Snowy weather, soft sweaters and the smell of the fireplace are the the hallmarks of a traditional Christmas, but the spirit of the season isn’t lost in the sunny, summery days of December in San Diego. Visiting my young niece during the holidays felt weird at first, but we quickly found our Southern California Christmas … Continue reading So cool So Cal Christmas
Author: jessanderson214
What to know about visiting Australia’s Kimberley region
This post was written for PinkPangea.com Australia was the final stop in my quest to visit all seven continents before turning 40. I prefer remote landscapes over cities, so I selected a 9-day Kimberley camping adventure with Intrepid Travel (sort of like this one). Another option was a three day trip near Uluru (Ayers Rock) … Continue reading What to know about visiting Australia’s Kimberley region
Star Wars inspired travel
Tunisia (Tatooine) and outer space are on my list of future travel destinations, inspired by a childhood obsession with Star Wars that continues to fuel my sense of adventure today. Until I get there, here are some places where Jedi-wannabes can feel like we are traveling in a galaxy far, far away... Tatooine Several scenes … Continue reading Star Wars inspired travel
One day in Quito
You’ve got a day to explore Quito, Ecuador and want to make the most of your time in this lovely city. I’ve got a plan for you! Quito is located along the Equator, so weather is reliably comfortable with a combination of sun and clouds throughout the day. Some parts of the city are … Continue reading One day in Quito
Save up and travel
Other than “where to next?” the biggest question I get about my travels is “how do you pay for your trips?” Everyone’s budget and travel style is different. For some perspective, I work at a nonprofit organization, and have a mortgage and a car payment - no student debt, no kids, no mocha latte habit, … Continue reading Save up and travel
Save the humans! Travel
“Fascism is cured by reading, and racism is cured by traveling. -- Miguel de Unamuno, Spanish poet and philosopher. A few days ago a woman from Europe posted to an online travel group that she was terrified of her upcoming trip to America because of the color of her husband’s skin. This is what our … Continue reading Save the humans! Travel
Adventure Bus – the best way to see America’s National Parks
America is a spectacularly beautiful and diverse country. Ken Burns dubbed our National Parks “America’s Best Idea.” I agree. National Parks reflect our democracy and freedom by being open and accessible to everyone. They invite us to examine our past - commemorating our history and gaining insights and respect for the people who came before … Continue reading Adventure Bus – the best way to see America’s National Parks
Tea time!
The best tea houses and teas around the world. As evidenced by the photo above, I mastered the art of tea parties at a young age. So it's no surprise that I seek out tea experiences in my travels. Here are some of the best teas and tea-sipping experiences I’ve encountered. La Cabaña Casa de … Continue reading Tea time!
It’s gotta be the shoes
If you’re thinking about an icy adventure to the Arctic or Antarctic, shoes are super important. After booking my trip to Antarctica I immediately began my search for the right boots. An Antarctic expedition involves disembarking from an inflatable zodiac boat into mid-calf deep, frigid water. My tour vessel provided guests with Wellington-type boots (wellies … Continue reading It’s gotta be the shoes
Music for the soul
I prepare for my next travel adventure the way expectant mothers prepare for their newborns. I book my trip several months in advance. I buy pretty, new things. I regularly take out my new gear and stare at it, eagerly anticipating the day I can use it. I read books to learn about the location’s … Continue reading Music for the soul
Rise Up and Travel 