8 Books to Read This Summer

On June 9, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Books2 Comments

Is there anything better than sitting in the sun, glass of wine in hand, with a good book? Probably not. It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a bookworm, and I firmly believe that reading and vacations go hand in hand. What’s a plane/train/bus ride without a good book to while away the hours? The only problem is that there are just so many out there to choose from. I enjoy a pretty wide range of books; old, new, non-fiction, science fiction, I will read pretty much anything that catches my interest. If you’re like me in this regard, consider adding a few of these to your reading bucket list. Some are older classics, some are new, some are genres you might not typically choose, but all of them are worth a read, I promise.

“Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury: This has to be one of my favorite books of all time. I love the way Mr. Bradbury writes; it’s captivatingly lyrical. This creative thriller will have you hooked from the very first page. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” is a tale of a carnival and its effect on a small town, told from the perspective of two boys. Read if: you like science fiction and you’ve always thought that there was something mystical and creepy about carnivals.
“The Regulators” by Richard Bachman (Stephen King): I love most of Stephen King’s books, but this one is my favorite. It’s a good summer read because it is equal parts terrifying and weirdly entertaining. This story follows the odd happenings on a single street in the suburbs when one child’s favorite characters start to terrorize the neighborhood. Read if: you’re ready to be sufficiently creeped out and enthralled all at once.
“Play it as it Lays” by Joan Didion: This novel is a slice of 60’s Hollywood life from the view of a less than sane actress, Maria. The story is a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but, as always, Joan Didion does not disappoint. She is the epitome of cool and this novel radiates her sophisticated demeanor. Read if: you like your summer reads to be a little heavier than the average romance novel.
“Why Not Me” by Mindy Kaling: First of all, Mindy Kaling is always a good idea. This book is hilarious and makes the perfect pick for a lighthearted summer read. It’s chock-full of essays that range in topic from being dumped by a girlfriend to an explanation behind her soup snake relationship. This one is sure to make you laugh obnoxiously enough that your fellow travelers will stare. Read if: You’re ready to get a good ab workout in while you read!
“In The Woods” by Tana French: This novel is insanely hard to put down. The plot sucks you in, makes you think you know what’s happening, and then turns that on its head. The story revolves around two Dublin detectives taking on a case that is eerily similar to an event from one of their pasts. Read if: You’re ready to get involved in a chilling mystery/thriller and have plenty of time on your hands to finish the book in one sitting.
“The Rum Diary” by Hunter S. Thompson: Thompson’s books are always a wild ride, and “The Rum Diary” is no exception. Follow his Gonzo Journalistic exploits in San Juan, Puerto Rico from one stumbling drunk adventure to the next. There’s just enough drama to keep it interesting, but not enough that it overtakes the fantastic prose. Read if: You have a Mai Tai in hand and wish you were going to the tropics.
“Hold Still” by Sally Mann: This autobiography details Sally Mann’s life as a photographer in Lynchburg, Virginia. Her relatable anecdotes and fascinating artistic tales are easy to get addicted to. Her love of the American South is clear throughout the book, and the photos that accompany the writing are stunning. I didn’t want it to end! Read if: You’re interested in photography and ready to be totally convinced to visit rural Virginia.
“Jaws” by Peter Benchley: “Jaws” is a classic, there’s no doubt about it. If you can believe it, the book is even more thrilling than the movie, with its love affairs and mob activity added in with the ever-present killer shark. It has all the ingredients of a great beach read, just so long as it doesn’t scare you out of getting in the water. Read if: You like your monster stories with a little romantic drama on the side.

What books are on your summer reading list?

