Champagne Travel On a Beer Budget

Valentine's Day is coming up, and that means a lot of people will be celebrating. When I think of celebrations, I often think of champagne. Sometimes it's sparkling wine or prosecco, but we almost always say champagne. By now, you probably know it's not champagne unless it comes from the champagne region in France. If you love a good glass of bubbles, you're not alone. 

If you want to travel to Champagne, know that, for now, the exchange rate is very favorable for Americans heading to France. That means you can save money getting and staying there and then splurge a bit on a tour. We planned to visit Disney World over the last 5 years, but instead we flew to France twice to enjoy the country and visit Disneyland Paris. We still saved money over traveling to Florida and we were able to feel good about where our money was going and were able to see more of Paris and France itself.

There are 5 zones in the Champagne region and you can hit one or all of them in a trip. If you want to only focus on non-vintage champagne where you won't find most of the tourists, check out the Aube or the Côte de Sézanne zones. If you want to do more than just drink champagne, head to the more touristy parts of the region: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs. The smaller, boutique producers generally do everything on-site, so you can learn about their bottles from start to finish. Here's a little more about where to go and when from Conde Nast. And if you are going to Reims, here are some awesome things to do there.

You can even learn a little more about champagne before you get there. In fact, Fodor's has 10 fun facts for you.

The idea of champagne and the actual bottles first came from Britain, even though we all think it was France. It wasn't until Britain had discovered the predecessor to champagne, sparkling wine, and how to make the bottles much stronger in order to keep them from exploding under the immense pressure created, that the Champagne region learned how to replicate the bubbly drink in their own way.  

Imagine having the chance to try champagne that is almost 120 years old! That's what some lucky souls are going to get to do, now that the bottles have been rescued from a collapsed cellar in the Northern France city of Épernay. Hopefully, they're still drinkable. 

Pair your champagne vacation with a tour of your favorite foods by taking a French journey to explore the country and the origins of those foods like brie and Roquefort cheese. 

If prosecco is more your speed, or you'd rather spend your time in Italy than France (decisions, decisions), the prosecco region is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. AFAR is here to tell you the best vineyards to check out, as well as where to stay and eat. 

There's also the essential guide that can tell you how to get there and around affordably. Also, where to go for the kind of prosecco you like, the benefits of hiring a driver, and other things to do in the region. 

If you want to add on a unique experience and tour, and don't need everything on your trip to be bubble-filled, check out these vineyard tours of the Bordeaux region by way of a British black cab. Wine-Cab sounds so cool to me, and I've not had the opportunity to try them out yet, but we also aren't big drinkers. The rates are pretty reasonable for half-day trips, and it's nice to not have to drive yourself (you have a built-in designated driver) and find your way around or have to navigate public transportation. It's a luxurious little way to experience the region, which gives a bit more of a romantic vibe. 

I hope this helps you plan a wonderful couple's getaway with some of your favorite beverages, while also creating fantastic memories. Tell me some of your top bubbly drinks in the comments.

National Plan For Vacation Day

Tuesday is National Plan For Vacation Day, so let's talk about where you're going this year? I know things are uncertain and scary and we just went through a period of uncertain and scary (did we ever really come out of it), so maybe you aren't actually feeling any different about going anywhere, or you're like me and want to spend time in places actually fighting for, or against, something. 

I'm feeling like a lot of people don't even know their basic history and keep voting for people that are actively harming them, so because I've pretty much boycotted most of the South (Texas and Florida, specifically), we're going to Rhode Island and Massachusetts this fall. 

