Category: Travel & Adventure

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The Ultimate Long Haul Carry-on

The Ultimate long haul carry-on is something I have wanted to write about since I started my blog! After graduating from high school in Michigan, I went to college in New Zealand, which meant I was travelling across the world at least 4-times a year. Travel time from Michigan to New Zealand is anywhere from 22-48+ hours, depending on flights, layovers, delays, etc. I’ve been on both ends of that scale, and I have perfected my travel outfit and the long haul carry-on. I’ve narrowed down the essentials I need to stay fresh and as comfortable as possible on the plane. I don’t mean to brag, but I am kind of a pro at this point.

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Waiheke Island: Misadventures & Mishaps

I lived in Auckland for four years, and have never been to Waiheke Island! So during our recent visit to New Zealand, when my mother-in-law suggested we take a day trip to Waiheke, I was all in! I had heard so many great things, and seen awesome pictures! Sign me up for the 9am ferry! I said. Little did I know the mishaps that would arise following that decision….

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The 6 Things I Always Wear When Traveling

Functional and practical. That’s the name of the game on long haul flights. I am not one of those girls who look glamorous traveling through the airport, with wavy hair, tight jeans and high heels. If you are one of those girls, more power to you. Teach me your ways. Until then, these are the six things I always wear when traveling internationally.

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Cross Country Skiing: Buying Secondhand Gear to Get Started

We LOVE winter. I mean, really love it. Come September-time, we start day dreaming of snow covered pines, cold temperatures and winter adventures. We met and fell in love and got married in the snow, so that may have something to do with our warm-feelings towards the colder months. But today we want to share one of our new winter activities: cross country skiing!

We got into cross country skiing last winter, as James was looking for something a little different than skiing Michigan slopes (fun, but not quite the mountains he was used to). We also got River, and were looking for a way to exercise him more. Enter cross country skiing! You guys, cross country skiing is such a great workout and a great way to get out and escape cabin fever during the long winter months.

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8 Reasons to Consider a Cruise for Your Next Vacation

It’s the beginning of the year, and it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming adventures and holidays to be had! A cruise is definitely one of our favorite ways to really relax and unwind. I have been on about 6 cruises and James 3 cruises. We’ve sailed to the East and West Caribbean, Bahamas, and from Vancouver to Alaska. I’m here to tell you why we love cruises with 8 reasons why you should consider planning a cruise for your next vacation.

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What to Do and See in Grand Rapids, Michigan: A Local’s Guide

I just got back from a weekend in Grand Rapids with my sisters and my mom. It was so refreshing, we shopped for hours, made our fall wreaths, shared gourmet appetizers, and saw the play Wicked (hiiiiighly recommend), which was every bit as good as I’ve heard.

My sister Mandy, is studying at Grand Valley State University and was our unofficial tour guide for the weekend. She knew exactly where to take us, how long it was going to take to get there, and nailed our dinner and brunch reservations! I asked her about what’s what in Grand Rapids: what to do, what to see, and what’s worth the drive. Check out her recommendations for your next trip to Grand Rapids!

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Northern Michigan Beer & Wine Color Tour, Petoskey & Harbor Springs

We’ve had a beautiful fall here in Michigan, almost a little too beautiful. James and I love crisp, cool air in the fall. But last weekend we had perfect weather for exploring Northern Michigan’s wineries and breweries! My family and extended family have done a Beer & Wine Color Tour for the last two years, making this our third annual tour. I have to say, my uncle, aunt, and cousin nailed the wine tour itinerary this year.

Saturday morning, we loaded up my uncle’s motorhome, affectionally named “The Bus”, with waters, snacks, beer, spiced cider and of course cider mill doughnuts. Here’s what we got up to!

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Wine Tasting Tour on Mountain Bikes in Gibbston Valley, Queenstown

I want to start off by saying: I love Queenstown. It’s definitely one of my favorite places in New Zealand. I’ve travelled to Queenstown in the winter and in the summer, and it’s hard to say which I love more. It’s also really hard to write and discuss ALL the reasons I love Queenstown and ALL the activities I recommend in one post, so I think I’m going to have to write a short series! I’m going to start it off with my favorite – or one of my favorites, I have a hard time with favorites – wine tasting along the Gibbston River Trail.

Just a few months after James and I were married and starting my fifth year living in New Zealand, my two best friends visited us New Zealand for 10-days. We spent time on both the North and South Island, and we spent 2-3 of those days in Queenstown.

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7 Adventures Not to Miss When in Rotorua

Rotorua is located on the North Island. James earliest lake memories are catching rainbow trout off the boat with his dad at Lake Rotoiti at their rented cabin. Now, James family has a cottage, or bach, on the lake and when we lived in New Zealand we’d travel there basically every other weekend for lakeside adventures. James even proposed here, high on a cliff over looking Lake Rotoiti. When friends visited us in NZ, Rotorua always made the trip itinerary.

Rotorua is a geothermal area – you know when you’re close cause it might smell a bit of rotten eggs, but this is just the bubbling mud! It feels a bit like Jurassic Park.

*This post contains affiliate links. That means, I may receive a commission for some of the links in this post- at no cost to you. See our Disclaimer page for details*

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