world and begin practicing before you ever leave home!
11) Create a Travel Scrapbook Journal

When you get back from a trip, often there’s a bit of sadness that your travel adventures are over (at least for the moment). A fantastic way to extend your travel experience is to create a travel scrapbook journal. Go through all the receipts, and ticket stubs, and photos you have from a recent trip and turn it into a personalized travel journal. Write notes about your favorite moments and create a customized travel souvenir you’ll cherish forever.
Here’s a quick video by Paperchase showing you a few ideas for creating your travel journal. For more ideas on ways to turn your travel mementos into DIY souvenirs and keepsakes, check out my Travel Gifts & DIY Crafts Pinterest board.

12) Learn a New Activity

Another fun thing to do when you can’t travel is to learn a new activity you want to try on your next travel adventure. Perhaps you’re planning a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park, and you’d like to do some rock climbing while you’re there, take a local rock climbing class and begin learning the skill before your trip.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive, well why not start with an intro scuba diving class at your local pool, then if you like it you can enroll in a PADI certification course and be ready for your next tropical diving adventure!
There are so many things you can do, even learning to run is a great way to prepare for a trip, running is one of those activities you can do no matter where you are, and it’s a great way to explore an area while traveling.

13) Hotel Retreat at Home

This one may require a little effort, but I think when you’re relaxing in your hotel at home, you’ll appreciate the time it took.
Start by making up your bed with your nicest sheets and bedspread. Find some fresh cut flowers and put them in a vase somewhere in the room. Then get some bottled water, and maybe even move your coffee maker into your bedroom if possible. In addition to coffee, you may also want to bring in some of your favorite tea along with mugs to enjoy it later.
Find some bath salts or bubble bath and maybe even put some fresh flowers in your bathroom to complete your hotel retreat at home. Then hang a “do not disturb” sign on your door and settle in with your favorite book or movie for a relaxing night.

14) Play Tourist at Home

If you have a visitor coming to stay with you, who has never been to your town before, what places would you take them to see, and what would you plan for things to do?
Create a list of things to do and places to see and also places to eat, basically plan out a trip to your local area and then do that! This will be a fun way for you to travel and play tourist, and it will also give you some great ideas the next time you do have guests over to visit.

15) Start Planning Your Next Trip

You may not be able to travel right at this moment, but you can certainly start planning your next trip! Trip planning is one of the best things to do when you can’t travel. It gets you excited and focused on a goal. You can use the collage idea I mentioned above on #8 and create a vision board for your trip. Then place it somewhere you’ll see it each day and remind yourself what you’re working toward.
Abbigayle on Her Luxe Travels gives an example of a fold-out travel vision board you can create and place in your daily planner or journal.
Go to your local library, whether in person or online and look up travel guides to your intended destination, then begin writing down all the places you want to see. You can start to create an itinerary based on your “must-see” list for that destination. You’ll also get an idea of how long you want to stay. Check out my Maui Itinerary and Thailand Itinerary to get ideas on how I go about planning my trips. If you’re a complete beginner, then check out Trip Planning 101.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do

It is discouraging when you want to travel but can’t, no matter what the reason is. So finding things to do that give you the experience or essence of traveling, even when you’re stuck at home, is a great way to encourage and inspire yourself during those periods.
Whatever you do, make sure to have fun, be creative, and be thankful for all the opportunities that surround you. It’s easy to take things for granted, especially when we’re at home, but sometimes we just need to slow down and remember we’ve got an incredible world right at our feet if only we have eyes to see it.
Happy Travels!
March 28, 2020
6 Steps to Overcome Fear and Pursue Your Dream

One of the most significant blocks to pursuing a dream is fear. It’s a big reason why I didn’t fully pursue my dreams and why I was afraid to begin sharing my desire to write with the world. However, our dreams are too important to be held back by fear or anything else. In this post, I give you six simple steps to overcome fear so you can start living the life you want. These are six ways I have personally used to help me move forward toward my goals. I hope they will help you do the same.

