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Gifts that Give Back: Beautiful Products that Help Fight Human Trafficking

The month of January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Per Polaris, a global leader in the fight to end modern-day slavery, human trafficking is "the business... Read More
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Prague: A Complete 2-3 Day Itinerary

While Paris has always been my first love, little did I know that I'd also fall madly in love with the old world charm and... Read More
How FLYTE is Empowering Students to Study Abroad

Traveling and studying abroad has the ability to change and transform a person's life and create more cross-cultural understanding. In today's world, it is critical... Read More
The Two Contradictory Worlds of Labadie and “Labadee” Haiti

"Sonje lapli ki leve mayo ou". - Remember the rain that made your corn grow. (Haitian proverb) After all the stark contradictions I'd witnessed in Haiti, the... Read More
10 Amazing Wines that Give Back

“For it is in giving that we receive”. – Francis of Assisi If you have followed my blog for awhile, then you know how much I love curating... Read More
A Stay in the Jungle at Amazonita Lodge

"There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and... Read More
Exploring the Grand Canyon: A Hike Down the Rim to Ooh Aah Point

On the last day of our October visit to the Grand Canyon, I decided it was time to take a hike down off the rim... Read More
A Brief Look at Old Havana’s Glorious Architecture

One of the great things about being on a cultural tour of Cuba was all the interesting stuff we learned about the arts, culture, history and people... Read More

March 13, 2019

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Highlights of a Week in Belize

Belize has an incredible amount to offer the intrepid traveler. Belize’s lush jungle, stunning barrier reef, plethora of ancient Mayan ruins, rich culture, and downright natural beauty make it a haven for adventure junkies, nature lovers and those wanting to experience island life on one of its many cayes (islands). Furthermore, Belize is Central America’s only English-speaking country making travel much easier for those who don’t speak Spanish or Creole.

February 17, 2019

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Best Hikes in Tucson: Hiking the Ventana Canyon Trailhead to Maiden Pools

One of my all time favorite hikes in Tucson is along the Ventana Canyon Trailhead up to Maiden Pools. Located adjacent to Loews Ventana Canyon resort in the Santa Catalina mountains and less than five minutes from my parents’ home, this 4.7 mile hike up the canyon is one of Tucson’s finest. Known for its spectacular beauty and magnificent views, the hike to Maiden Pools is a moderate two and a half hour hike depending on speed and stops.

February 11, 2019March 20, 2019

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Tucson Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Tucson

Tucson, with her laid-back charm and sunny disposition, has long been a top destination for travelers craving a visit to the American Southwest. With an average of over 300 days of sunshine, four different mountain ranges to choose from, a vibrant University scene and a mecca for golf courses, resorts and spas, Tucson, Arizona’s second largest city, offers a great escape from a cold Minnesota winter or quite frankly winter anywhere. I’ve been visiting for over 25 years and Tucson is like a second home to me. Here are my top tips on what to do and explore.

February 6, 2019

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On Top of Tucson’s Highest Peak: Hike to Mount Wrightson

Hands down, one of the greatest hikes in Tucson is to the top of Mount Wrightson. Located about 40 miles south of the city in the lush Coronado National Forest of the Santa Rita Mountains, Mount Wrightson and lesser known neighbor Mount Ian comprise the backdrop of any pictures taken in Tucson. At 9,456 feet, Mount Wrightson is Tucson’s tallest peak (Mount Ian is slightly smaller at 9,146 feet) and the views along the way and at the top are quite impressive. Where else in Tucson can you pass through four different ecological zones ranging from the last remains of the Sonoran desert to the Ponderosa pines and finally the Douglas Firs. In a little over five hours, you can have it all and get a challenging hike too.

March 17, 2019March 20, 2019

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Discovering Iceland with Hidden Iceland’s Small Sustainable Tours

There is perhaps no other more mystifying place on earth than Iceland. Known as “the Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland is home to extreme geological contrasts being blessed with some of the largest glaciers in Europe and also some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Iceland’s extreme beauty has captured the world’s attention making this small Nordic country one of the hottest tourist destinations in the the world. Given its popularity it is important to travel responsibly with a sustainable company. Hidden Iceland is a boutique travel company that focuses on immersive experiences with passionate guides in remote settings such as glaciers, volcanoes, Northern Light spots and ice caves. Hidden Iceland is also a Certified Climate Neutral Partner offsetting their carbon emissions, and also maintains a strict sustainability policy of offering only small guided group tours.