Top Five Friday #13

On June 3, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday, Travel Tips3 Comments

Lessons From Traveling as a Couple

I remember the first trip Mike and I ever took together like it was yesterday. It was actually in August, 2014, and we had only been dating for four months at the time. We made the fourteen hour drive to New Orleans and spent three amazing days there. We had stormy afternoons, drunken nights, ran out of money, dealt with some car issues and endured what turned out to be an eighteen hour drive home. In short, we really tested our fairly new relationship. And I’m so glad we did. That trip meant a lot to both of us and we still talk about it frequently; comparing all other vacations to that first perfect trip to NOLA (even despite the bumps in the road). Traveling as a couple can make or break a relationship, but when it’s done right, it can really bring you closer together. Each trip Mike and I take together teaches us something new, whether about each other or how we travel as a couple. We’ve finally gotten a good rhythm. For example, I know not to drag him around to different attractions when he is hungry, and he knows to be patient with me when I am trying to take pictures, and so on. Though I do enjoy traveling solo, Mike will always be my favorite travel buddy. Here are our best tips for couple’s travel so far:

Always discuss the activities and attractions you want to visit beforehand: You would be hard-pressed to find a significant other that enjoys all the exact same things you do. That’s a good thing though, right? Opposites attract! When talking about what you want to do while you’re on vacation, make a list together and make sure both of your interests are equally represented. You will both be much happier to do these things together when you know it was a joint decision.
Stay hydrated and fed to avoid nonsense fights: This might be the most important tip I could give. I cannot tell you how many times Mike and I have bickered over nothing, just because one or both of us was hungry. It seems like such a small thing, but it will save you a lot of grief along the way, I swear.
Plan the financial aspects ahead of time: There is nothing that will sour your vacation together faster than arguing over who will pay for what. If you are splitting the costs, decide who is paying for what before you even leave. Make a list of potential costs and split it up however you want: pay for alternate meals, split the hotel bill at checkout, however you want to divide it up. Just stick with the plan to avoid awkwardness on the road.
Split the responsibilities: Whether it’s dividing the driving hours for a road trip, carrying the backpack, or being in charge of the map, don’t make one person take all of the responsibility. Splitting it equally means that you both have equal amounts of fun. I do not really enjoy driving, but I will take my turn so Mike can rest and enjoy the scenery too.
Always have a Plan B: No matter how much you plan or how evenly you split your costs, there’s bound to be something that doesn’t go exactly as planned. Always have a Plan B to get you through. For example, when Mike and I had planned to go to Toronto earlier this year, we ran into some unforeseen circumstances and had to cancel the trip. Fortunately, we bounced back and went to Grand Rapids instead. Things fall through, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be for the better.

What are your best tips for traveling as a couple? Where was your favorite trip together?

For further reading, here are all of the trips Mike and I have gone on together: New Orleans, New York, Milwaukee River, Dubuque, Memphis, San Francisco, and Grand Rapids.

Day Trips from Jordan by Gracie Barrie, RebeccaWanderlusting

Jordan Day Trips to Petra and Wadi Rum

On June 1, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn International Travel, Jordan2 Comments

The following guide to Jordan Day Trips is brought to you by
Ms. Gracie Barrie, check her out on Instagram: @standbyflygirl

We had one more big event planned for our time in Jordan and that was a visit to the Southern part of the country, to Petra and Wadi Rum. Petra is an ancient city built into the red rock faces of the desert. It is hailed as one of the wonders of archaeology and had been hidden to the outside world until 1812. The drive to Petra from Amman took about 3.5 hours. We didn’t have as much time as the visit deserves so we took a donkey carriage from the entrance to the treasury, the first major site of the city. I would love to one day walk the trail (instead of ride a carriage) as one of the most beautiful elements of the site is the cavernous walls that border the path to the city. It feels like you’re approaching something out of an Indiana Jones movie, suddenly you round a corner and the treasury peeks through the rocks. The city is huge. If you’re adventurous you’ll want to take the hike up to the monastery (and allow extra time, the way up takes about 40 minutes), but others will get just as much of a kick from walking through ancient tombs and amongst old houses. The Bedouin people used to control Petra but were moved by the government in the 80s. They still live nearby and control pretty much all tourist amenities inside the site including camel rides, coffee stands, and tours. Since it was the off season and we were with Zara they often stopped asking if we wanted a “Bedouin Taxi” or camel ride after one or two tries and then just hung out with us while we explored. One man, Eagle of the Desert, as he introduced himself to us, showed us how Bedouin women used to wear makeup from the walls of the rocks and waxed poetic on the beauties of the desert and Bedouin tea. He was an exceptional part of our visit to Petra.

