POV: You’re crammed in the window seat with a full bladder and a grumbling stomach :’)
I am not a tall person. At five feet and one inch, I am an objectively compact traveler. I’m the size of person who airlines should theoretically have no trouble accommodating. Yet, on a recent two-hour flight, I found myself crammed into a window seat so restricted that shifting my weight felt like an act of violence against my neighbor.
Fisherman’s Wharf, on the northern waterfront, offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and a resident colony of sea lions.
When you travel as much as I do, there’s a persistent pressure to maximize every destination. I feel the need to see everything a city has to offer because, well, I’m a travel blogger. I’m supposed to come back to you with stories, with beautiful photos, with proof that a city is worth visiting.
But my trip to San Francisco was different. I simply rested within its labyrinth of alleyways and found the space to breathe.
I had been taught to fear the unknown, as many Americans are taught. I was told to trust a higher power (be it God or my government or both) in spite of my own intuition. I was scared to make a mistake, to be perceived as ignorant. I was ridiculed for existing beyond the norm, even when the norm was harmful. All these factors made it tempting to stay put and avoid any experience that might humble me.
The Duquesne Incline cable car operates daily between Station Square and Mount Washington. Photo courtesy of Visit Pittsburgh.
This guide is my tribute Pittsburgh, which I built from years of lived experience and local adventures. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local looking to fall in love with your hometown all over again, I hope this helps you uncover something new and exciting in The Steel City.
I’ve been forced to a slower pace this Spring: Flyfishing or gardening on the sunny days and reading or doing home improvement projects on the rainy days.
This year I’ve experienced one travel fail after another. Read on as I outline all that has gone wrong these past three months, as well as share a major bucket list accomplishment and tease my summer travel plans.
At this point in our lives, we love being DINKs because gives us the freedom to be spontaneous with how we spend our time. So off we set, two childless and carefree travelers, right? Wrong. Sometimes the stars just don’t align, even when you have total flexibility and all the time in the world.
A short hike during our annual vacation with Dave’s family.
I’ve dubbed 2024 “My Year of Connection”. After 2 years in New England, I moved back to Pittsburgh and reconnected with my loved ones and the local community. I also traveled to 5 different states and 3 different countries. Check out this month-by-month recap!
Ireland is a country that has it all: lively cities, amazing food and drinks, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people.
Ireland has breathtaking landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and, above all, warm-hearted people. Whether you’re seeking adventure along the rugged coastlines, diving into centuries of history at the various museums, or simply enjoying a pint in a cozy pub, this country offers something for everyone. Check out the top 10 things I love about Ireland here!
Photo courtesy of Joseph Prezioso.
If you're daydreaming about a Halloween visit to one of America’s most unique destinations, Salem, MA, should be at the top of your list. As a former local, I’ve got the best recommendations for experiencing Salem’s witchy Halloween fun and exploring its rich history. From haunted happenings to iconic landmarks, here’s everything you need to know for a spooky and seamless adventure in Salem.
Dave and I attended a wedding in the Champagne Region of France.
I spent 4th of July weekend traveling to our friend’s wedding in the French countryside. We passed through Paris the week before the Olympic torch was lit, and it was striking to see the modern marketing plastered overtop buildings dating back to the 17th century.