Step #1: Do it Anyway

Do the thing you are afraid to fail at, even when you’re scared. To overcome fear, you must accept that it’s there and continue on anyway. Don’t wait for the moment when you’re no longer afraid, that moment will never come, you must start toward your goals while you’re still scared. Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just start creating. Let your “good enough” be the starting point.
“…if you can’t learn to travel comfortably alongside your fear, then you’ll never be able to go anywhere interesting or do anything interesting.”
~Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic

Step #2: Find Your Cheerleader

Find that person who will encourage you when fear tries to stop you. Sometimes we need a little help to overcome fear, and that’s okay! For me, this is my husband. He tells me I can do it, and he tells me that I matter and that he believes in me. You need to find this person for you. Besides close family or friends, find a group of like-minded people who share the same passion and dreams.
If you’re a writer, join a writing group. If you’re a painter, take a class and meet some other artists. Perhaps you want to travel to Italy, then take a class at your local community college and learn Italian while meeting others who share your passion. These are just examples, but you get the point. Surround yourself with positive voices and like-minded dreamers. It’s easy to find the negative, work hard to surround yourself with a positive support system.

Step #3: Talk Through the Worst-Case Scenario

Sometimes, it’s the “what-ifs” that hold us back–the fear of what might happen or the fear of the unknown. To overcome fear, you need to talk through what you’re afraid of. So ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen if you start pursuing your dream?
You could fail.
Okay, but we’ve already learned that failure can be a positive thing. We learn from it, grow from it, and it shows we started something. Failure is a part of living. You are alive and living if you are failing at something.
You could lose everything.
Maybe, but highly unlikely, you’ll lose “everything.” If you do, you can always start over and try again. Focus on what is truly important: your life, your health, your loved ones, and your faith. As long as you don’t lose these things, you will never lose “everything.”
People will laugh at you.
Yep, totally possible. Are you pursuing this goal for the approval of others? Or are you doing this to feed a longing inside of you? Is this for you or them? Do the opinions of others define you? To face our fear of what people will think, we must stop comparing ourselves and stop fearing the judgment of others. We must also realize that we can never please everyone all the time.

Step #4: Start Where You’re At

You don’t need to learn everything first, start achieving your goals now, where you’re at. You’re a beginner, so begin! Take a class, watch a video online, and research tools to help you learn and grow, but start moving forward now. This ties into the need for perfection; you want to make sure you have everything just right, so you don’t make a mistake. This will keep you from ever starting or ever finishing. So start pursuing your dream today with the tools you have and learn along the way. Let yourself be a beginner.
Another important part of starting where you’re at is not looking at the time up to this point, or even the time it takes you to get to where you want to be, as a waste. Brene´ Brown tells about her journey to attend the University of Texas and get her Bachelor’s degree. This was a dream of hers, and although it took her almost 12 years to do it, she finally achieved her goal. She lives by two words, “nothing wasted.” She views all the time leading up to the accomplishment of her dream as time spent preparing her for what was next.
So wherever you’re starting at, try not to think of it as time wasted. Use every moment you have now, even if it’s not exactly where you want to be. You never know how it will all tie into what is coming next. Use the time and resources you have now (Youtube, Lynda.com, Skillshare, etc.) to start pursuing your dream today. Determine to let nothing be wasted along your journey. You can start where you are, no matter where that is.

Step #5: Take It One Bite At a Time

Try writing down five things you can do to start this dream of yours. Then post these five things up in a few different places, along with some photos or quotes to inspire you and keep you focused. By creating this list, you will face your fear of starting, and you will also gain confidence in knowing that you can do this!
Anne Lamott, in her book Bird by Bird, tells a story about her younger brother, who was ten years old and had a book report on birds that was due the next day. He originally had three months to complete the report but had put off writing it until the last possible day. He was distraught and almost in tears, not knowing how he would accomplish this task. That’s when Anne’s father told him, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”
The book Bird by Bird is about writing your first book. However, the concept applies to any big goal you want to accomplish. Every big dream starts with a small step. Step by step, you work toward achieving the task in front of you. It takes time to accomplish a goal. It takes time to write a book or to start a business. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. (Of course, I’d never literally eat an elephant, they’re magnificent creatures!) You set goals and begin little by little, one bite at a time to accomplish your dream.

Step #6: Do It For Yourself

Don’t do this to impress anyone or even to get rich. Pursue your goals because they matter to you. Your dream is worth your time and should be something that calls out to you day in and day out. It may not always be enjoyable, but it’s worth doing because it makes you happy and gives you purpose. Part of the journey to overcome fear, is to let go of the fear of what others think. Sometimes, it only matters what you think about yourself.
If you create something true to the calling you feel inside yourself, then you will not only bring yourself joy, but you will spread that joy to others. Each of us is designed for a purpose, and we need to discover what that is and then never stop.
Final Thoughts
These six steps to overcome fear go hand in hand with my article on Facing Your Fears and Starting Scared. The most important one is Step #1: Do it Anyway. If you take anything away from these steps, I hope it is to pursue your dreams now, despite your fear. The feeling you get from actually going from dreaming to doing is such an amazing one. You will learn, grow, and gain confidence as you take these steps to overcome your fears and pursue your dreams. Make yourself a priority.
Leave me a comment below or send me a message about how you’re overcoming your fears and pursuing a dream. I would love to be a cheerleader in your life.
Your Dreams Matter!