When the sun started to go down we got back to our car and made our way to Wadi Rum, the expansive desert in the southern part of the country. Wadi Rum has long been the subject of literature and artists, most recently it was featured as the landscape for Mars in the movie The Martian. The drive to our camp from Petra was about 2 hours long so we arrived well past dark. It was like driving through outer space, every once in a while being able to make out the outline of a massive rock formation in the moonlight. Bedouins live throughout Wadi Rum and run camps for tourists to stay in. These range from luxurious, queen-sized bed and indoor plumbing, to rugged, sleeping on the floor and outdoor toilets. Upon arrival we ate an absurd amount of food once again and retired to bed early after some incredible star-gazing as we had planned a sunrise adventure into the desert.

At 5am we met our tour guide, a local Bedouin man with kind eyes and a calm demeanor. We hopped in the back of his pick-up truck and he drove us to the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the alien landscape. It was like nothing I had ever seen in my life. That morning was one of my favorite moments of the trip. It was peaceful and endless. The eye never had the chance to rest, always taking in more and more different spectacles. Our guide drove us from secret site to site, from friend’s camps to the place where the famed Lawrence of Arabia had once sat. Also if you’re looking to ride a camel, Wadi Rum is the place to do it. The Bedouins are expert camel owners so you can rest easy knowing these animals probably have a pretty good life out there. It’s about 5 dinar for a 2 minute ride which may seem steep but to be honest that is probably the maximum amount of time you want to spend on a camel. They are not the most comfortable beast. We had tea at two different Bedouin camps, the most delicious, sweet tea made even better the fact that it was positively freezing in the back of that truck.

If you go anytime that isn’t the middle of July, be sure to bring warm, warm clothes to wear. Bring more than you think. Desert cold is bone rattling. And be sure to bring some sort of lotion and sunscreen, by the end our wind-chapped faces where pink and dry, but very smiley. It was one of the most incredible mornings of my life full of exploration, wonder, and humility. Meeting the Bedouins who call the desert home reminds you of what is most beautiful about this life and this earth. They hold the utmost respect for their home, our guide spoke often about how much love he held in his heart for the desert. He knew how to read the sand and the sky and understood what the land was telling him. He was so considerate he seemed almost otherworldly. He wanted to help us see what was most beautiful about his home and why we needed to protect it. Every Bedouin I met was kind and engaging regardless of a language barrier. The tour of the desert took half the day, we arrived back at the camp at noon, had some lunch and returned to Amman, a 4 hour drive.

To read more about Gracie’s travels in Jordan, click here and here.

Trip Planning: Tennessee

On May 29, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Tennessee, Travel Tips, Trip Planning, US TravelLeave a comment

In less than two weeks, I will be heading to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a few days, and then moving on to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mike and I will be driving the nine hours to meet up with my parents, sister, brother-in-law and niece there. We are spending two nights in Chattanooga to visit with my mom’s side of the family that lives there. I’ve been to Chattanooga a couple times before, so I’m excited to go back to this beautiful city! From there, our three-car caravan will drive three hours up to Gatlinburg, to a cabin near the Smokey Mountains. The gorgeous log cabin that we’re staying in has three bedrooms, an idyllic porch with a mountain view, a hot tub, and a pool table. I have purposefully not planned anything for while we’re in Tennessee, mostly because I don’t want to drive my family crazy with my overambitious to-do lists. I am so excited to get away from the city for a few days to relax, hike and enjoy the outdoors. This will also be my first trip with this camera, so I’m hoping to get some good photos of the scenery. It’s been a long time since we’ve been on a family vacation, and I couldn’t be happier that we’re finally making up for lost time. Tennessee here we come!

Here is what I’m packing:

Clothing:

(2) pairs of jeans
(1) dress
(2) pairs of shorts
(1) pair of leggings
(2) pajamas
(4) t-shirts
(2) blouses
(1) swim suit
(2) tank tops
(1) sweatshirt
(8) underwear
(3) bras
(7) pairs of socks

Shoes:

(1) pair of gym shoes
(1) pair or flats
(2) pairs of sandals

Toiletries:

Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Make-Up Bag with the essentials
Deodorant
Paul Mitchell Texturing Sea Spray
Make Up Remover Wipes
Allergy medicine
Sunscreen

Everything Else:

My Nikon D3300 with battery charger
iPad
Audiobook TBD
Phone Charger
Pencils and Pencil Sharpener
Notebook
“Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion
Car Snacks

Have you been to either of these two Tennessee cities? Do you have any recommendations?

