Thanks for joining us on this journey! I'm so glad you're here. I'm a writer and travel essayist with a goal of "Rolling to 100" countries in my lifetime. For me, it's not about checklist tourism, but about deep, immersive travel and the life-changing lessons we can learn from it. In my spare time, I provide writing support to others through Rollerbag Goddess Global Communications. I'll take on almost any kind of writing, including speechwriting, blogging, websites and much more! Travel and food writing are my twin passions, which are only eclipsed by my relentless pursuit of experiences worth writing about.
On a recent trip to Thailand, BackpackMister and I were intent upon taking the so-called slow boat down the Mekong River to Laos. We’d been staying in beautiful, sleepy Chiang Mai, one of my favorite cities of the world. Our innkeepers at CS House helped us book a trip that included everything – a night’s … More That Time We Stayed in a Thai Border Town Prison: Part 1
When camping on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, it’s important to bring along someone who actually likes camping.
… More I Love Not Camping, Even on Kauai
BackpackMister and I believe in being travelers, rather than tourists. As a result many of our vacations have been what I would call hard travel: long, dangerous bus rides, food poisoning from iffy food or water, bare-bones accommodations with dirty sheets and nothing pre-arranged but the flight. I believe we’ve been richer for the experience, … More All-Inclusive at Las Hadas Resort in Manzanillo, Mexico
It’s been cold here in La Crosse lately. To humor myself in between putting on extra layers of clothing, I’ve been texting the current weather conditions to friends elsewhere. A friend in California said she was so cold she was wearing everything she owned. The temperature in her world: 35. (In her defense, she just … More La Crosse, Wisconsin: The Series
Years ago I had the opportunity to go whitewater rafting with friends in Alaska. It was my second time whitewater rafting; the first on a cross-country Amtrak trip while in high school. We had stopped in Glacier National Park on the way for hiking, camping and rafting. I was young, fit and fearless. We got … More Whitewater Rafting in Alaska
One never travels and returns home the same. Transformation is the inevitable outcome of any journey. And so it is with life. This month we said goodbye to my dear Daddy. Over the decades, we’ve covered a lot of ground together as travel companions. He and Mom took me on my first train ride, and … More Going Home
It’s time to work on dispelling the stereotype of the Ugly American. Here are 7 tips to help you on your way. … More 7 Ways to Avoid Being an “Ugly American”
Traveling to some of the most inspirational and life-changing places on this Earth is an impossibility to most Americans. And, it’s a problem. In this world economy, it is essential that we allow employees the chance to better understand the world – not through YouTube or Twitter or travel shows on CNN, but through that … More Your Vacation Needs an Overhaul: Here’s Why
Mother Nature isn’t making any fans this year, especially among the hiking crowd. Our outdoor training for Machu Picchu has suffered immensely as a result of her assault. Ideal winter conditions for hiking have been on short supply. It’s been bitterly cold, with dangerous wind chills. I’ve lost count of the number of days I’ve … More Training for Machu Picchu: The Home Stretch
I’ve been hearing a lot about this “Couch to 5k” app these days. I know it’s made a difference for some of my friends who want to get into shape. But I need something more. Is there a “Couch to Machu Picchu” app? Months ago, BackpackMr and I found a rock-bottom airfare to Peru, which … More From Couch to 5k…and Machu Picchu?
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