I didn't intend for this to be such a domestically focused travel year. It just worked out that way. Thanks in part to my expertise in the Southern region, many trips I took were close to home. But I also vowed to see more of my own country this year, which was accomplished during a trip out west … [Read more...] about The Beauty of America’s National Parks
Hawaii
How to Spend a Week in Hawaii
Perhaps no place has surprised me as much as Hawaii. I always imagined it to be overrun with tourists, all staying at all-inclusive resorts, sunning themselves over overpriced mai tais. But instead, what I found on my trip back in 2011 was hearty food with Asian influences, road trips to every … [Read more...] about How to Spend a Week in Hawaii
Photo Friday: Honolulu, Hawaii
Something lately has left my mind on Hawaii. Perhaps it's that my friend was just married there (congrats, Kelsi!) or that it was an important place to me a few years ago, serving as a break during my time in Australia. I had been away from my family for six months, the longest I'd been away from … [Read more...] about Photo Friday: Honolulu, Hawaii
Experiences, Not Expenses
Throughout my travels, I've learned that sometimes it's not about keeping things as cheap as possible. It's the experiences, not expenses that you remember years later. Some travel splurges are worth making. While I may stress at the time about adjusting my budget for those tours, accommodations or … [Read more...] about Experiences, Not Expenses
Photo Friday: Honomu, Hawaii
On the outskirts of Kolekole and Akaka Falls state parks is the town of Honomu, Hawaii. It looks like it could be straight out of the Wild West and transported onto a tropical island. On my trip to Hawaii last June, my sisters, mother and I stumbled upon this magical town. On the main street … [Read more...] about Photo Friday: Honomu, Hawaii