Home, Journal, Reflections

Journal | 7.7.18

Alyssa writes in a journal set on a map

What a weird week, right? Having a day off in the middle of the week really threw me for a loop, like having a Monday and Friday back-to-back, twice. If you’re in the U.S., did you do anything fun to celebrate the Fourth? Typically Michael and I make a long weekend of it, but with …

Travel, Travel Tips

Is Global Entry Worth It? My Thoughts After One Year

Mexican pesos and American passports

It’s been a little over a year since I last wrote about my experience applying for the Global Entry program, so I’d say it’s about time for an update! Today I’ll share a quick refresher on the costs and benefits of the program, my experiences with TSA Precheck and expedited re-entry, and if I think …

Travel, Travel Tips

The Secret to a Great Stay: Seven Tips for Choosing the Perfect Airbnb

An Airbnb balcony in Italy's Cinque Terre

I’ve written before about my love for Airbnb, but today I want to share a few tips on how to find your perfect “home” out in the world. Why choose Airbnb when there are perfectly good, well-rated hotels nearly everywhere you want to go? I find that hotels put a distance between you and the …

Home, Journal, Reflections

Journal | 6.30.18

Alyssa writes in a journal

Happy Weekend to you! It’s been a busy week around here, so I’m just going to skip the intro and jump right on in. This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional cost to you!). Thank you …

Destinations, Florida, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Summer Packing List for Destin, Florida (30A)

A Basket Backpack with sunglasses and sandals

A real-life packing list for Destin, Florida (30A)

Destinations, Florida, Travel, USA

A Floridian’s Weekend Travel Guide for Destin, Florida (30A)

Two chairs on the beach in Miramar Beach

Destin, 30A, whatever you choose to call this area, here’s how to have a truly local experience.

Home, Journal, Reflections

Journal | 6.23.18

Alyssa writes in a notebook

Welcome to a new weekly journal where I’ll be sharing the things I’ve stumbled on while traveling the internet (and occasionally some real-world stuff) each week! This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional cost to you!). …

Packing Lists, Travel, Travel Products, Travel Tips

How to Pack the Away Carry-On

Alyssa holds the Away suitcase in one hand to demonstrate how lightweight it is

On Monday I shared my thoughts after a year of using my Away Carry-On suitcase, and today I thought I’d share my packing strategy. It took several tries before I finally figured out what works best for me (my last suitcase had one large compartment rather than two smaller sides), and now I finally have …

Travel, Travel Products, Wish Lists and Gift Ideas

Summer 2018 Style Wish List

summer style wish list graphic

The official start of Summer is just around the corner, but here in Florida, the season begins much earlier than June 21. It always takes me a bit longer to get into the habit of Summer dressing; I usually drag my feet until it is simply impossible to wear anything over my bare legs. My …