February 27, 2020
29 Memorable Things to Do on Leap Day
It’s Leap Year! I am so excited for my extra day this year on leap day! I told my husband, “Hey, we have 366 days this year!” It might seem silly, but I think it’s very cool that I have an entire day that I didn’t have last year. It feels symbolic of each new day we get.
Each day we have a whole day that wasn’t guaranteed to us the day before. We have a chance to do better, love more fully, and to try new things. Each leap year, we get one extra day for these opportunities. So what are you going to do with your extra day on leap day this year? I’ve got a list to get you started, but first, let’s go over a few facts about leap year.
Leap Year Facts
Leap year occurs every year where the year is divisible by 4, except during century years, where it must be divided by 400. So for example in 2000 it was a leap year, as it was divisible by 400, however, in 2100 it will not be a leap year as it doesn’t divide evenly by 400.
Leap year started in 46 BC by Julius Caesar.
Strangely enough, U.S. Presidential elections fall during leap years.
You may have seen the movie Leap Year with Amy Adams. It’s based on the Irish tradition of women proposing to men on leap day. This article I read by Irish Central states that the tradition dates back to the 5th century, and if a man refused the proposal, he had to pay with a pair of silk gloves or even a dress or coat!
The Chinese calendar adds a leap month for its leap years–an entire extra month! This happens approximately every three years, according to the Chinese calendar.
There are somewhere between 4 and 5 million leap babies in the world. In case you wondered, doctors do put the actual birth date, February 29th, on the birth certificate. Now, there have been some doctors who have changed the date of birth certificates according to the parents’ wishes. However, it is illegal to do so.
Well, there you have it, a few fun facts about leap year. I encourage you to do a little research of your own, as there are a lot of interesting things surrounding this date. Let’s go over a few memorable things you can plan to do for this year’s leap day!
29 Memorable Things to Do on Leap Day
1) Do Something New
Plan to check off a bucket list activity or try something new you’ve always thought about doing. Go sky diving (they have indoor centers nationwide) or try indoor rock climbing. Try a new hobby or even a new food!
2) Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself this leap day. I mean come on, it could be a whole new tradition, every year you spend leap day at the spa! Get a massage or a pedicure or manicure — whatever makes you feel relaxed and special!
3) Tackle a DIY Project
Make something you’ve always thought about creating. Perhaps it was a DIY project you found on Pinterest, how to create a memory box, or build a birdhouse, or crochet a blanket. You’ve probably looked over a lot of projects like that and thought, “Boy, if only I had a day to do this…” Now you do!
4) Have a Lights Out Day
Pretend the power is out at home, and play board games all day, build forts out of couch cushions, order pizza, and dust off your Catan and Monopoly skills. Your family will remember this leap day for all the fun memories you made.
5) Read a Book
Pick out a book you’ve wanted to read, but haven’t made time for or perhaps a favorite classic or novel you’d love to read again. Read the entire book on leap day!
6) Go Outside
Go for a hike or spend the day at a park. Throw the frisbee around or kick a soccer ball. Here in the Seattle area, people head outdoors rain or shine. I see them cycling in the rain, hiking in the rain, and yes, even playing sports in the rain. Now, some of you may have snow on leap day, so build a snowman (or snow woman) or even better build a snow fort!
7) Take a Road Trip
Take a road trip somewhere close by, spend the day, or spend the night. Go somewhere fun and create new memories. Make sure to pack all your favorite road trip snacks and road trip songs, oh, and a few Mad Libs for the road too!
8) Go to the Zoo
Visit your local zoo and head over to the reptile exhibit to see some frogs! I know frogs have nothing to do with leap year, but we often refer to them as “leapfrogs,” so it makes a fun play on words and a fun way to spend leap day. The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has this leap day article all about frogs to get you started.
9) Visit a Museum
I recently wrote an article all about how to visit Seattle area museums for free. Since writing it, I’ve decided to try to visit each of them this year. I started by visiting the Seattle Aquarium, Burke Museum, and the MoPop (Museum of Popular Culture). It is such a fun way to spend a day and to explore a little more of my local area.
10) Visit a Loved One
Why not use leap day to visit a friend or loved one you haven’t seen for a while? Leap day is as good a day as any to make the most of the time you have to spend with those you love. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so spend your time wisely. I can think of no better way than sharing love with others.
11) Volunteer
Why not spend the day volunteering at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter? Perhaps you could pick up trash around your neighborhood and make it a family outing. Another great idea is to find a nursing home that allows you to visit the senior citizens who live there. So often, people living in nursing homes don’t have anyone who visits. You could really cheer someone up with a bright smile and perhaps work on a puzzle or play a board game too.
12) Plan a Trip
If you haven’t taken the time to plan a trip yet, why not use leap day to do it! You can set aside the time to decide where your next vacation will be. Plan ahead to determine what it will cost and when the best time of the year it is to visit. Here is a beginner’s planning guide to get you started.
13) Be Spontaneous
Do something spontaneous for leap day. Something that you don’t overthink. You say, “it would be so fun to (fill in the blank)” and then go do it! Look online for the cheapest flights that depart on February 29th and return a couple of days later and then fly there! Call a friend up and say, let’s do (fill in the blank). You decide!
14) Take a Class
Take an art class or a cooking class. Community colleges and community centers offer weekend and weeknight courses in a wide variety of subjects from art, cooking, gardening, and language learning. Look up their websites to see all the class options offered for leap day and then pick one and do it!
15) Spring Clean
Okay, not everyone will think this is so interesting or fun, but it can feel so good to begin clearing away the clutter and preparing for spring. Sometimes it can even be interesting as you may run across paperwork or remnants of hobbies and other activities you’ve done in the past.

