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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Your Perfect Pink Destinations

With Valentine's Day coming up, I thought we might look back at some pink destinations, because you don't always have to go to the stereotypical romantic locations to celebrate your love. Yes, I enjoy Paris, but I also love Palm Springs, which is perfectly pink.

With Valentine's Day coming up, let's look at some pink destinations, because you don't have to go to the stereotypical romantic destinations.

Did you know there are so many places you can go that a covered in pink homes, castles, beaches, and even religious sites? This isn't an exhaustive list, but a sprinkling of destinations that can pink up your travels.

Did you know there are so many places you can go that a covered in pink homes, castles, beaches, and even religious sites?

If you're looking for a great destination that can also be budget-friendly and easier to get to and get around in, check out Palm Springs. From free art to rainbows and mid-century architecture everywhere. Nassau in the Bahamas can also put you in the middle of a pastel paradise. The government buildings are all pink, the Atlantis Resort is a sprawling pink hotel and casino, the zoo has a flamboyance of flamingos that are the stars of their own show, and you can take a million pics of yourself among exotic flowers in the botanical gardens. Here's a very old post to help you plan a trip.

Complete your Pink/Barbie trip with some new travel goodies: 

Do you have a favorite pink travel destination? Let us know!


Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links and I maybe receive monetarily compensated if you make a purchase through any of them. This enables me to keep this blog running and bringing you travel tips, so thanks in advance.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Welcome to Meow Wolf's Convergence Station

In 2021, Eric and I took a road trip to Las Vegas to visit with family and experience Omega Mart, an interactive art installation by Meow Wolf that I'd been waiting 3 years to open. There are other massive installations that they've done, but last year we finally had the chance to visit the one in Denver, Convergence Station. 

Last year, Eric and I had a chance to finally visit Meow Wolf's Convergence Station in Denver, Colorado and it was a lot of...everything.

Meow Wolf is an art collective that wanted to do something huge and different that got people interested in art, and what started in a warehouse has turned into a phenomenon that has people traveling the country to get to one of their locations.


Why are they so special? Because it's a ton of different forms of art, very fun and weird, and there's an overarching story and mystery you can solve in each one. Each one has a different story, but also somewhat ties into other locations, which you'll see Easter eggs for while you're exploring. 

Convergence Station tells the story of a transit worker who was on her bus route and drove into a portal that opened up, now that other dimension is slowly taking over and morphing things into weird versions of themselves. People are losing their memories, which are used for currency. Before you lose yours, you can take on the mystery of the Forgotten 4, 4 people who disappeared and nobody appears to remember, except through missing persons posters up all over "town". 


You can choose to buy a Boop Card and try to solve the mystery, or you can just wander around and take in all the amazing, weird, and awesome stuff everywhere. A card is just $5 and you can use it on future visits, in case you don't do everything on one visit, which I completely understand. We arrived right at opening and stayed for 6 hours, and I'm sure we still missed some stuff. 


You take the elevator up to the "street" level, where you'll find stores and businesses and even an art gallery, but nothing is what it seems. Dotted around the street are both public phones and Boop stations for you to learn part of the story of why Convergence Station exists and what became of the Forgotten Four. 


There are secret things everywhere you look, and that's sort of half the reason to visit. Anything can be a door or a secret passageway. Anything can conceal a tiny diorama or game or interactive art. 


This portal is actually a walkway that is as awkward as it looks, but also takes you into a completely different area. Your visit takes you through a bunch of different floors, levels, and environment. You're going to be walking and crouching and sometimes crawling, so wear comfortable clothes and good shoes.


Everything is weird here, but also amazing, and you're going to want to see everything, which can be super overwhelming. You can meet new friends here and you sometimes end up teaming up with strangers to learn how to do certain things or help each other with a challenge. You don't have to, but it's fun experiencing something so interesting and new with new people. 


You can end your story in the security room of Panopticon, where you can both see people in other parts of the building and also call other phones. While we were there, Eric called a phone in Omega Mart and spoke to a visitor there. When we finally figured out the mystery and did everything we were supposed to do to "get credit" for it, the people in the security room were excited to see it and were encouraged to keep going. 


There's something surprising around every corner and behind every door and there are so many places that create stunning and unpredictable photo ops. It's one of those things you can't really explain to someone if they don't know anything about it, but pictures help.


You can't leave and come back, but with your admission, you can stay as long as you want. There's a quick service restaurant in the lobby, which isn't terrific but it's not spendy and it has filing dishes like nachos and rice bowls. That way you can refuel and then continue your exploration of this weird and everchanging landscape. And, if you're lucky, you might even meet the Yawlp. He's awkward and sad, but he's my new favorite cryptid, because who isn't really? 

Have you ever been to a museum that was so amazing that you wanted to tell everyone about it? Tell me about it in the comments!

