My idea of fun is chasing a good vacation deal. I always wanted to show up at the airport with only a book-bag and take off to the cheapest destination I could find on the departure board.
Luckily technology is at our fingertips these days and there are many sources to find flight deals. My “go to” is Google Flights. It does all the work for you and a huge time saver.
If you are open to an adventure, it can show you the current trending locations. You can also see the difference only one day can make in adjusting an itinerary, which in some cases, is hundreds of dollars in savings that you could use to actually take part in activities at your final destination. It can show trends and recommend alternatives, plus send you tracking emails when prices go down. All airlines are compared on screen then I go to each airline direct to book (gain miles for free flights).
I don’t really have an airline or hotel loyalty, as I’m typically swayed by price, direct flights and mostly timing to fit my tight schedule.
So my recent adventure was one of those crazy finds that I just couldn’t pass up – direct San Francisco to Kona, Hawaii round trip for $238. Even my big planned excursion to see the elusive Pearl Harbor cost more.
So I’m not a genius, just have a ton of patience and resilience to go find the next deal. The hardest part for me is always pushing the “purchase” button BUT I have never regretted it!
I keep coming back….to recollect awesome childhood memories. To disconnect from my crazy grind. To remember how to enjoy simple pleasures. To get lost in the ever changing tides of the SC marshlands.
I visit Surfside Beach to FEEL ALIVE – smiling at the past but also planning for my next big adventure.
This sleepy town sits just south of the big tourist attractions in Myrtle Beach and my family spent 2 weeks here every summer growing up. It’s familiar. I know every street and have walked thousands of steps on this beach. Live music playing at the end of the pier was my idea of a great night amongst the fresh ocean air and fishermen lining the walkways. We went to the local batting cages, spent too much time on the warp speed PAC-man at the arcade, learned to drive on golf carts, rode around on my pink skateboard, had our own dabbers for bingo, frequented the local water parks and became experts at mini golf.
Do u have that place that always brings a calming effect & keeps u grounded?? This is where I reenergize & can’t help but feel at peace in my own skin. #feelalive #bigplans
I really didn’t even get the travel bug until college and even then I didn’t realize it. Playing 4 sports (yes, no typo), I was always trying to study on the bus or catch a quick snooze or change discreetly into a different uniform on the way to away games/matches. Every minute was valuable and I certainly didn’t waste many. 🏀🥎⚽️🎾
Actually, I didn’t even take my first plane flight until after graduation when the fundraising we had done during my senior year led to a tournament berth in the Bahamas 🇧🇸 during my first year as a basketball grad assistant coach at my alma mater. To this day I still get jittery in the air, as my overactive mind knows there is no backup plan to escape.
But my wanderlust and value of my limited time off has led me to some of the most exotic places that can’t be driven to. And I wouldn’t trade anything for these life lessons and the people/places that have impacted my life for the better.
My passport is one of my most valued possessions. It has forced me to be independent, more confident, a lifelong learner, fearless, an elite researcher, meet beautiful people, eat some exquisite delicacies, dive into amazing cultures and attempt some crazy feats.
My phone case below is my daily reminder that I have seen and done more than most, but there is so much more to learn in this one, crazy life we lead! #yolo #onedayordayone #fearless
How many people on this planet can claim they have ridden their bike through the castle at the Magic Kingdom? Answer is probably less than 1k.
Once the most hated “job” on race day, the bikers bringing up the rear of every race don’t have the best reputations. While we do get yelled at for being dream crushers and being insensitive for not letting runners finish the race (because they are behind the 16 min per mile pace or unfortunately injured), it is 95% a positive experience nowadays and our core team all have been together for 8+ years. We reunite just 5 weekends each year, but our bond is unbreakable boasting truckloads of inside jokes as a bonus.
If you are one of the unfortunate couple of hundred souls stuck in the last corral, you know the sight of the “balloon ladies” is very, very bad. They mark the infamous 16 mile pace just ahead of our SAG bike team and the visual many walkers need to stay motivated and truckin’ forward towards their goal of the finish line. They ooze positivity and even have their own cheering section!