It can be a fun walk down memory lane and even an inspiring way to start some activity you’d forgotten about in the back of your dusty closet. Oh, and while you’re there, you may want to do a little dusting just to be thorough.
16) Go Out to Dinner
Go someplace new or someplace you’ve always wanted to try–splurge a little and make this a dinner to remember! If you’ve got a fondue restaurant near you, why not make a whole evening of it and enjoy a long dinner with multiple fondue courses and great conversation! Prepare for dinner ahead of time by looking up fun conversation starters or some get-to-know-you questions. It’s always interesting what you can learn about someone, even if you’ve known them for years.
17) Write a Leap Year Letter to Yourself
Write a list of things you want to do over the next four years, put it in an envelope addressed to yourself, and read on the next leap day. It will be fun for you to read over what you wanted to accomplish and then see all the things you did. Perhaps it’ll become a new tradition for each leap day.
18) Cook or Bake a New Recipe
Cook a new recipe you found or make some cultural dish you like from your favorite restaurant and recreate it at home. You could spend the day making the most amazing dessert or bake cookies to share with your co-workers and family. You may even want to try baking this Coffee Cake for a Crowd and then invite a crowd over to help you eat it!
19) Plan a Progressive Date
If you’ve never planned a progressive date, then make this leap year the day you try it. I’ve done this with my hubby before, and it is so much fun! You plan to eat your appetizer, entree, and dessert at three different places. It is a fun way to try different restaurants and add a little adventure to your dinner date. Plus, it gives you a little time between courses to make room for the next course. It’ll be something you will remember for years to come!
20) Go Rollerskating
I love rollerskating. It’s fun for kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great rainy day activity, and here in Seattle, we love a good list of rainy day things to do! Why not dress up in the ’80s or ’90s style clothes and go retro for some rollerskating fun.
21) See a Movie in Style
Go to the movie theater, but plan to dress up like you’re going to the Oscar’s. Another idea is to visit your local thrift store, where everyone tries to find the most hilarious outfit possible (think ugly Christmas sweater). Then everyone wears their newly found clothing to the movie. Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks – really make this a fun night out!
22) Go Bowling
Maybe it’s been a while since you went put on your snazzy bowling shoes and threw a gutter ball. Okay, maybe I’m the one who is great at the gutter balls, but hey, I can really rock a pair of striped shoes! Bowling is something that reminds me of being a kid. It doesn’t matter if I’m great at it or not, it’s always fun to go with friends and family. We compete and tease each other, but it’s all in good fun. Why not use leap day to show off your bowling prowess!
23) Sing Karaoke
It’s ironic, but singing karaoke is something many people consider to be a terrifying endeavor. Mention karaoke, and people scatter! Maybe you’re one of those people, well why not try it for one night, what’s the worst that could happen? I bet it’ll be fun. Plus, you can now rent private rooms and sing with your close friends, or you could even buy a karaoke game to play at home. There are quite a few different gaming systems that sell those. Either way, have fun with it!
24) Unplug From Social Media
Speaking of scary, I probably just scared a few of you with that headline right there. Try unplugging from social media for the entire day on leap day. Pick one of the activities on this list and do that instead of spending time on social media. Pretend your smartphone doesn’t exist today. You can only use it if you want to make an actual call. You know, where you dial someone’s number and talk to them out loud on the phone. You’re going old school for leap day!
25) Go for a Bike Ride
I love going on bike rides. You feel like a kid again. Wind in your hair, no-hands (at least for 2 seconds that is), and you feel like you’re gliding along without a care in the world. At least that’s how I feel because I only cycle for fun and not for commuting to work. I should ask the bike commuters I see if they still enjoy it even when their commuting to work each day.
26) Run a 5k
Lots of cities have local 5k fun runs on leap day. See if your area has one and then find a friend or family member to run it with you. You don’t have to set any records, and fun runs can even be walked. This is about getting out and doing something active and fun.
27) Go Shopping
Use leap day as an excuse to do some shopping. Head to the mall or go to an antique store or a used bookstore. Try to find a special item to help you remember your day or find a book you want to add to your collection. Then have coffee and share your finds with a friend.
28) Practice Thankfulness
Take time to write out a list of all the things you are grateful for. The people you are thankful to have in your life and all of the blessings you have. Do you have a home? Are you able to take hot showers every day? Do you have friends? Can you see or hear or walk? Sometimes we all need to take time out to focus on all of the things we have. It’s easy to get lost in the don’t-haves or shoulda couldas. Take time on leap day to remember that haves and all the accomplishments too.
29) Do Something Memorable
You’re probably getting the general idea from my list that I want to give you ideas to use your extra day this year to make fun memories. Do something on leap day that you will remember years from now. You will say to someone, “remember when we did such and such on leap day?” And they’ll actually remember! They’ll say, “Yes, that was so much fun. Let’s plan something for the next leap year!” It doesn’t have to be crazy or expensive, just memorable. Perhaps even a little scary, but most definitely unforgettable!