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Portland Coffee Tour 2025 - Part 1

I'm getting back on my coffee grind, because I love coffee and a bunch of you love coffee, and if you come to Portland, I want you to get to some great shops and skip ones that are mediocre. I'm hoping to get up a new tour post each month. 

I'm getting back on my coffee grind, because a bunch of you love coffee, and if you come to Portland, I want you to get to some great coffee here.

I'll post about 2-4 Portland (metro area) coffee shops in each post in the series, depending on how many I can get to in 4-6 weeks. Here are 3 that I've gotten to recently:


Hold the Wheat
This shop has all the vibes and it comes through on all of it. Located in Beaverton, it is a gluten-free coffee shop that just opened last June and has a ton of in-house baked goods that all look amazing in the case. 


The entire shop is done in mid-century modern decor in pink and orange and I love it. Even the outside of the building is cutesy and makes you want to go in and buy something. Now, we aren't gluten-free, but I'm always willing to give it a shot for those that are, because it's difficult to make good gluten-free baked goods. Everyone here is so friendly and personable and I heard them talking to other patrons about the decor and the inspiration. 


Eric and I made this a stop on a Sunday morning and bought a selection of items and two coffees. It wasn't cheap. We ordered 6 things and it came out to $49. Eric got a sugar-free vanilla latte, a butternut squash pesto fancy pie (with the leaf on it), and a little pumpkin loaf. I got a cappuccino, a bacon breakfast sandwich, and a strawberry pop tart. All of these things were amazing and really flavorful, but also really heavy, because gluten-free dough always seems to be. So, I was extremely full from my little breakfast sandwich and had to take my pop tart to go and eat it later. Not only do I recommend this for those who have special dietary needs, but anyone else in the area should stop in as well. I really want the great family-owned businesses to thrive. 


Symphony Coffeehouse
We were on our way to shop at the Columbia employee store on a weekend morning, so I Google Mapped breakfast restaurants and coffee shops and this came up. It got really good reviews. If you know me at all, you know I don't get out of bed for anything less than a 4.6 star rating, but I feel like the Google reviewers failed me on this one. They are located in a wonky strip mall in Beaverton, but I was still able to find parking. They still had all their Christmas decor up in January, after Epiphany, as well. (I only mention this, because when I started looking around, waiting for my food and drink, they seemed to be outwardly religious in their non-Christmas decor, too.)


The shop was packed, which is usually a good sign. I ordered a breakfast croissant without the sausage (there was no bacon option available) and a maple latte. Eric ordered a sugar-free caramel toffee latte and caprese panini. I've never had a wheat croissant, and I wasn't mad at it. The sandwich was pretty good, but the strawberries were the sourest fruit I've ever been served, to the point that I didn't even finish chewing the first piece I put in my mouth. I just couldn't do it. Apparently, this sandwich had chipotle pesto on it, but it didn't really come through. I'd eat it again though. My coffee wasn't anything special, and it's the whole reason I eat breakfast in coffee shops. It was a latte and didn't really have much flavor.


Eric said his coffee was just sweet and had no discernable toffee or caramel taste. His panini looked good and the chips were basic chips. He wasn't enamored with either and said he wouldn't come back based on those. I have to agree, because I can get a great coffee and breakfast sandwich much closer to my own house.


Kiss Coffee
This shop was recommended and is located in NE Portland, so if you're on your way to or from the airport, it's kind of convenient. I do a lot of events at a hotel down the way, so it's an jaunt over and back from there. They have all-day breakfast, and that's huge for me, because sometimes I just want eggs in the middle of the day. It's got a cute little shop front, an outside ordering window, and quite a few outside tables to sit at if it's nice out. The whole place feels very welcoming and like it just belongs right in the middle of the neighborhood it's in. 


Looking at their menu, a lot of things sounded delicious, but I specifically went for the gravy burrito, because what?! We pulled up and parked on the street, ordered and sat inside to wait for our breakfast. It's pretty minimal, but also kind of perfect. I don't particularly know how to explain that Portland feel, but it has it.


I think Eric ordered the sugar-free mocha and I got a iced dirty chai, and we both ordered a gravy burrito. He did sausage gravy and did mushroom gravy, because I feel like a veggie/vegan gravy is indescribably Portland and also a good judge of whether a place can actually make good food. And if you still have questions about what it is, I'll tell you. You get three eggs, seasoned potatoes, cheese, and breakfast gravy, but like, the perfect amount. And when I tell you that this was one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth, I can't stress how much I'm not kidding. It's so simple, but it's amazing. If I lived over in the neighborhood, I'd get so fat from eating these. Also, the coffee was very good, so that makes it worth the trip alone. I stopped by since to just grab a coffee, but I can't wait to go and eat another one of these burritos...and maybe figure out how to make it myself at home. It's not messy. It's just straight up delicious.