We do have a very unique perspective from our vantage point. I’ve lost count for how many times I’ve been told “I just got out of the hospital yesterday” or “I didn’t train at all”. Why??!! We try to overcommunicate to racers that they are behind pace, but most just try to pretend we don’t exist. We’ve been puked on, punched, guilt tripped, seen defecation, dodged bus windows being shattered, cryfests, bullying and, well, you get the picture. BUT we’ve also cheered on heroic/wounded vets finish on their own 2 “new” legs, helped moms cross the finish line in honor of their kids who passed away in a house fire, walkers fulfill a lifelong dream after losing 250 lbs, hard core racers stop to pick up a fellow comrade and SO MANY MORE! We have laughed hysterically, biked through complete downpours, stayed with a hurt runner until an ambulance arrives, performed CPR to save a life, curled up in discarded blankets to stay warm and always sign up again to be part of the magic that is Disney.
Our call time is typically around 3:30am, which on any other normal day would be downright ludicrous, so that we beat all the road closures on property. And we indulge on food eating over 1500 calories prior to race start on a wide variety of fan favs – breakfast burritos, doughnuts, half pound chocolate chip cookies, bagged lunches, egg sandwiches, (my personal fav) tacos and hot coffee/chocolate. Then we also raid the candy box to maybe motivate a walker with a little chocolate treat plus my partner in crime Jay & I have a pact to take a moment to eat a Twix at mile 7. The biggest calorie misconception is that we ride for 46-50 miles each weekend BUT at 1 mph it’s a little hard to say we even exercised. But nonetheless, the leg muscles are ridiculously stiff come Monday morning.
So after all this rambling, it is important to say that we genuinely want to help each and every runner/walker achieve their goals and dreams. It is heartbreaking to pull anyone off the course and a last resort reserved for safety concerns or injuries. We will find ways to leapfrog you ahead on carts, shave corners to gain you mileage, kick cones out of your way, float you candy for motivation and call ahead to race announcers to make your big finish OVER THE TOP memorable amongst the blasts of confetti and walking hand in hand with the big mouse! 🎉 🏃🏼♂️
I am internally motivated and love exploring the inner workings of my adventurous, spontaneous persona. Always up for a challenge or new experience, this is my list of inspiring activities to just get out & enjoy life (many of which I’ve already taken to heart early in 2021):
Dance or hike in the rain
Go to the airport with a bookbag and pick a destination for a weekend getaway – be spontaneous
Never miss a sunset (or sunrise if you’re an early riser)
Volunteer your time to a cause that you are passionate about
Take a solo trip at least once – you will find out so much about yourself
Find a hobby that lights the fire within
Music is an escape – make a playlist of your top 10 songs of all time & play them full blast on a roadtrip (on repeat)
Explore the underwater world via snorkeling, diving, glass bottom kayak, etc
Take flight via parasail, hang gliding, bungee jumping or skydiving – feel the wind
Climb into a cave or go spelunking to explore pure darkness
Hike a cliffside route to feel the exhilaration
Ride a ski gondola during summer so you can mountain bike down the thrilling slopes
Reduce your carbon footprint by riding a bike to get around town on your next vacation
Swing on a tree swing to act like a kid again
Plan your own roadtrip and share the highlights with a friend after
Spend time on a beachside reflecting on your life – dig deep
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the summit of a mountain after a hard trek up
Connect with nature – snails, birds, flowers, squirrels, waterfalls – really appreciate your surroundings
Have a thirst for knowledge to learn the history of the places you have the privilege to visit
Learn some key phrases in the native language of your destination – the locals love someone who genuinely tries to connect
Follow a sea turtle around while snorkeling to see the world from their perspective
Stay in a hostel and get to know your fellow travelers over a game of cards or a home cooked meal
Roast marshmallows over a campfire with friends and old stories
Play the national parks board game to explore your wanderlust
Throw yourself down a natural rock slide & feel the year round chill of river water – there are a ton across the US
Hike the rim of a volcano crater & imagine the devastation caused by lava flow
Rock climb or boulder (low risk traverse that stays close to the ground without ropes) your way across a bumpy mountain side
