Category: Reflections

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A Survey – and a Giveaway!

Krystal holds an Away mini suitcase in front of her face. She is peeking out from behind it.

Update: the results are in! The world looks very different in 2021 than it did when I was last posting regular content here at the beginning of 2020 – as does the concept of blogging. Today I’m releasing a reader survey to better understand what your thoughts are on travel, blogging in general, and what …

Home, Reflections

Beginning Again: Intentions for 2020

A young green plant sits in a white pot on top of a bamboo rack

It didn’t hit until recently that a new decade is beginning, I guess because we’ve already experienced so many new beginnings recently. 2019 was a big year for us, with an interstate move, our first big family vacation together, and injuries that impacted both travel and our day-to-day quality of life. With these changes, it …

Reflections

The Start of Something New(sletter) + A Giveaway!

Typewriter with the words "wayward news" on the paper

The start of the second half of the year seems like the perfect time to launch something new: the wayward newsletter! Twice a month (give or take) subscribers will receive a list of the most recent posts, as well as links to interesting articles around the web, personal travel stories, and the occasional sale roundup. …

Reflections, Travel

7 Things That Surprised Me When I Returned Home After My First Trip Abroad

View over Nice, France, from the airplane

“Culture shock” is a term usually reserved for the way you feel when you travel to a culture vastly different than your own. But I think the biggest culture shock I’ve ever experienced occurred upon my return from Europe. Michael and I had just returned from our first major international trip* – two weeks in …

Home, Journal, Reflections

Setting Goals for 2019

New Year 2019 Marquee

Yesterday’s post looked back at an equally challenging and rewarding year; today I’m ready to look ahead to 2019. It’s important to set attainable goals, and I think I’ve done that here. By putting them out into the universe, I hope I’ll have a little extra push to form an action plan and accomplish the …

Home, Reflections

2018: Year in Review

Pin Map as of December 2018

Wait, but where did this year actually go? Time has a funny way of simultaneously passing at a rapid rate and dragging on forever. Indeed, I had every intention of writing and sharing this post several days ago, but life got in the way and the days simply kept fading. But here we are on …

Home, Reflections

Happy Holidays!

Alyssa and Michael take a photo in front of the Christmas tree

Wherever you are in the world, no matter how or if you celebrate, we wish you all the best on this Christmas Day. Take time today to enjoy the gifts of life and love with those around you. I’m signing off for the day to be fully present with my family, but I’ll see you …

Reflections, Travel

For Travel’s Sake: 7 Things I’ve Given Up in Order to Travel

Alyssa walks through gardens at Versailles

Travel is incredible. It has given me so much over the years: a vastly more open mind, a broader appreciation for our differences, a closer connection to many folks around the world, a better understanding of how others live, and a changed mindset on what it takes to be happy. Despite all of these wonderful …

Reflections, Travel, Travel Tips

5 Easy Things You Can Do Today to Save for Your Next Trip

A green piggy bank with a stack of coins

1. Stop shopping I realize that shopping might not be everyone’s weakness, but it’s definitely mine, particularly when I’m stressed, bored, hungry, or tired. Close the tabs, empty the carts (digital and IRL), and unsubscribe from the emails. Determine what marketing tactics work for you, and do the exact opposite (e.g. if pretty displays in …