So, where will you go? Here are just a few places you might want to plan for this year:

Philadelphia 

Rich in historical buildings and activities, like seeing the Liberty Bell (for free!), Philly is an amazing food destination, the people are lovely, and you can do so many things for cheap/free. We went in 2018 and I really think we should plan another trip there sometime soon. There is a ton of art and museums in the city. If you have a rental car, you can easily get around to do more stuff in whatever time you have. We stayed in Hershey to do all the stuff there, but we also visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, and Eastern State Penitentiary in Philly proper.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is actually a very affordable Asian foodie destination. While it is an island and might take a few bucks getting there, once you're there, you're going to have so much to see an do, especially if you love nature and getting outdoors. Between hiking trails and national parks, there's plenty for the enthusiast. Consensus is that rental cars are going to eat up your travel budget, if you want to get out of the city, and splurging on a hotel is almost always disappointing, so using local transportation and staying in a mid-range hotel or vacation rental is your best bet. 

Mexico City

Another great city for history and food, more direct flights have been added to this capital, there are a ton of events happening all year, and you get the added bonus of practicing your Spanish, while also indulging in the affordability of Mexico. The city is huge, so you'll want to choose things to do in and around one or two neighborhoods and find a place to stay located in one of those. You may find your trip too short, so don't be surprised if you want to return to explore more of the city on another trip.

Santa Barbara

Like Los Angeles, Santa Barbara can be a bit spendy, but it also has great weather, even if you skip summer - the most expensive season - and choose to go in September or October. As with other cities, you can find a lot of cheap or free things to do, if you know where to look, including going to the beach or zoo, hitting up happy hours for dinner, go hiking, or even take Instagram-worthy pics with local art, like Chromatic Gate near East Beach.

Traveling Solo

If you're a solo traveler, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has stunning views and is very affordable, Prague is a place to make new friends and explore castles, Sri Lanka in general is packed with historical landmarks and the transportation is great getting your there, and Andalusia, Spain is especially safe for solo women hoping to discover the fantastic architecture, see a flamenco show, and see outstanding sunsets while sipping some local wine.

Warm Weather for Winter

Trying to stave off the SAD and get a bit of sun during these bleary winter months? You could head to Florida, or you could not. Instead, head to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Kingston, Jamaica, or Mexico City (see above) for an affordable getaway that requires sunscreen and sunglasses and to leave your coat in your room.

Comfort and Accessibility 

Just because you've picked a destination to start planning for, it doesn't mean you're done with planning. What are you taking with you? What are you wearing? What do you need? Here are a few suggestions for making your trip just that teeny bit better:

A comfy and chic two-piece track suit for being comfortable on the plane, lounging around your hotel, or mixing and matching with other pieces on your trip.

Got the perfect bag, but it doesn't attach to your roller bag? Get a magnetic elastic strap to give any bag a pass-through sleeve.

A breezy two-piece set for warm weather that will keep you cool and also looking cool. 

A packable puffer to keep you warm, but not take up your entire seat or floor space or carry-on.

Sometimes there are no familiar sounds to drift off to, or you're traveling with children, or you need something to drown out the drunk revelers on your street. This tiny white noise machine is just the thing to help you get to sleep.

And if that doesn't work for you, mix up a packet of DreamWater for an easy fall into rest and don't wake up groggy either. If you've been following me for a while, you know I have tried all the different kinds of DreamWater and swear by them.

Relieve your poor feet after a long day of sightseeing (or hiking) with these Dr. Scholls foot masks. You'll thank me later!

Tired of trying to put your makeup on in a hotel room with terrible lighting in the bathroom? Or you need to get ready while someone is in the bathroom and there isn't a vanity? Get yourself a travel makeup mirror that has 3 lighting settings, adjustable height, and a 10x mirror on the back.

I hope 2026 is a great travel year for you. You can see that many people are using this year as a YOLO year and taking meaningful trips where they can learn something important and bond with family/friends. Where is your next trip taking you?

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A First Timer’s Guide to Exploring West Michigan by Boat

There’s a lot of exploring to be done in West Michigan, whether it’s the stunning coastlines to be explore by boat, or the charming towns to wonder through.

Exploring the area by boat requires plenty of preparation from safety gear needs to understanding regulations and choosing a suitable boat size for Lake Michigan.