Okay, that's my coffee round-up for January. I'm excited to bring you more next month, because I have some fun ones on my list. 

Tell me your favorite coffee shops from Portland or where you live, or one you'd like me to try for a future review.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Get More Travel Help From Me!

Are you on Patreon? Do you want to save more money on travel and learn more about specific destinations, get more say in what content you see, and maybe win (or purchase) some travel goodies? Well, then join me over on Patreon, where you can choose from several membership tiers, so you can do some or all of those things! 

Subscribe to my Patreon to save more with in-depth planning guides, destination overviews, great travel gadgets and more!

Why do I need a Patreon? Because there are some things that I want to do that require a lot more effort than a blog post, but unless I get paid for that, I can't really invest my time in them. I'd also like to give you more things that are personalized, so each month I'll have some polls up for you to vote on the next content you'd like to see, higher tiers will be able to request mini travel guides from me each month to help plan their specific travels, and I'll be putting together goodie boxes that have some of my favorite travel items in them, which you can have a chance to win, or straight up get one sent to your door with your subscription.

Your membership should also help me bring more free things to the blog that you'll want to see and help you more on your trips. Depending on how it goes, I'd love to do a lot more packing videos, including showing you which things I swap out for common travel items that only do one thing or, in my opinion, aren't as efficient.

If any of this sounds like something you want to get in on, membership starts at just $5/month and gets you access to all my mini guides (so far, there are 3 up), my 48 Hours on a Budget posts (more are coming this month), my planning guides, and more. Right now, use code NL50 and get 50% off your first month for any of the first 3 tiers.

I hope to see you there! 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

2025 Travel Trends

Are you traveling differently right now? Travel trends come and go and each generation has their own way of taking vacations. Maybe you also are pivoting into taking your dog with you more often or giving the travel reigns to your children or doing more adventuring on your trips. Here are 6 of 2025's upcoming travel trends.

Travel trends come and go and each generation has their own way of taking vacations. Here are 6 of 2025's upcoming travel trends.

Solo travel can be really rewarding and I tend to do it once a year, even though I have a travel partner. Here are some awesome places to travel alone.

Do any of your travel plans fit into these 2025 trends?


Saturday, January 4, 2025

New Year, New Ways to Make Your Travels Better

There are always ways to make your travel better and if you didn't get any of those things for the holidays, it's okay, because I'm here to give you ideas on what to buy yourself with any of those Amazon gift cards or Grandma money you got instead.

There are always ways to make your travel better and if you didn't get any of those things for the holidays, here are some things to buy yourself.

I'm a travel gadget person there are things I always take with me and different stuff I take for different trips. If you feel like you could be traveling a little better and want something new, here are some of the things you should add to your carry-on.


Did you do all the walking? Does your body hurt? Get a cheap in-room massage by bringing along this little travel massage gun. It comes with several attachments and it's own carrying case. $59.99


Can't sleep when it's too quiet? Bring along your white noise without having to use your phone all night. This mini white noise machine is great for everyone, especially if you travel with babies who need a way to drown out sound from the next room. It comes in a bunch of colors $15.99+


Whether you take medication or you just like to be prepared with over-the-counter aids, this folding multi-compartment pill case has room for so much. Fill up with all your pills or with ibuprofen, allergy meds, and vitamins. Get 3 for $6.99 or 1 for $4.49


Stop tweaking your neck by looking down at your phone your entire flight. Get you - and your travel partner(s) - these great little phone holders that are specifically made to go on the seatback of planes, but can also be used in the car, on your luggage, on the table and probably a lot more places. $13.97 for one or $25.97 for two in different colors


Keep your hands free, for holding your child's hand, eating a bagel, or shopping with this handy drink holder that slides onto your wheelie bag handle. That way you can have your coffee and your water or bottles of juice that get held for two seconds and then shoved into your hand. Not only does it hold two cups or bottles, but the pockets are insulated! Plus it also has a zipper pocket for little things like napkins or your change, a mesh pocket for your phone, a strap to keep your personal item on top of your bag, and a slip-on strap to throw on while walking down the plane aisle or getting in your Uber. 
$17.98 in stone, black, gray, or pink to match your aesthetic


Sharing a bathroom or having to use a public restroom for anything other than a quick pee can be embarrassing for some, but it's also not optimal for gross smells. That's where Poo-Pourri comes in. If you haven't already been using this at home, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Three quick spritzes in the bowl before you go and smells vanish into a black hole or something. I love these travel size ones, because you can keep one in your pocket or day-bag and one in your toiletry bag to pop on the counter at your accommodation. Everyone will thank you. $21.72 for a 5-pack