Whatever you decide to do with your leap day, I hope you make the most of it and of every day you have. Each day is a gift, so live it to the fullest and, most of all, be thankful for every moment you have.

Happy Leap Year!
February 14, 2020
20 New Year’s Resolutions for Travelers

It’s that time of year again when we put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to write out our New Year’s resolutions. I enjoy making New Year’s resolutions as a way to re-focus on my overall life goals and to create memory-making opportunities throughout the year.

You may not complete all of your resolutions, but if you try, you will accomplish some of them, and some are better than none. I hope this list gives you some ideas to add to your New Year’s resolution list and create unforgettable memories for you and those close to you.

20 New Year’s Resolutions for Travelers

New Year’s Resolution #1: Take a road trip.
Who doesn’t love a good road trip? I grew up taking road trips with my family, and I still love taking them as an adult. Plus, there’s a whole lot less of “he/she’s touching me” and “do I need to pull the car over?” as an adult. This one is totally on my list this year. I’m itching to take a long road trip. It’s been a while, and I am ready!
Whether you’ve got months or just a long weekend, plan at least one road trip this year. Load up with your favorite snacks and drinks, and don’t forget to bring your favorite playlist of all the songs you love to sing along to. Then hit the road!
New Year’s Resolution #2: Take a solo trip.
If you’ve never traveled anywhere by yourself, make this year the year you do. You will learn so much about yourself, and you will gain a better understanding of who you are and what you enjoy. There are so many reasons to travel, and a solo trip is one that will enrich you and return you a more confident individual. Trust me on this, but a solo trip should be on everyone’s bucket list at least once in their life.
New Year’s Resolution #3: Play tourist at home one weekend a month.
So many people travel around the world, but forget to play tourist at home. Make a list of all the places where you live or within a day’s drive that you want to see and then take one weekend a month to begin to explore the area close to your home. I bet you’ll be amazed at the memories you create when you look at your home through the lens of a tourist.
New Year’s Resolution #4: Get outdoors more.
Try a new hike you’ve never done in your area, or plan an overnight backpacking trip. Go camping with your family and friends, and create some memories in nature. I love the feeling of being outdoors; it can be just the thing to reset and refresh your spirit.
New Year’s Resolution #5: See the top 10 attractions in your state.
Do a little research and find out what are the top 10 attractions in your state and then plan to visit all of them by the end of the year. So for my state, Washington, it might include Olympic National Park, the Space Needle, Lake Chelan ferry, Mt Saint Helens, the San Juan Islands, the Columbia Gorge, Pike Place Market, Grand Coulee Dam, the North Cascades, and Mt Rainier National Park.
You’ll need to research your state and then create your own list. Have fun visiting areas of your state you haven’t seen before.
New Year’s Resolution #6: Visit the closest National Park to where you live.
If your state does not have a National Park, then choose the next closest state that does. Here in Washington State, we are incredibly fortunate to have three national parks. Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Choose whichever park you haven’t been to, or whichever one you’ve visited the least.
New Year’s Resolution #7: Plan a family camping trip.
It is so much fun to get a group together for a camping trip. My hubby and I try each year to take our nieces and nephews camping. The kids look forward to it each year, and the cousins get a chance to make memories together. We hike and play games and tell ghost stories around the campfire. These are the moments that life is truly about. My advice is to go somewhere with no cell signal for the best possible experience.
New Year’s Resolution #8: Learn a language.
Make this the year you begin learning that language you’ve always wanted to learn. Maybe you’re planning an international trip, then take this opportunity to learn the country’s language before you get there. There are so many great resources online and apps for your phone to help you begin learning and make it fun! Start learning with Duolingo or Memrise. Carpe diem! (That’s Latin for seize the day!)
New Year’s Resolution #9: Start planning your next big trip.
You know, that dream trip you’ve been putting off, start planning it this year. Maybe you won’t be able to take it this year, but you can begin planning it, getting excited about it, and saving up for it, so perhaps next year will be the year you take it!
New Year’s Resolution #10: Start saving for your next trip.
Set a budget for your next trip and begin saving for it. Setting a budget for your trip, whether it’s that big dream trip that happens next year or a shorter trip you take this year, a budget will give you a goal and keep you focused. Make a jar labeled “trip fund” and begin putting all your spare change in it. Remind yourself that you are working toward a goal.
New Year’s Resolution #11: Make a list of ways to save.
So now that you’re planning your next big trip and you’ve set a budget, the next step is to create a list of ways to save. So maybe that list will include eliminating your daily Starbucks, bringing lunch to work three times a week, eating out only once every other month, no shopping for extra things you don’t need, switching to a card that gives you cash back rewards for your purchases, and so on. Brainstorm some ideas to save and then begin putting your savings toward your trip budget.