An Amman Travel Guide

On May 21, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn International Travel, Jordan1 Comment

The following brilliant travel guide is brought to you by
Ms. Gracie Barrie, check her out on Instagram: @standbyflygirl

My memories of Jordan are steeped in pale sunlight and the smell of fresh mint, in salt crystals and shisha smoke escaping through windows. I was lucky enough to wake up one January morning and find myself in a sprawling city of sandy colored houses and minarets marking the seven hills that make up Amman, the capital city of Jordan. The stories you hear of Arab hospitality are not myth. Everywhere I went I was welcomed with open arms and a desire to share an ancient culture. I left with that same desire instilled in me, to share the culture of a people so often misunderstood in the west. These people are grouped together under one brusque stereotype, when in reality there are millions of nuanced beauties of Jordanian and Arab culture. I found myself in Jordan because it is the home of one of my good friends and former college roommate. Zara and I met when we were both bright-faced freshman in our dorm at Boston University. Ever since then, Zara has been urging me to come and visit her in Jordan. As an early graduation gift, another good friend, Caroline, and I took the 5,000 mile journey across the ocean to finally open our minds and hearts to the culture that we had heard so much about for the past 4 years.

For those who are surprised that I took a vacation to the Middle East, let me just say that I never felt unsafe in all my time in Jordan. Jordan is a country surrounded by conflict. Its neighbors to the west, Palestine and Israel, have been fighting for more than 60 years in a war that has no end in sight, a war that causes sorrow on both sides and for thousands around the world. To the east lies Iraq, another land that has not known the definition of peace for many years. Jordan’s northern neighbor is the most well-known in today’s news, Syria. Hundreds of Syrians stream across the border every day to seek the protection of Jordan’s sturdy bones, escaping a number of tragedies including relentless bombings by a corrupt government, impassioned recruitment from militant groups, and misguided foreign intervention. One would think the stability of Jordan would be rocked by its tumultuous neighbors, but there is a strength in the land and the people that impresses upon any visitor. I encourage everyone who has a passion for experiencing foreign cultures and exploring a new land to visit.

My non-stop flight from Chicago O’Hare on Royal Jordanian landed around 5 pm in Amman after 16 hours in the air. Upon our arrival, we set out with Zara to do what we would spend approximately 70% of our time in Jordan doing: eating. Amman is bursting with beautiful restaurants and delicious meals to be had. One of my favorites was on our first morning. We visited a falafel shop in the heart of downtown Amman, Falafel Hashem. It was filled with families with young children, teenagers probably playing hooky from school, and everyone in between. The falafel was unreal, the hummus and mint tea soothing to a weary traveler. It is a must-stop in Amman, a real local spot with extremely reasonable prices, a laid back atmosphere and outdoor seating. For dessert we went around the corner and got knafeh from Habiba sweets. Also located in the heart of downtown through a side alley, Habiba always has a line of hungry Jordanians snaking around the door, waiting to get their hands on the sugar-soaked cheese pastry. I fell madly in love with knafeh. I would eat it every day for the rest of my life if possible, but I know it will never taste as good as that first bite in an alley in Amman.

There is no shortage of things to do in Amman. The easiest way to get around is by car. Taxis are cheap and there is even a branch of Uber in the city, but it’s best to get a local to take you around or hire a car. The streets are narrow and winding up and over the hills but relatively easy to navigate on foot. One of the main tourist areas is Rainbow Street, which is also a favorite of locals. It’s filled with shops for anything from souvenirs to household goods. I popped into a random hardware store to find some Arabic coffee makers for a cheaper price than I would get at a tourist store. There’s a beautiful glassware shop that has some pretty good sales on small tea glasses, great souvenirs if you’re confident in your wrapping and packing ability. If the shopping tires you out stop in to Turtlegreen for some free WiFi and wide variety of tea blends (and some cute pet turtles!). Just off of Rainbow Street is one of my favorite places in Amman, Books@cafe. The downstairs area of this space is a bookstore selling both Arab and English books, new and used. Climb the stairs and you’re transported to a trendy cafe with tons of enticing menu choices that include Arab and Western specialties. Sit down with a book and enjoy shisha, coffee, tea, beer (Carakale is Jordan’s first micro brew) or wine. Plenty of young Jordanians are scattered around every corner of the lounge. In the summer there’s a great terrace with a sneaky view of the city.