March 5, 2019March 20, 2019

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Meet Six Companies That Are Empowering Women Through Travel

Here is a list of six amazing female-run travel businesses and tour operators supporting women’s programs around the world. From empowering young widows in India to homestays in Nepal or a visit to see the Quechua weaving community in rural Peru, these trips empower women and make a huge difference in not only their lives but yours as a traveler.

January 31, 2019February 3, 2019

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Explore the World with HI USA Travel Scholarships

Hostelling International USA (HI USA) will be awarding over 86 travel and study abroad scholarships to Americans ages 18-30 who would love to study abroad but could use a little help. Check out details in this post. Application deadline is March 2, 2019.

January 22, 2019January 27, 2019

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Sustainable Travel Guide: What to Do in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

With utterly jaw-dropping beauty, immense expanses of virgin rainforest and parts of lush green jungle that literally look like it is dropping into the celestial blue sea, the Osa Peninsula is my favorite part of Costa Rica. What I love best about the Osa Peninsula is it is still a bit of an undiscovered jewel. Despite a handful of small towns sprinkled throughout the peninsula, the majority of the Osa is uninhabited and undeveloped. Here are my tips on how to best enjoy and explore the Osa Peninsula.

February 21, 2019

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How We As Consumers Can “Buy The Change You Want To See”

“Buy The Change You Want To See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place” written by Jane Mosbacher Morris (Founder and CEO of TO THE MARKET) with writer Wendy Paris, discusses how every day people can harness their purchasing power for good and make a difference in the world. Whether it be by purchasing ethically made apparel, coffee, chocolate or goods, consumers and businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of purchasing ethically sourced and made goods to help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. Check out my review of Jane’s book in this post.

January 28, 2019March 20, 2019

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Gifts that Give Back: Beautiful Products that Help Fight Human Trafficking

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness month, I have compiled a list of my favorite for-profit and non-profit companies working hard to fight human trafficking. A purchase from any of these organizations goes to help victims of human trafficking not only find an escape but find a future.

January 16, 2019February 8, 2019

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How HANDS in Nepal is Working to Provide Education and Hope in the Most Remote Villages of the Himalayas

In 2010, I went on a life-changing trip to Nepal with my father to hike the Annapurna trek in the Himalayas. After that fateful trip, I began my blog and started helping HANDS in Nepal, a non-profit organization that works to promote education and reduce poverty in the remote Himalayan villages. In this post, HANDS in Nepal’s Director Jan Sprague updates us on the amazing work they are doing in some of the hardest reached areas of Nepal.

January 12, 2019January 12, 2019

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Transformational Travel to Guatemala: An Exclusive Interview with Tricia Hall

Since 2013 through a unique partnership, the Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry and the Community Cloud Forest Conservation have been offering transformative intergenerational travel trips to a remote part of Guatemala where families, couples and solo travelers alike can work side by side the local community and do good. The trip brings travelers to the highlands of Guatemala for an intercultural and educational opportunity to work with the Community Cloud Forest Conservation on projects in education and agroecology.

January 1, 2019

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My Year in Review: The Highlights and Adventures of 2018

2018 has been yet another whirlwind year awash with highs and lows. It hasn’t been the easiest year yet there have been plenty of wonderful adventures, special moments, time with family and those not so pleasant yet necessary life lessons.

September 25, 2018October 5, 2018

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My Ever-Changing Path of Life

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" . - Ralph Waldo Emerson Life is a fascinating journey. It is always changing and leading... Read More

September 18, 2018October 11, 2018

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A Chat with Life Coach Elena Sonnino

Elena Sonnino is a sought-after guide for living fully in the now to step into the spotlight of your life. As a life coach, speaker, and yoga teacher, her work is an invitation to unearth and attune to inner strength and wisdom. She inspires individuals and groups to remove self-imposed obstacles and explore the unexpected. Learn all about her inspiring work in this interview.