Here are some of the basics when it comes to being a first timer and exploring the area of West Michigan by boat.

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Know the regulations and the gear required

Regulations are important to be knowledgeable about because if you’re not following the rules, then you’ll get yourself in trouble.

Michigan law requires that life jackets are provided for everyone and that all boats have navigation lights, sound signals and distress signals on board.

Your boat will also need to be registered and decals are added from the Michigan Dept. of State. Lastly, for Lake Michigan, larger boats offer more stability but smaller boats are fine for the closer and calmer excursions you might take.

Plan your route and stops

Be sure to plan your routes as stops before you go. It’s always good to be aware of what what places you’d like to explore and which areas are going to be points in which you take a longer excursion on foot.

With that being said here are some helpful suggestions to get you inspired:

• South Haven - This is a great place that’s known for it’s beautiful beaches and harbor.

• Saugatuck/Douglas - Offers plenty in the way of quaint towns that are adorned with art galleries and beautiful dunes to gaze in amazement at.

• Holland - A Dutch-themed town with beautiful beaches like the Oval Beach for example.

• Grand Haven - Most famous for it’s pier, lighthouses and the beach.

• Muskegon - Offers state parks, dunes and lighthouses.

• Whitehall/Montague - Provides access to the White River which is known for it’s calmer waters.

• Silver Lake - A unique spot for dunes and lighthouses.

• Inland Waterways - You could also explore the Mainstee River or the Grand River if you’d prefer some sheltered cruising. 

When you’re exploring West Michigan, these are some of the spots you’ll want to include on your excursions via boat.

Key experiences to prioritize

There are a number of key experiences that you should be prioritizing when it comes to exploring West Michigan by boat. These include the dunes as one example. Visiting Silver Lake State Park is a great way of seeing these stunning dunes, but it’s worth being aware of the off-road vehicle areas.

You can also take full advantage of lighthouse hopping, where you can see some iconic lights like the Little Sable Lighthouse and the White River Light Station.

Lastly, you could also consider town hopping, docking in towns like Charlevoix or Grand Haven for shopping, dining and local culture.

Essential tips for first-timers to know

For first-timers who are exploring West Michigan by boat, here are some useful tips worth knowing:

Check lake conditions

Lake Michigan weather changes rapidly, so it’s important to always check forecasts before heading out.

Learn your boat

Understanding basic navigation, anchoring and emergency procedures. It’s worth exploring your boat options with a West Michigan Sylvan boat dealer or ask a lot of questions when renting.

Start small

Begin with shorter trips in protected bays or closer to the shore before you attempt long lake crossings.

With these tips, you can hopefully have a fun and non-eventful time exploring the area by boat.

2026 Travel Trends

Each year I like to see what the new travel trends are and this year is seeing travel morph into a lot more meaningful experiences for travelers who want to spend more time slowing down, bonding with family, and creating real memories instead of a moment for their Insta. While I love to travel just to travel, I always hope to get something out of it, whether I'm in Paris or I'm in Las Vegas. You can always immerse yourself in a type of culture and learn something. Here are 5 of the top travel trends of 2026:

This year we're having a cultural big trip. We'll be going to Boston and Providence in the fall to learn about some of America's history and also enjoy the seaside.

Tell me what trends you are loving and how you plan to travel this year.

Happy New Year 2026

Well, we survived 2025 and that's a really low bar, but it feels like a major accomplishment. If you're reading this, then you survived too, and I'm proud of you. Congrats. 2026 looks to be another tough year with the tanking economy, people having a hard time being able to afford basic necessities, like food and gas, but here's hoping it gets better instead of worse. 