One of the best neighborhoods to wander through is Weibdeh. If you’re traveling alone, it is safe to walk through without much precaution and has a burgeoning scene of cool shops and restaurants. It is the so-called Brooklyn of Amman. Start at Rakwet Arab cafe for a delicious breakfast of manakish, an Arab version of pizza often topped with fresh cheese or za’atar (or both!), and Arab coffee. The inside of this cafe is cozy and nostalgic with old photos from Lebanon and Jordan hanging on the walls and a number of crumpled magazines on shelves. After lazing through a meal, wander the streets and find yourself at Darat al-Funun Gallery. This inspiring gallery is located in an old, spacious house and hosts exhibits of numerous Arab artists. When we arrived, the gallery was mostly closed in preparation for an upcoming show, but we ran into a groundskeeper who proudly showed us around every nook and cranny of the space. He spoke only Arabic, but we were lucky enough to have Zara with us to translate. It is my sincere belief that even if it was just Caroline and I, two white Americans, the man would have shown us around and given us the same tour. His pride in the work done at Darat al Funun was evident even through a language barrier. He hailed from Nablus, Palestine and showed us the beautiful work he had done in decorating one of the rooms in traditional Nablus style. There is a ruined Byzantine church on the grounds and seemingly endless flow of beautiful gardens draping down the hill. A cafe located on one of the terraces overlooks the city, stop here for some freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of rose water tea and wait for the call to prayer to echo through the hills from every mosque in the city. It is not hard to find peace in this place.

After a mindful respite from the bustle of the city, head back out for some shopping. Jobedu has a shop in Weibdeh selling shirts and knickknacks with references to Arab pop culture. Pick up an Um Kalthoum “Habibi” sweatshirt for your collection and support local artists in doing so. Hop in a cab and continue your shopping on the neighboring hill at Wild Jordan, the home of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. The newly renovated building has a cafe, an information center for planning nature excursions all over the country, and a shop promoting local artisans. It also has a great view of the city and the Citadel. The Amman Citadel is a collection of ruins on top of the central hill of Amman from numerous cultures that held power over the city throughout the years. There is also a great, yet tiny, museum on the top that holds archaeological relics from our oldest prehistoric ancestors all the way to the Umayyad’s. The Roman Amphitheater is also worth a visit, although if you are planning to make your way to Jerash (which you should) then you might be able to skip it. A few other places in Amman that are worth a visit include:

–Dar al-Anda – almost next door to Darat al Funun, this gallery also specializes in contemporary Arab artists.

–Nabad art gallery – another gallery space down the street from Wild Jordan. It’s peaceful courtyard provides a place to breathe away from the city, if only for a second.

–Shams el Balad – a beautiful cafe with amazing Turkish coffee and unique takes on traditional Arab food. Try the knafeh cheesecake cup!

–The Soap House – If you’re looking for high-quality, uniquely scented, Dead Sea products to bring home, this hidden spot is just the place. Down a hill off of Rainbow Street this special spot might be a bit of a hunt but it’s worth it. The salt scrubs make your skin softer than you’ve ever felt it before, and it’s not sky-high pricing.

–Bazar Alibaba Cave – if, like me, your favorite souvenirs are old antiques, then this minuscule shop is for you. The owner speaks a bit of English and is willing to bargain. His shop is a wonderland of old patches, stone and ceramic trinkets, and remnants from wars and Jordan’s history. This spot is located right downtown and if you’re not looking you’ll miss it. Look them up on Facebook for a rough address.

