Category: Travel


  • Potholes and Paper Flowers: A Travel Day in Bath

    You know it’s going to be an interesting day when your taxi to Bath shows up on time—but you’re immediately concerned it might be your last ride ever. Our driver was punctual, but also deeply committed to avoiding every imperceptible pothole on the road—even if that meant veering dangerously close to oncoming traffic. I wasn’t…

  • A Scenic Escape: Our Journey to Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds

    After a few exciting and fast-paced days in the city, we were ready for something quieter and more picturesque—and Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds delivered that and more. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, this little gem of a village has earned the nickname “the Venice of the Cotswolds,” and I now understand exactly why.…

  • A Day in Oxford: Castles, Pubs, and a Touch of Magic

    Today we traded the hum of London for the charm and history of Oxford—and the change of pace was just what we needed. We took the train in the morning, and the moment we stepped off, the entire atmosphere felt different. Slower, quieter, but still brimming with character. Staying at the Malmaison: A Castle and…

  • Grumpy Moments and Growth: Traveling with a Kid (and Being Human)

    Traveling solo with a kid isn’t always magical. We’ve both had our grumpy moments—mine on Day 1, thanks to jet lag, and hers when she didn’t want to go to Borough Market. But we talked about it. We both apologized. And that might be one of the most meaningful parts of this trip. One thing…

  • London Day Three – Castles, Colleagues, and Cozy Moments

    We started our day with a cozy breakfast at the hotel—nothing fancy, just the kind of simple start you need before a full day of exploring. Afterward, we hopped on the train to Windsor, where the town feels like something straight out of a storybook. Windsor Castle did not disappoint. It’s as grand and majestic…

  • London, Day 2: Royal Sights and Sweet Treats

    Our second day in London was full of history, color, and a little bit of magic. After a good night’s sleep and some much-needed recovery time from our travel day, we were ready to really dive into the city—and what a day it turned out to be. We started off at Buckingham Palace to see…

  • My Favorite Travel Companion

    We made it to London! After a long travel day—with a layover in Chicago and a red-eye flight across the Atlantic—I’m feeling so grateful for my little sidekick. Thanks to using miles, we were able to get a free flight for this trip (thank you, travel hacking!). The routing wasn’t ideal, but it didn’t matter—because…

  • The Week Before a Trip: A Survival Timeline

    Taking a big trip as a solo parent isn’t just travel—it’s logistics, strategy, and a mental game you play with yourself to stay calm while managing everything and everyone. This week, I’m getting ready to take my daughter to London. Here’s what the final countdown looks like. Monday I’m on it. I made a detailed…

  • How I Plan Big Trips as a Solo Parent

    Traveling with a kid as a solo parent isn’t relaxing. It’s not spontaneous. It’s not effortless. But it is doable—and honestly, it can be a lot of fun once the logistics are handled and you’re both on the plane with snacks in hand. I’m heading to London soon with my daughter, and like most things…

  • The Joy of Looking Forward

    There’s a special kind of magic in having a trip on the calendar. The act of looking forward is its own kind of restoration—especially as the departure date gets closer. Right now, I’m counting down to a trip to London with my daughter. Just the two of us, an adventure we’ve been dreaming about, planning…