Last year felt sort of normal for the most part, until we hit mid-October, then it was crazy rollercoaster. I took an unplanned road trip with my mom, had some good and bad times, dropped her off at the airport a few weeks after coming home and she, unexpectedly died 3 days later, so I then had to make another unplanned trip to take care of her body and possessions, and after coming home, I've just spent the last 2 1/2 months trying to wrap up her things, clear out her apartment, and then do all my other obligations, like work and planning/putting on a huge fundraiser. 

I'm now planning a small celebration of life, while trying to also start anew in 2026. Is it working? Well, it's only the 3rd, so we'll see. Let's also look at what I wanted to get to this year:

Do More Local Activities

I think we actually achieved this. We have a group of friends who we do brunch stuff with, so we have been tacking on activities to these like walking around town to check out stops on the Sidewalk Joy map, alternatives to free little libraries, and ornament making at a holiday pop-up.

Meet Up with More Friends On My Travels

I didn't get to do this, because I didn't really travel anywhere I had friends like I did the last year. I was able to meet up with friend who were visiting here though. Hopefully, this is something I can do more of this year.

Try Something New

We did quite a few new things this last year, like driving in Europe. I've been saying yes to a lot more things that I know I'll like once I get there and do it. 

Bring Back 48-Hours Posts

Yeah, I 100% dropped the ball on this. We'll see if I get to any of them this year, but I'm not sure if anyone cares about them besides me.

Do More holiday-/month-specific Posts

I did pretty good on this until October, and I only got Halloween posts on Facebook out because I scheduled them way ahead of time. This year I'm going to try to think further ahead to do more of this.

Create More Reels for Instagram

I feel like I did really well on this, but I would like to post more on Instagram and Threads in general, so if you're on either of those, please follow me. I'm also sorry for dropping the ball on Facebook, but I don't feel like I get too many people interacting there either. If you're still on Facebook, let me know if that's something you're interested in continuing, and please interact with my posts if you do.

Support More Local Artists/Businesses

I went to a lot of local markets this year and I also visited a ton of independently-owned coffee shops, so I want to continue to do this, because giving money to big corporations isn't that rewarding, even if it is instantly gratifying.

All the Coffee Shops

I slacked on my Portland Coffee Shop Tour series once summer hit and I got incredibly busy. 2026 is going to see a return of my series, there just might be only 2 per month, instead of 3-4, but we'll see how that pans out. Of course, you can always see what shops I visit in real time if you follow me on Instagram.

Bringing Back Destination Date Nights

Yeah, I did none of these this year. We had a Destination Potluck though, where we "traveled" to Ireland and all brought a potato dish and solved a fun mystery while learning more about Ireland. Perhaps this year we can do at least one more. I'm open to country suggestions. I have been wanting to do a Romanian one for World Dracula Day in May though, so we may still do that one.

Visiting New Places

Last year we still went to Las Vegas. I went twice. We also returned to France, but this time we explored the Normandy region, which was entirely new to us. Eric moved jobs within his company, so we didn't get to go back to Denver to explore more of that area. 

This year the Travel Goods Show has been moved to Salt Lake City, maybe permanently, so I'll be exploring more than just the airport, possibly with Eric and the dog. We're also going to visit Providence, RI and Boston in the fall, and probably another trip to Burbank late winter/early spring.

Start a Paid Subscription Service

I didn't really do this, but I'm going to try to work more on it this year. 

2026 Additions

Try out more salt rooms

People are resolving to do more self-care while they travel, but I feel like travel is self care for me, so I really just want to find more salt rooms on my trips to visit to relax and get some much needed ionization in my life. 

Have a unique dining experience

Maybe this is eating in a Michelin restaurant or getting coffee from a (literal) wall hole cafe or anything in between. I just want it to be interesting, different, and, hopefully, fun.

Spend more quality time with family

We already have a family trip to the beach planned for August, but I also plan to visit my uncle more this year when no one is dead or in the hospital (fingers crossed!), and maybe visit other family, and do more with our niblings (nieces/nephews). My uncle has a goal of going on a train ride through Canada with me, and I hope he realizes that this year, not just because I would love an extra trip, but because that means he's healthy enough to get around again and because he never got to do it with my mom like he planned. 