Plan a weekend getaway for a friend or two – don’t tell them where you are going just a few items to pack along for the wild ride
Tackle your first adventure race with a group of buddies ready to get dirty, climb obstacles, crawl through mud…. you get the picture
Go crabbing, shrimping or fishing over the swamplands
Find your zen at a yoga studio and tap into your inner strength
Join the new craze of ax throwing to let off steam
Take part in a pool league and hone in on your skills to hit straight into the corner pocket
Take off on a day casino cruise and bet it all
Find a drive in movie and enjoy the old fashion experience
Experience the rush of speeding through treetops via a zip line – added bonus to go “Superman” style
Grab a bucket – go orange, blueberry, strawberry, peach picking
Try a high energy soul cycle or peleton class to fire up the sweat
Learn the strategy of a racquetball game and hit away
Strike and drive a small, white ball at a driving range for stress relief
Take the challenge of clipping in to a ropes course and test your limits
Sign up for a cooking or baking class to get just a little better in the kitchen
Jump on a jetski or boat and feel the wind in your hair as you jump waves
Ride a wave on a surfboard or boogie board
Walk across water on a skim board
Pitch a tent to get out and be one with nature
Visit a water park with your kids, nieces, nephews and see the joy in their smile & laughter
Go to a college basketball game and sit in the student section to feel the energy & excitement of game day
Join a kickboxing class and really try to synchronize your movements to the music
Play an active video game – my choice is guitar hero to jam out and fulfill that rockstar dream
Hop on a carousel & spin to your hearts content at a park to relive your childhood
Visit a firefighter museum to get in uniform and test out the gear
Experience a snow sport – ski, snowboard, tube, bike – to enjoy nature in a frozen setting
Hang on to a rope behind a boat or jetski to feel the thrill of cutting through water on a ski, wakeboard or knee board
Free dive (no tank) a shallow reef or wreck
Dance your heart away at a Zumba class
Jump on board an ATV to get lost in the trails
Drive & putt the ball on a local golf course
Saddle up and trot along with a horse in their world
Chase waterfalls and rainbows
Find a rare tennis wall so you can practice on your own or ask a friend to join you on the courts
Go for a run along the waterfront
Attack a 30 day arm or leg (or both) exercise progression chart
Hire a personal trainer to focus on your health and individualized plan
Try an emerging sport like kitesurfing or windsurfing
Drop a kayak, SUP or canoe in a local watering hole and paddle away
Try to fly on an airboat – just once!
Find a ping pong table to challenge your buddies in a good old fashioned game
Go to a shooting range to learn a new skill safely
Visit a dude ranch to live a cowboy life
Run the steps of your local stadium to challenge yourself to a great workout
Ride bikes through wine tasting country and stop frequently
Hit away at a local batting cage
Swim laps to enjoy a low impact physical activity
Climb on an outdoor jungle gym and hang from the monkey bars just like when you were a kid
Rappel down a waterfall (bonus points for a night time thrill)
Jump on a skateboard or rollerblades to feel like a kid again (at your own risk)
Grab a trash bag and take the initiative to clean up your favorite beach area
Clip into a cliffside via ferrata (iron rungs pounded into a rock face for hikers to use as footholds) to reach the peak
Join a local run group to get in more miles and laughs along the way
Grab a jump rope for a great workout in a short amount of time
Peg your opponent at a competitive game of paintball
Find a local disc golf or frisbee course to try something different
Join an indoor futsal soccer league to improve your footwork and touch on the ball
Find a US certified dark park to be blown away while stargazing & name your own shooting star
Jump in an orb to go flying down a hillside in your own bubble
Complete a pull-up challenge just like from the physical fitness test from your childhood
Keep score at a riveting game of mini golf just like when you were a kid
Take a running leap off a rock to make a splash into a local river and do it again
Hit away at old school air hockey
Portray elegance at a winter staple – ice skating
Explore on a canyoneering adventure, which is a mixture of hiking and rappelling typically through canyons and watering holes
Bowl a strike or two
Dress up in camouflage to go hunting deep in the woods
Sled down sand dunes
Check out heli hiking or heli skiing – look it up!