Any words I write here truly cannot do this place justice. My trip was blessed with good luck, a local friend, and beautiful people. But regardless of if you know someone in Jordan or not I believe that if you’re open and adventurous some of the people you meet there could become your last-minute guide and lifelong friends. It is a culture that longs to be shared with others, especially those who are unfamiliar with it. I left Jordan with an inspired mind and a full heart. I’m hoping that my stories have lit a fire that won’t be satisfied until you feel the Jordanian sun on your face. Yalla, let’s go.

Travel Inspiration Tuesday

On May 17, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Goals, Travel TipsLeave a comment

I’ve been having a hard time getting inspired lately. Maybe it’s this travel lull I’m in or perhaps it’s this rainy, cold weather. Either way, I’ve been fighting to claw my way out of this funk. And what do I do when I’m in need of inspiration? Go for a walk, read a book, check out my favorite blogs, and so on. In my recent search for inspiration, I’ve stumbled upon a few gems that I couldn’t help but share:

I have been reading this amazing book, “Hold Still” by Sally Mann, that radiates with inspiration through the author’s passion for photography and love for her Virginia home.
Recently, I’ve been looking into booking hotels for my Europe trip in September, and found this amazingly artful boutique hotel in Reykjavik, Hotel Holt, and booked it immediately.
I’ve just purchased a Nikon D3300, which was a pretty big investment for me. I took it home to my parents’ house and snapped a few shots of their garden. This is one of my favorites:
Geraldine of The Everywhereist has been making me actively stifle laughter at work as I read her hilarious attempts to thwart email spammers, which can be found here.
This landed in my inbox via Lonely Planet and it spoke directly to my tendency to over-romanticize train rides. All of these routes have been immediately added to my bucket list.
I am absolutely dying to try this scrumptious looking recipe for Strawberry Cookies and Cream Cake from Joy the Baker.
Scanning the Every Girl the other day, I came upon an article mentioning the Bus and Us and have been hooked on their road tripping adventures ever since.
I went for a stroll beside Lake Michigan earlier this month, Beyonce’s Lemonade inspiring me as I walked. Along the way, I snapped a photo for Instagram that I think is pretty striking:
I am trying to find a free weekend to plan a trip to the beautiful Matthiessen State Park, which is only an hour and a half drive from Chicago.
And, finally: I thought this was really beautiful and everything I needed to hear at this exact moment.

What about you? What inspires you? Where do you find you inspiration?

Top Five Friday #12

On May 13, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Top Five Friday2 Comments

Top 5 Tips for Getting a Hotel Upgrade

It’s always a nice bonus to get a room upgrade when you’re on vacation; like the cherry on top of an already perfect sundae. Though they don’t typically come easily, there are some tried and true ways to secure an upgrade. Whether attempted during the reservation process or during check in, these five tips can help you improve your accommodations:

Just ask: When you check in, simply ask the Front Desk if there are any room upgrades available. Don’t be forceful or demanding, keep it light and friendly. The key is to be casual and conversational. If it’s a slower day, they may have plenty of upgrades available. If it’s a no go, say “thank you for checking” and move on with the check-in.
Be nice: This goes hand in hand with tip #1. As a rule, it’s always, always better to be nice to any customer service professional. If you’ve worked in customer service, you know how many jerks these lovely people have to deal with each day. Don’t be one of them. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, right? Being kind and appreciative goes a long way.
Mention that you’re celebrating: If you actually are celebrating something, let the staff know! If you’re not celebrating any real occasion, make one up. Sure, it’s a little white lie, but it’s bound to get you at least a complimentary bottle of wine sent to your room. It works even better if you let the reservation agent know your celebrating a birthday, anniversary, whatever when you’re making your room reservation. The upgrade could be set up before you even arrive.
Book your reservation through the hotel: I am not trying to knock online booking systems like Orbitz or Expedia, I use them and love them. That being said, if you choose to book through the hotel directly, you have a better chance of being upgraded because you’re paying their rack rates. If the hotel has rooms to upgrade, guests that are paying the hotel’s rates (as opposed to the cheaper rates offered on those websites) are more likely to be upgraded.
Offer to Pay for It: If all else fails, offer to pay for an upgrade. While you are spending a little extra, you will almost certainly not be paying the rack rate for the upgraded room. Coming by the upgrade honestly isn’t the worst way to go, and spending more might mean more amenities in the long run.