I always have a coat or cardigan or both with me at the airport, because the plane is unpredictable and so is weather, but when I'm not wearing it, it's annoying to stuff it in a bag or have to carry it around, so I have this carry clip that I can use to carry my coat or travel pillow (or both). $9.99 in several colors


Going on a beach vacation or a cruise where you'll be sitting by the pool? Don't leave all your stuff under your towel and hope nobody steals it. Bring along this fancy portable safe and attach it to something large, like a beach chair. It's big enough for your phone, hotel key, and credit card or cash. $22.54 for black, but it also comes in pink


Traveling internationally? You can't just plug your things straight into the wall. Get this all-in-one adapter that works in 160 countries. I have two and I gave them as gifts when our family all went to a destination wedding. This allowed both of us to plug in all of our electronics, since each has USB outlets for small things like phones and tablets, and a regular outlet for when I use my laptop. $17.59 in black and other colors If you need one for country not in the UK, Europe, or Australia, check out this one 


Sometimes travel can be exhausting. You get a lot of stimulation and maybe that gives you a headache or you just need to relax in the dark. If that sounds like you, toss a couple of these steam eye masks in your bag and you're set for when you just need to zone out. These can also be good for refreshing your allergy eyes, general puffy eyes, or helping you fall asleep. Have a mini spa break in your room for way less than the cost of going to the actual spa. $22.49 for 20

These are some of the budget-friendly items that can help you travel better and make your life a little easier when you're away from home. If you're looking for more items, don't forget to see my recommendations for last-minute gifts and my favorite travel gifts that cost a bit more.


I hope your 2025 is starting off with a bang and you're looking forward to some great trips.


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend things I love. If you buy something through my site links, I might earn a commission. This allows me to bring you even more budget travel tips and is totally free to you.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Happy New Year 2025

Well, we made it through another year and after finally coming out of a crazy pandemic, it looks like we may be going into another bout of uncertain times. My pantry is stocked, my freezers are empty of unnecessary items, and I'm preparing for a worst case scenario, but hoping for not much to change. 

2024 was pretty good to us, so let's look back at those resolutions and new resolutions regarding travel.

2024 was pretty good to us. I was able to return to visiting The Travel Goods Show, and visit 3 other destinations, 2 of which were new to us. How did I do on my travel "resolutions"?

Do more local activities

I don't think we did more, but we didn't do less than we did in 2023. We went to new markets, we tried new restaurants, we volunteered more. We already have more things planned in 2025 that are local and with how iffy travel might be in the coming year, we might find ourselves road-tripping on the weekends around our state.

Meet up with more friends on my travels

This didn't exactly happen. I couldn't make my plans match up with anyone else's, except when visiting Vegas for the Travel Goods Show. I was able to meet an online friend after years of never being in the same place at the same time, and it lined up with another friend's visit to the city as well. 

Try something new

This was pretty open, so it was also easy to achieve. I ate new things, I met new people, I went new places, and I took on new responsibilities. Were they all exciting? No, but it was new and that was my goal.

Bring back 48 Hours posts

Honestly, I completely forgot to make this a priority and I floated the idea of starting a Patreon where I would post more of those kinds of things, where people could vote on what destinations they would like to see. If that's something of interest, I'll likely work on some of that.

Do more holiday-/month-specific posts

I feel like I did an okay job at this, but I'd like to do more still and will continue to push myself to work harder to achieve this goal this year.

Create more reels for Instagram

I'm not sure IG is that lucrative for me, as my follower count never really changes, no matter what I do. I did make more reels, but they don't do better than carousels, except for the static reels that I just add words and animations to. I'll keep doing my best and creating things that make me happy. If you aren't following me already, I'd love for you to do so. 

Support more local artists and businesses

This is easy for me. I do a lot of event vending with my fandom non-profit, so I am near a lot of artists throughout the year. I commissioned a piece from an artist friend of mine. I have also been going to more local shops and restaurants at home and when I travel.

2025 additions

More events. My hope is to get to at least one event a month

All the coffee shops. I want to bring back my Portland coffee series, where I try new, or new to me, shops and give my honest feedback. 

I'd like to bring back Destination Date Nights in some way. They will never be as frequent as they were during the pandemic, but one every few months should be doable. 

Visiting new places. This is pretty much always on my list, but if things work out this year, we'd love to visit New Mexico for Meow Wolf's installation there and I've set my sights on either Greece or Malta, depending on where I can find a place to stay and airfare costs. 

Start a paid subscription service. I have been thinking about this for a while and may or may not find time to work on videos and extra posts that may be more in-depth, as well as things like packing lists for specific trips, packing videos, and anything else that sounds helpful. I'll still be posting here like always. This will just be extra content.

Here's hoping for a surprisingly good 2025. I hope the start of the year is already awesome for you. Let me know your resolutions for the coming months, no matter what they are. I want to read all your comments!

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