Most travel writers seldom invite their readers along on their travels. Costs probably deter those invitations. Then again, if all of the readers came along, we wouldn’t have much to write about. However, let’s change that, if you want to of course. Travel adventure company Austin Lehman named me one of their top 125 travel bloggers. With such an honor, Austin Lehman is giving away a $5,000 credit for two on one of their adventures to a reader from one of those top travel blogs. Obviously, I would like it to be you and from my site. In case you are curious about what kind of credit you Continue Reading
Glenwood Canyon, Colorado Wishes You Were Here
Home is usually a place we tire of after a point. At the risk of sounding like an unappreciative Coloradoan, I don’t always stop and look at the Rocky Mountains from my window and think how lucky I am to live here. I should, but I don’t. This past weekend, I headed into those mountains perhaps to reawaken my love for this state, something I didn’t expect but I’m sure Colorado did. The state tends to win over travelers, locals and even skeptics whether they like it or not. Along Interstate-70 on the way to Glenwood Springs, a monster is standing guard. Even those with glazed over road trip Continue Reading
A Little Taste of My Travels in Ireland
I had an old map of Ireland with me on my month in the country. After each drive, I would highlight my route in green, perhaps reflecting my greenness in solo travel or the country’s predominate color. I wanted to get a sense of where I started and where I ended up. When I got home, I unfolded my map. Being so fearful of driving on the left side of the road on my first day, I had to give myself a pat on the back for traveling full circle in Ireland, both literally and figuratively. I conquered a number of fears in Ireland, traveling solo, driving in a foreign country. The list goes on. I Continue Reading
Teelin, Ireland Wishes You Were Here
A redhead behind the wheel, complete with a tan trench coat sounds a bit like a scene from a bad romantic comedy involving Ireland. Bad romantic comedy or my reality, there were often moments on my month in Ireland I felt like I was in a movie. My day in Teelin had that tone. Teelin sits in County Donegal, so small you probably wouldn’t know it is a town. The only reason I know of Teelin is for family. My great grandfather was from Teelin and he is buried here. My mom’s second cousin Gene still occupies a farmhouse in Teelin, where 5 generations of his family have lived. Without a call Continue Reading
How The Ireland Budget Came and Went
Before I left for Ireland, I detailed how I was budgeting for a month in the country. I received tips and insight from others who had traveled throughout Ireland. I thought I knew what to expect money-wise. However, you really don’t know until you travel what will be a surprise expense and what won’t be. To help others planning a trip to Ireland, here are a few surprises I found about the country. Food prices are astronomical As a solo traveler, I figured I wouldn’t be spending that much on food as in Italy, I could always find a pizza for 5 euros or a plate of pasta for 7 euros. I had Continue Reading
Belfast, Northern Ireland Wishes You Were Here
Belfast and I got off on the wrong foot, perhaps long before someone decided to help themselves to my wallet. I remember my Dad driving my brothers and sisters and I through West Belfast. I was scared. Men holding machines guns through the streets, barbed wire and a great line dividing two neighborhoods and faiths had me spooked. I remember those screeches of “Dad! No!”. My knowledge of “The Troubles” was not that extensive at 13 but I knew the area wasn’t where the tourists went to hang out. Today that has changed. West Belfast is now somewhat of a tourist attraction. You can take taxi Continue Reading
Just One Please
“Are you looking for inspiration?” he said. I nodded as he gave my passport a beating with a green stamp. “Well, good luck.” I wasn’t exactly sure what border control had in mind. Was it a good “good luck” or one more of sarcasm? It quickly didn’t matter as my days in Ireland came and went. After spending a month in the country traveling solo, I am now a firm believer in taking a trip alone, however big or small. While the customs agent was referring to my occupation as a writer, for me, the inspiration I was looking for was not just for my job but also for myself. Solo travel can only make Continue Reading