What about you? Do you have any go-to tips to secure a room upgrade?

6 Travel Lessons I Learned From My Mom

On May 7, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Tips1 Comment

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and what better way to honor my own mother than to share her sage wisdom. Starting from when I was very young, my parents whisked my older sister and me away to destinations throughout the United States at least once a year. In short, they are mostly responsible for my strong desire to travel. They’ve taken us on road trips to national parks, camping throughout the Midwest, and on flights to many beautiful destinations. Most of the time, we knew how lucky we were, but of course there were times when we could have been perceived as ungrateful, like most kids can be.

My mom has always had a knack for making everything fun; from picking up sticks in the yard to a very long car ride to Yellowstone National Park. Whether it was bribing us with a penny per twig or hyping up another game of highway bingo, she always knew the perfect thing to do to make us happy. As we grew older, this became a challenging task (like trying to make two sullen teenagers appreciate a trip San Diego when all they wanted to do was text their boyfriends back home), but Mom kept at it and I am so grateful she did. Travel has wound itself into our family’s happiest moments, and continues to do so now. We actually have a family trip to Gatlinburg coming up, that I am so excited for, but more on that later. Here are the best travel tips and lessons I’ve learned from my Mom:

Do your research and make some plans: There was never a family vacation that we would just wing it. Our parents always had a general plan of things we would do once we go to whichever destination. Whether it was hiking Mount Rainier or taking a catamaran cruise in the Pacific Ocean, we knew we were always getting the best the destination had to offer because they did the research beforehand.
Bring a good book: We are all pretty big readers, so a good book was always on the packing list. When we went on road trips, there was always a book on tape (Harry Potter being the favorite), and if we flew, Mom always made sure we had a book to read and our favorite magazines for good measure.
Always pack an extra pair of underwear: You just never know when you’re going to need it. Better safe than sorry.
Stop to take in the scenery: As a family, we mostly traveled to places with gorgeous scenery, particularly to National Parks. There were typically a lot of hikes involved, which were always punctuated with stops to admire a particular flower or view. This appreciation of both the little things and the big picture made/make each trip extraordinarily beautiful.
Pack Layers: Again, you just never know what you’ll need. My mom is an expert packer and always made sure that we were never without an item of clothing or specific accessory that we needed while away.
Stay off the beaten path, especially with accommodations: It was a rarity that we ever stayed in a chain hotel or one over-run with tourists. Mom was adept at finding excellent hotels that were far from the run-of-the-mill inn or suites. From the hotel almost directly on the beach in Sanibel Island to Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon, the hotel choices she makes are consistently unique and memorable.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mama’s out there!

Especially mine! Thank you for everything you’ve taught me and everything you do.

A Note on Over-Planning

On May 4, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Tips, Trip Planning2 Comments

There is a delicate balance to planning a trip: under-plan and you might miss out on things you really wanted to do, over-plan and you’re apt to drive yourself crazy trying to accomplish everything. While there certainly is a benefit to creating a plan for your vacation activities, scheduling too many things to do and see is a sure-fire way to turn your relaxing trip into a stress-fueled nightmare. I’ll admit, I have a tendency to be a bit overzealous when it comes to making my vacation to-do lists, which can lead to a lot of running around and not a lot of enjoying the city I’m visiting. I learned the hard way what over-planning does to a trip once I arrive. Case in point: Washington, D.C. I booked my plane ticket two months before I was due to leave, so I had plenty of time to read D.C. travel blogs and compiled a two page, unedited, intimidating list of things to do and see while I was there.

Perhaps if I had more than three days to work with, this wouldn’t be a problem, but as it stood, I was working with a pretty limited time frame. As a result, I spent most of my time in D.C. running from museum to monument to restaurant and back again. So much so that when I finally retired to my hotel room each night, I passed out early from pure exhaustion. I put so much pressure on myself to do everything, see everything and eat everything, that I was more exasperated than excited, which isn’t really the desired emotion during vacations. I don’t mean to say that I didn’t enjoy my time in D.C., I really did! I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to explore this new city, and there were plenty of great moments during the trip. However, on the flight back home, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed in myself for not enjoying it at a more leisurely pace. I missed out on a couple of things that I was really hoping to do simply because there were so many other things. That’s crazy, right? Travel should be freeing and exciting, not make you feel like you’re still at work. It was a hard/expensive lesson to learn but I’m glad I can move forward from it. The silver lining is, now I can work on not doing that again. For future trips, I will make my to-do lists more curated to my interests.