New Year’s Resolution #12: Post inspiring photos and quotes.
When you’re planning a big trip a year or more in advance, it can be hard to remember why you’re doing it. So, I suggest you print out some photos of your intended destination as well as inspiring quotes and place them around your house on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, and maybe some at the office too.
Create daily reminders of where you are going and why you are sacrificing and saving now. Plus, people will ask you about these photos and quotes, and then you’ll get to tell them all about your big trip, which will also get you excited and motivate you to stick with your plan!
New Year’s Resolution #13: Stretch yourself–go somewhere new!
Pick someplace new you’ve never been to, preferably someplace you might not usually choose. Go a little outside your comfort zone and explore a destination and culture you are unfamiliar with. Do you always go to beach destinations? Why not try a city next time. Only travel to the U.S. or Europe, plan a trip to Asia. Never go anywhere new, pick someplace new and go!
New Year’s Resolution #14: Try a new experience.
Try zip-lining, rock climbing, or skydiving–you decide. Perhaps it’s something you’ve thought about trying for years, but just haven’t got around to, or maybe you’ve seen classes at your local REI that you want to take, whatever it may be, try something new and create fun memories doing it.
New Year’s Resolution #15: Take advantage of long weekends and holiday breaks.
Utilize any long weekends you get throughout the year by planning trips and turning them into mini-vacations. Perhaps, you have a three-day weekend, plan ahead and book a cheap flight someplace 5 hours or less from where you live or rent a cabin and enjoy a little solitude for the weekend. Use these opportunities to create memories. You only live once!
New Year’s Resolution #16: Start a travel journal.
A travel journal is a fantastic way to document your experiences and bring home your own DIY souvenir. Fill it with receipts, ticket stubs, pictures from travel pamphlets, and your memories. We always think we’ll remember those special moments, but the truth is, over time, we forget a lot.
By creating a travel journal, you can preserve those memories for you to read about for years to come. You can also use your travel journal as a space to write about any future trips you want to take. Write a travel bucket list in it and check them off as you travel to each destination.
New Year’s Resolution #17: Pretend you’re on vacation at home.
One thing I love to do while vacationing in Maui is to get up in the morning and drink a hot cup of coffee on the lanai while enjoying the view. So at home, when the weather is nice, I like to pretend I’m on vacation, by occasionally drinking my coffee out on my “lanai” (also referred to as a deck but lanai sounds so much more interesting).
I sit out and sip my coffee and enjoy the view of my trees and watch the hummingbirds coming to drink. I pretend that I have nothing better to do and try to soak in the quiet moments often lost in our day-to-day business.
Maybe for you, it’s sitting out on your patio, or having a BBQ and putting fun umbrellas in your drinks, or perhaps it’s planning a fancy dinner with a tablecloth and a full set of silverware all laid out pretty-like. Infuse your moments at home, with a vacation-spirit. At least, until you get to go on vacation–then go on vacation!
New Year’s Resolution #18: Take a trip with a friend.
Taking a solo trip is a unique experience, and as I mentioned, it is very enriching, but taking a trip with a friend, is also something so rewarding! It can often be hard to find time between everyone’s schedules to plan a trip with a good friend, but with some planning, you can make it happen this year! It doesn’t have to be some big trip (but it could be), you might plan a weekend getaway. Make it fun, make it silly, and make memories to last a lifetime.
New Year’s Resolution #19: Take up a new hobby.
This is a fun one to do, as it gives you a chance to enjoy some activities at home, that perhaps you only relegated to vacations before. For example, this past year, I wanted to return to Maui and do some SUPing; however, plans never entirely lined up. So instead, my husband and I purchased a couple of inflatable SUPs and a kayak and started SUPing at different lakes around our area.
Maybe it wasn’t Hawaii, but it still put me out on the water and in the sunshine, and I smiled. I laughed, I breathed in the fresh air, and for those moments, I might as well have been on vacation.
Some ideas: SUPing (stand-up paddleboarding), kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, mushroom hunting, coffee tasting (that could be a hobby!), fishing, and so on. These are just a few ideas, and I’m sure you’ll come up with some of your own.
New Year’s Resolution #20: Pick a recipe from your travels and learn to make it.
I love trying new food when I travel, and when I return home, I typically have had a favorite dish during my travels that I decide I need to learn to make at home. I’ll get back and begin researching how to make Japanese curry, or Thai glass noodle soup, or Chongqing chicken, and so on.
It’s fun to try making new things, and it is also a way of enjoying the memories of your travels over a delicious meal! You could plan a dinner party, make your special dish, and then share fun memories and photos with your dinner guests about your travels.

