Why I Chose to Travel in My First Year of Widowhood

I knew I couldn’t stay put. I had to keep moving forward, because that’s the person I’ve always been. Everyone says the first year after the death of a loved one is the hardest, so why would I make it harder by denying myself the thing that I enjoy most? Here are the reasons why I chose to travel in the first year of my widowhood.
Widow Life: How to Navigate Family Holidays as a Single Parent

Let’s face this one head-on. I’m writing this just before the holidays, the first holiday season after my husband’s death. Our families live in different states than I do, so I knew we’d have to make some plans in advance. We used to switch off whose family got Thanksgiving and Christmas. I felt like I should honor that this first year. Lots of people have asked me what I’m doing for the holidays. I think some of them might have asked us to join them if I didn’t already have plans. It’s so challenging to make these choices on your own, when you’ve been so used to making them together.
The Ultimate Tips to Fly with a Baby in the USA

Travel is never stress-free, but with a baby in tow, there are definitely extra layers of stress to work through–and I’ve been a professional traveler for nearly 20 years! But it’s not impossible, and it doesn’t even have to be overwhelming. Just take everything one step at a time, and keep reading. Here is your ultimate guide to fly with a baby within the USA!
Everything You Need to Know About Skydiving in Key West

I did it. I went skydiving. Skydiving was never on my bucket list, actually. My late husband and I enjoyed doing other active things when we traveled: Hiking, going up to the tallest viewpoint in a city, going for runs, etc. Neither of us wanted to skydive, and I think if I had done it while he was alive, it would have terrified him. But then everything changed.
Widow Travel: The Best Things I Learned from My Surf Lesson on Waikiki

I’ve been afraid of drowning in the ocean since, maybe the first grade. It was one of my biggest fears, ever. But after my sweet, strong, healthy husband died so tragically and suddenly, I developed the strong feeling that fear is foolish. The worst had already happened. Nothing else could hurt me. Why would I be afraid of anything else? So I decided to face my fears.
The Best Tips for Visiting the Prince’s Palace in Monaco

The number 1 thing on my to-do list for our trip to Monaco? Touring the Prince’s Palace! I love a good palace tour, but this one exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it for your trip to the Principality of Monaco, whether you’re visiting solo or bringing the little ones with you! Here are the best tips for your visit to the Prince’s Palace.
How to Treat Yourself as a Single Parent on Travel

Single parents, how often do people tell you, “Take time for yourself,” and “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Or ask you, “Are you doing things for you?” It’s always well-meaning, but in real life, it’s just something else to add to your ever-growing to-do list. And, I’ll say it: People are quick to tell you what to do, but rarely offer to watch the kids so you can do it.
What to Know Before You Visit the Azores, Portugal

I got two responses when I told people I’d be visiting the Azores: It was either “Where’s that?” or “Oh, it’s so beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go!” There was no in between. Whether they’ve been on your bucket list or this is the first time you’ve heard of these Portuguese islands, here is everything you need to know before you visit São Miguel Island in the Azores.
What to Do When There’s No One to Watch Your Baby on Travel

What has two hands, 147,000 things to do, and jet lag? If you guessed “single traveling parent,” you’re right! Traveling is so good in so many ways, but in the moment, it can seem really challenging—to put it mildly. I’m always glad to show my daughter the world, and it’s always worth the effort. The […]
Everything You Need to Know about N Le Spa at the Negresco Hotel, Nice

“Take time for yourself.” “Be sure you’re doing things for you.” As a widow with a baby, I hear this a lot. It’s the most impractical advice, but I know it’s essential for my well-being, and in turn, for my daughter’s. On a recent trip to Nice, I decided to really treat myself with a spa package at the legendary (and too expensive to actually stay there) Negresco Hotel. It was amazing, and worth every Euro. Here’s your peek behind the curtain: What it’s like to experience N Le Spa at the Negresco Hotel, Nice.