Home Page - Thirdeyemom

Hiking Hut to Hut in the Gaistal Valley

Nestled within the Mieminger mountains to the south and Wetterstein mountains to the north, lies the stunning, idyllic Gaistal Valley. Stretching west from the tiny... Read More
A Weekend Sailing in the Apostle Islands

I have always dreamed of exploring the Apostle Islands. Located off the shore of the Bayfield Peninsula in Northern Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands are an... Read More
Highlights of Our Three-Week Family Trip to Europe

I will never forget the one-page article I read decades ago in Newsweek by a prominent female journalist about the importance of transgenerational travel and how it changed... Read More
A Drive along Romania’s Stunning Transfăgărășan Highway

I fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) tend to be that traveler who has to try to see it all no... Read More
Trinidad: The Color of Cuba

Tucked away atop the hillside of the surrounding Sierra del Escambray mountains in Central Cuba lies one of Cuba's most precious colonial jewels: The beautiful colonial city... Read More

September 13, 2019

Aosta Valley, Italy: Hike to the Lovely, Remote Lac Long

We set off on a glorious summer day heading north through the nostalgic Italian countryside and then climbing up through the winding roads leading to Bionaz, a remote agricultural community that runs along the Buthier River where the Valle d’Aosta meets Switzerland. We ventured through some of the most pristine alpine scenery and villages we’d seen so far on our trip and I longed to have more time to spend there to explore.

After about 55 minutes we arrived at the end of the road, at the Dam at the Place-Moulin. We were surrounded by the high peaks of the Alps and the ribbons of glaciers that feed the gorgeous aquamarine high alpine lakes throughout the valley. Our hike would begin at the stunning Lac de Place-Moulin and continue on up to Lac Mort.

September 6, 2019

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Living like Locals in the Italian Village of Pollein

During a stay in Aosta, Italy we opted to skip town and instead stay in the nearby tiny village of Pollein at a locally-run bed and breakfast called Lo Teisson. Connecting with the locals ended up being the highlight of our stay. Read more to learn why it was so magical.

August 31, 2019

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On Top of the Skyway Monte Bianco

On our last day in Courmayeur, we decided to take in the stunning surroundings of the Alps from the top of the Skyway Monte Bianco. Opened in 2015, the Skyway Monte Bianco whisks passengers up to the top of Punta Helbronner at 3466 meters/11371 feet where you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire Mont Blanc Massif.

August 24, 2019August 25, 2019

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Exploring the Marin Headlands of San Francisco’s Bay Area

From hiking the mystical Marin Headlands, to getting lost within the towering giant redwoods of John Muir’s famous quotes, and being mesmerized in San Francisco’s Chinatown, there is plenty of nature, culture, and togetherness for our family trip to Marin County, California.

July 2, 2019

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Natural Habitat Adventures Paves the Way in Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Conservation

As the desire for up close and personal wildlife tours increases, concerns have grown about how to help protect animals in the wild especially in the face of climate change, irresponsible wildlife encounters, and an increase in poaching of certain species. Thankfully the demand for ethical wildlife tourism is on the rise and Natural Habitat Adventures, a global leader in responsible nature travel is helping pave the way

June 10, 2019June 10, 2019

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How Intrepid Travel is Changing the Way We See and Impact the World

Intrepid Travel -the world’s largest adventure travel company – is changing the way we see and impact the world. With over 1,000 tours in 120 countries, Intrepid has done wonders to promote responsible tourism and help make a positive impact on where they travel. Learn all about how they are inspiring the next generation of responsible travelers.

May 15, 2019May 31, 2019

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Experience Life in A Village with Duara Travels

Have you ever dreamed of getting a glimpse into the life of a villager in a far off place completely off the tourism grid? Duara Travels is a social impact tourism enterprise that connects travelers with the opportunity to experience village life, living alongside locals in villages in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tanzania, Ghana, Nepal and Kenya. When you book a village experience through Duara Travels, you get to visit places out of reach for most travelers affording a unique opportunity to meet local people and see real village life. Furthermore, these visits are a great way to support local communities and provide a sustainable income that helps the entire community while supporting sustainable tourism.

May 5, 2019May 31, 2019

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Traveling Off Season with Off Season Adventures

Meet Off Season Adventures, a sustainable adventure travel company that curates immersive experiences designed to delight and empower both the traveler and the destination. I learned about Off Season Adventures in my research to create an ever-growing list of amazing sustainable travel organizations that are working to change not only the way we travel but the world.

June 6, 2019August 3, 2019

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World Oceans Day: What it Means to Us and How You Can Help Conserve Our Oceans

June 8th is World Oceans Day, a day delegated by the United Nations to raise awareness, and to protect and celebrate the major role that oceans have in supporting everyday life. Our oceans are threatened and we as travelers can follow these guidelines to help protect the future health of our planet.

May 28, 2019May 31, 2019

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EOS International: Bringing Safe Drinking Water to Central America

Did you know that 85% of people in Central America do not have access to safe drinking water? EOS International is working to empower rural families in Central America with access to safe drinking water and opportunities to generate income through simple technology solutions and education. Since their founding in 2008, EOS has accomplished 2,325 installations of simple, inexpensive, and locally serviceable technologies have helped over 534,167 Central Americans access safe drinking water and opportunities to generate income. Learn more in this interview with Wes Meier, CEO and co-founder of EOS International.

March 22, 2019

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The Hidden Cost of Consumer Consumption and Water Scarcity

Did you know that 2.1 billion people around the world live without safe drinking water affecting their health, wellbeing, education and livelihoods? While ensuring access of safe water to all by 2030 per UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, this goal is becoming harder to achieve due to climate change, lack of political will and even the hidden cost of consumer products. Learn more about what you as a consumer can do to make a difference.

August 14, 2019

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Focus on the Bay Area with Jane Lurie Photography

Meet San Francisco-based photographer Jane Lurie, the creative mind behind Jane’s Lens. Jane shares her favorite places to photograph in the Bay Area and also shares her tips on how she shoots so beautifully in the fog.

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.