Conclusions on your New Year’s Resolutions

Whatever New Year’s resolutions you create, I hope you will focus on creating memories, simple moments, and fun adventures that will enrich your life and your relationships. We all need to do a little more unplugging and a lot more connecting with this amazing planet and each other.
Your New Year’s resolutions don’t all have to be huge and grand, it’s about building in time for experiences, and stories your children will tell their children. That’s what life is really about. Time is a gift; let’s do our best to use it wisely. So pick five to ten resolutions to focus on this year and then have fun making memories!
Live while you’re still alive.

January 3, 2020
Facing Your Fears and Starting Scared

Have you ever wanted to start something new? Maybe you dreamed of becoming a published author, or starting your own business, traveling, or _________ fill in the blank, but something always kept you from doing it. I know how you feel, I have been there many times.
Typically it is fear that keeps us from starting our dreams. “Dream” is just another word for a goal or aspiration. It’s something you long to do, something that gets you excited and makes you smile when you think about it. It’s also what probably scares you. Facing your fears is the key to realizing your dreams.
I will cover four of the most common fears that keep people from starting down the path to their dreams. These are four fears that I struggled with and how I faced them. I say “faced” them because they are still there.
On some days, they are up close, face to face, toe to toe with me, and on other days they are far off in the distance. One thing to know, though, is that fear is a part of life, courage helps us to face it and move forward in spite of the fear. It takes courage to face your fears and start scared, but I promise it’s worth it!