Travel more with the dog

This last month, I did an overnight at the hotel we through our annual Yule Ball at. Eric had hurt his leg, so dancing wasn't really in the cards for him at that time. I already had the hotel room and they didn't charge extra for a dog and I figured it was as good a time as any to give Eric and Pippa a little staycation while I was working. She did really well and I think more travel would benefit her.

Now that we don't have my mom as a dogsitter, it gives me an excuse to take the dog with us more places, where we can. She's really well behaved, but we also can't take her if the flight is really long or when we stay at our timeshare, so we'll also be looking for a trusted person to take care of her while we're out of town and can't take her with us.

Document travel more and better

I know I take a ton of photos, but they aren't always something other people want to see, so I'm hoping to take more videos and intentional photos in order to document more of our travels and also have better options for Instagram reels, stories, and carousels. 

Actually practice my French and/or start learning Japanese

We're hoping to make it to Japan in the next year or two and I want to be somewhat prepared in that. I know I'm never going to be great at reading Japanese, but conversing well is a big goal of mine. I am also determined to plan out our trip way ahead of time, so we can budget accordingly.

Here's to a prosperous 2026 in every way possible. Let me know what your travel resolutions are in the comments.

Goodbye 2025

You may have noticed I've not really been around the last couple months. I apologize, but the end of this year has not been great. I'm still trying to get back into a normal routine, but early last month, my mom unexpectedly died, so I had to make a very short, exhausting trip back to Burbank to deal with her cremation details, make sure my uncle was okay and got home from the hospital alright, and try not to have a nervous breakdown. 

I spent a lot of time at the hospital, time sorting through my mom's belongings that she took with her, and gave myself a half day off to go to Universal, because if I was going to be sad, I might as well do it on a roller coaster. My mom and I had talked about going to Universal on our previous trip in October, but we never got to go, so I hope she was with me in spirit. 

Once home, I spent much of my free time clearing out her house and also planning for Yule Ball with my nonprofit. 3 of the 5 of us had disastrous year ends. One's grandma got pneumonia and passed away and the other bought a house and got laid off the next day. I'm pretty sure this year has not been great for many of you, so I'm sorry if that's the case. If not, I'm happy for you. Either way, I hope your holidays were relaxing and this new year is a restart and refresh you need.

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So, while there were some really good times in 2025, I will not be sad to see it go. I'm going to hang on to those good memories and try to wrap up what I need to as quickly as possible, so I can go fresh into 2026 by the end of January. that means you may not see regularly scheduled posts from me again until February, but I'll do my best now that they holidays are over and I have more time to dedicate to things I need to do outside of travel blogging. Thanks for understanding.

I'll be back with my look ahead of what 2026 might look like. One of those things will be to find a trusted petsitter for when we travel, but we also might be traveling more with our dog when she is able to go. Remember, you can always follow things I'm doing on Instagram, because it takes a lot less effort for me to post a reel or story while I'm out and about. 

Have a great end of year celebration, if you're into that sort of thing, and let me know in the comments what you loved most (or least) about 2025 and what you are looking forward to in 2026. 

Let's go to some fun places this year!

Buying An RV: What to Look For Before You Hit the Road

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are the ultimate ticket to freedom, providing both comfort and adventure. From touring national parks to waterfront camping trips, investing in an RV requires a lot of research. Not all RVs are the same and finding your ideal match requires understanding your needs, preferences, and features that matter. Let's look at some of the important things to help choosing your RV:

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Size Matters: Choose the Right RV Type

RVs come in various classes and sizes, from compact camper vans to sprawling fifth wheels. To find your ideal vehicle, first assess how much space is necessary based on whether or not you will be travelling alone, with family, or hosting other travelers. Class A motorhomes are luxurious and spacious, perfect for travelers who desire all of the amenities of home while traveling. Class B camper vans provide versatile seating arrangements ideal for couples or solo travelers, while Class C motorhomes provide adequate living space without being excessive. Towing options include travel trailers or fifth wheels, depending on your towing capacity and desired living space needs. RV parks, campsites, and boondocking spots are readily available for all kinds of RVs, making planning your trips easy.