How do you plan your trips? Do you make to-do lists or just go with the flow?

7 Bookstores Worth Traveling To

On May 1, 2016 By rebeccawanderlustingIn Travel Books, US TravelLeave a comment

If you travel often, there are certain things you look for in each city you visit. For some it might be themed bars or local cuisine or perhaps museums. For me, it’s bookstores. It’s no secret that I’m an avid reader, so of course I always try to seek out a unique bookstore everywhere I go. I love searching through each set of shelves and stacks to discover books that I’ve been wanting to read for ages, or books I never knew I needed. Whether they’re new or used, fiction or non-fiction, I’m happy as long as there are plenty to sift through. Though all these bookstores contain book selections for all types of bibliophiles, each shop has its own distinct style and flavor. Here are my favorite bookstores I’ve visited so far that are worth an entire vacation planned around them:

Atticus Coffee, Books & Teahouse, Park City, Utah: I was lucky enough to happen upon this delightful bookshop/café when I was visiting my best friend in Salt Lake City. We drove up to Park City one afternoon to explore and wandered into Atticus. The small-ish store was chock full of charm, with half the space dedicated to books and gifts and the other half café seating. I didn’t get to purchase any books because of limited luggage space, but I wanted everything.
The Strand Bookstore, New York, NY: The Strand is a bibliophile’s dream, boasting 18 miles of books in its selection. You could spend hours getting lost in the multiple floors of new and used books, gifts and assorted paper goods. I bought more books there than I probably should have and had to beg Mike to let me put half of them in his suitcase to transport them home. It was worth it. The Strand is located in the East Village with a bonus kiosk in Central Park.
Battery Park Book Exchange, Asheville, NC: What is better than leisurely browsing through books? Browsing through books with a glass of champagne in hand! Battery Park is the Café/Bar/Bookstore of your dreams, where you are free to sit and read and sip or wander the store with your beverage of choice. I had two glasses of champagne while I browsed and came away with a beautiful copy of “The Sun Also Rises”. The two-story store is located in the Grove Arcade mall in Downtown Asheville.
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, San Francisco, CA: This Beat Generation bookshop is full of history and good vibes. It is a 3-level mecca of books of all kinds, from the top floor, which is full of poetry and beat generation classics, down to the basement, where the science fiction books are housed. The staff at City Lights are super friendly and happy to offer suggestions if needed. We bought a couple of books (“Indian Journals” by Allen Ginsburg for me) and headed next door to Vesuvio Café to start reading.
Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, Washington, D.C.: Nestled into Dupont Circle, Kramerbooks red neon sign beckons to book lovers passing by. The bookstore/restaurant has an amazing selection of books catering to all tastes and genres. I particularly enjoyed their large travel book section. The restaurant has a beautiful patio to sit and read at. That is where I enjoyed my newly purchased book (“Medium Raw” by Anthony Bourdain) with a delicious slice of their Apple Crumble Pie.
Capitol Hill Books, Washington, D.C.: This gem is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood (obviously), right next to The Eastern Market. This used bookstore presents itself as a treasure hunt through its haphazard shelves and stacks. Its multiple rooms on two floors are a wonderful maze of every kind of book you could want. If you can spare the time, it’s worth it to get lost in Capitol Hill Books for a few hours.
Myopic Books, Chicago, IL: I may not have to travel far to get to Myopic books, but it is absolutely worth a visit for bibliophiles visiting Chicago. It’s located in Wicker Park, right across from Furious Spoon (ramen – yum!). Myopic has four floors of floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with used books. I personally love the basement level, which is where they keep the Stephen King novels. I have spent many rainy days searching through the frequently updated selection here, and I can confidently say that is one of my favorite bookstores.