4 Fears That Keep You From Starting Your Dreams

Fear #1: Fear of Failure
The fear of failure is typically the one that keeps most people from starting something new. We often fear failure because we fear what others will think of us when we fail. Atychiphobia is the psychological term for fear of failure. It is a common reason why people do not start things, whether that’s a dream, a career, or a new relationship.
Failure is often attributed as a personal attribute; i.e., I failed; therefore, I am a failure. This is entirely wrong. We must rewire our brains to see failure as a positive tool. If we are failing at something, then it also means we are trying at something.
Sara Blakely, the (now) billionaire and founder of Spanx, had an idea for a legging that would help women feel more comfortable and confident in their clothing. People told her that the idea was stupid–thankfully, she didn’t listen. She had an idea that she thought was good, and she wasn’t willing to give up on it.
In his book The Storyteller’s Secret, Carmine Gallo explains why Sara didn’t quit: “Sara’s father had taught her about the power of failure. At the dinner table, Sara’s father would ask, ‘What did you fail at today?’ He would be disappointed if she didn’t have anything to say. Failure meant she was trying new things.”
This is how we all should look at failure. Perhaps we should exchange our fear of failure, for fear of not doing new things, and then determine to start something new. I discuss some quotes from Thomas Edison on my post about not giving up. He also knew a thing or two about failure. It took him 1,000 unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb. He understood that failure is the pathway to success.
Fear #2: Fear of Imperfection
Facing my fear of imperfection was vital in my journey as a writer. I want things to be “perfect” before presenting them to the world. So, for over ten years, I put off starting my blog. I started several books, but never finished them. My need for perfection, my fear of failure, and fear of what others thought kept me from pursuing my dream of becoming a writer.
Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic gave me the approval I needed to start by letting go of perfect, and telling myself good enough is good enough. Gilbert states that “Perfectionism stops people from completing their work, yes–but even worse, it often stops people from beginning their work.”
Perfectionism is the killer of both beginning and finishing. I know it was with me. Gilbert said a favorite saying of her mother was, “Done is better than good.” Most people don’t finish what they start, and completing something as “good enough” is better than not finishing at all.
“A good-enough novel violently written now is better than a perfect novel meticulously written never.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert
That is what I needed to read at that moment. I wrote my first blog post, and let me tell you it was and is far from perfect. Although I have yet to achieve perfection, I learn with every post I create. And you know what? I started my dream, and I have finished post after post since then.
I know this may sound like settling for mediocrity, but it is the difference between doing nothing and doing something. The difference between starting your dream or living in fear–face your fears and start scared. Let go of the need for perfection, and you will feel free to be you. Good enough is a great place to start.
Fear #3: Fear That It’s Already Been Done
This is another fear I wrestle with. I mean, what is something that I could write that someone else hasn’t already written? It may feel like you have nothing new to offer, but just by you being uniquely you, that is something unique that people need to hear.
You have a voice, and you have a story. I know that not everyone wants to be a writer, but say you want to paint, or you have an idea for a business–don’t let the fear of what’s already been done keep you from offering the world what is in your heart. Your gifts and talents are unique and worth the effort.
“Most things have already been done–but they have not yet been done by you.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert
Fear #4: Fear of What Others Think
Oh, this is a big one. We are social creatures, and therefore, we care about the opinions of others. Our mistake often comes in caring more about what others think about us than we think about ourselves. Rachel Hollis says it best in her book Girl, Wash Your Face, “Someone else’s opinion of me is none of my business.”
The truth is, you’ll never be able to make everyone happy or have everyone like you. Accept that. You also need to see your value, and not find your value in the approval of others. This is your life. Just think back to the story of Sara that I mentioned in Fear #1, had she listened to the people who told her that her idea was dumb, and gave in to her fear of what others thought, she wouldn’t have become the successful businesswoman she is today.
And finally, when it comes to facing your fears of what others think, it might be comforting to know that most people are too busy thinking about themselves to think about what you’re doing.

Facing Your Fears Means Accepting Fear As a Companion

Elizabeth Gilbert states in her book Big Magic that “Creativity is a path for the brave, yes, but it is not a path for the fearless…Bravery means doing something scary.” She goes on to say that “your fear will always show up–especially when you’re trying to be inventive or innovative. Your fear [is] triggered by your creativity.” So she says that if you “want creativity in [your] life…then [you] will have to make space for fear, too.”
I hope as you begin the first steps toward facing your fears that you will recognize that fear is along for the journey, but it does not have a say in where you go and what you do. So start that new adventure, create the life you’ve always wanted, don’t wait to be fearless, start scared. Start now.
If you have a dream or goal you’re starting this year, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or in an email. I would feel honored to cheer you on!
Go From Dreaming to Doing!

December 26, 2019