Your Budget

An RV is an expensive financial commitment, so choosing one within your budget is very important for stress-free travels. New RVs that have all the latest features but may come at a high price point while pre-owned options might need additional maintenance costs or repairs down the line. Also keep in mind costs like insurance, fuel, maintenance and campsite fees to make an informed decision that fits with your long-term finances.

The Floor Plan Says It All

Your RV’s floor plan can make or break your camping experience. Take time to assess its layout to make sure that it fits with your lifestyle and daily tasks. Is there enough kitchen space for meal prep? Are the sleeping areas comfortable enough? Where will you store gear and groceries? Look for one with a lot of storage, living space, privacy as well as possibly slide out sections for additional space when parked.

Don't Scrimp on Comfort Features

From weekend getaways to months-long road trips, comfort should always come first. When choosing an RV, get one equipped with quality heating and cooling systems as well as insulation walls suitable for various climates. A reliable bathroom (wet bath), kitchen appliances and amenities as well as features like convertible dining tables, comfortable seating arrangements, adequate lighting can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Tech and Safety Features

RVs nowadays have an assortment of tech features designed to make life on the road more convenient, such as smart controls for lighting and temperature, connectivity features like Wi-Fi boosters, backup cameras, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms and fire extinguishers. Being proactive about safety can save you from serious hassle down the line.

Finding the right RV is less about finding gadgets than it is about meeting your practical needs and travel aspirations. When you plan, pay close attention, and you are patient, you're well on your way to find one that embodies your spirit of adventure.

Traveling Is Supposed To Be Fun, So Make It Fun!

Traveling is supposed to be fun, so if you’re not having fun, what’s the point in going? The short answer is that there isn’t one, and that’s a problem when you’re spending so much money on trips that you’re not enjoying the way that you should be.

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The good news is that we’re going to be taking a look at some of the different ways that you can make travel that little bit more fun for you! So, if you would like to find out more about this, feel free to continue reading.

Watch Out For Your Budget 

Let's kick things off by suggesting that you watch out for your budget. Planning your budget is a key part of making sure that your travel adventures are actually fun - why? - because it determines how much you can do. You need to pay for everything including your travel, accommodation, and then extra such as food, souvenirs, activities, and so much more, none of which is going to be possible if you don’t manage to save enough money for this. 

You're probably eager to get out there, but you’re not going to enjoy yourself if you can’t fund the trip properly. As such, your best bet is to wait and save until you have enough money to be able to do what you want, when you want.

Try Something New 

Second, you should consider trying something new. If you’re bored of doing the same old, same old every time, then there are plenty of options available to you. You don’t have to stick with the same things all of the time, you know?

You could think about renting an RV and hitting the open road. Just make sure that you’re looking for RV parks along the route that you can book into so that you have somewhere safe to park up and rest. Or, if you’re not interested in a road trip, you could think about taking an adventure type of holiday where you go mountain climbing, go to theme parks, or whatever you want to do that sounds enjoyable.

Enjoy Fun Activities 

Speaking of enjoyable, we’re going to be looking at activities for you to have fun with while you’re there. You need to look at if there are special events, festivals, or other things that are on during your trip so that you can book tickets to them if needed. Of course, you just need to make sure that you know what to expect, and if there’s anything that you will be required to do for this.

While it might not always be easy to time it right, if there’s a particular thing you want to do, make sure you’re traveling at the right time. Other than this, we’re sure that there is plenty for you to do no matter when you head off.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to make traveling fun, because it’s supposed to be fun!