Find your balance on a tightrope – add in any height for a big risk
Take a motorcycle safety course to obtain your license and a new sense of freedom
Climb a rope to the top just like in old school gym class
Go on a safari to meet animals in their own habitat
What makes for not just a good day outing but a GREAT experience? There are many variables and each individual has their own nuisances. My base is a great overall vibe, variety in terrain, exhilaration along the way and pure joy in the challenge. So this list is very subjective & in no particular order, but in my opinion, these trails are downright must dos:
1. Zion NP – The Narrows: prepare for a crazy adventure unlike anything you have done before! It is best to rent waterproof boots & a walking stick in town prior, and the river water is freezing cold year round so be ready! Be prepared to be trouncing through ankle deep water for most of the day and possibly even be swimming to pass through certain crevices. Water levels fluctuate (have a waterproof bag) so get comfortable being uncomfortable & not being able to see where you step. Find your flow and enjoy the journey, as the canyon walls start to squeeze in and go as far as you want (just know you have to backtrack the same distance prior to dusk). Breathtaking area!
2. Grand Canyon NP – South Kaibab trail to Bright Angel trail: this trek is a doozy so make sure you have packed appropriately. It is a tough feat to do in 1 day at 16.5 mi or about 9 hours if you are in decent shape, but you can also snag a spot at the bottom of the canyon at Phantom Ranch lodge if you are lucky & plan ahead. Due to severe heat in the canyon, I recommend starting at twilight & bring a minimum of 2 liters of water (there are stations along the way to refill). For 3 glorious hours you will trek down to the canyon floor in some of the most gorgeous landscapes you will ever see. Sunrise from Ooh Aah point is an unforgettable moment. You will cross over 2 suspension bridges & then the hard part begins – 5-6 hours straight up!
3. Badlands NP – The Notch trail: short 1.3 mi out & back but exhilarating around every corner. The beginning winds into a canyon leading to a rustic ladder needed to reach to the cliff tops. Then bending around otherworldly rock formations, it ends at an impressive park overlook. Hit it prior to evening twilight for a soothing breath of nature.
4. Yosemite NP – Mist & John Muir trails to Vernal/Nevada Falls & Half Dome: as one of the most popular trails in the park, it is important to start early and really enjoy the nature along the way. This 15 mi trail can be done in its entirety or portions accordingly to your desire and ability. It gains serious elevation so pack a lunch. Passing both falls are gorgeous and if you are lucky enough to snag permits for the final thrill of the chains leading to the tippy top…..just wow!
5. Sedona – Cathedral Rock: short 1.2 mi but challenging trek up the belly of a crack between 2 rock formations. Make sure to have rugged shoes. The last stretch is straight uphill, but if you can time it for sunset, you won’t be disappointed in this killer ledge.
6. Bryce Canyon NP – full Figure 8 trail: this combines 3 of the most popular trails into one big loop & exposes you to all the hidden delights along the way. 25k steps & 10.5 mi later you will have passed stunning hoodoos and be smiling ear to ear. Finish at sunset point for a spectacular finish!
7. Chiricahua NM – Echo Canyon: this monument isn’t talked about much, but it blew me away. This trail is a fun trek though stunning rock formations and views for days. Enjoyable for all ages. Do the entire loop 8 mi or go half way down & turn around to explore more in depth this crazy world.
8. Arches NP – Devils Garden trail: trust me, start at daybreak and explore the full 7.2 mi loop which passes a stunning 6 arches. One of my fav memories is standing atop a narrow ledge a few miles in & overlooking the expanse below. What a rush!
9. Valley of Fire SP, Nevada – White Domes & Fire Wave: you will be pleasantly surprised with this day trip from Vegas along these 2 short trails. White Domes is at the end of the state park & takes you through a beautiful slot canyon, while Fire Wave exposes you to a one of a kind colorful mesa.
10. Sedona – Hangover trail: located above this cute town is a checkerboard of trails. You will need a 4×4 to navigate the crazy road there or hike in via Mungs Wagon & Cow Pies trails for a total of 8.2 mi. You will find yourself hugging crazy cliff drop offs, scaling rock faces & overlooking spectacular views of the valley.
11. Zion NP – Angels Landing: I would be remiss if this iconic trek wasn’t included. It isn’t for the fainted hearted….. while only 2.5 mi one way, the last .5 mi you must use chains to assist your climb while balancing on very narrow cliff sides. Bring a lunch because you will want to revel in your accomplishment at the top for a while I promise you!
12. El Morro NM – Headland trail: this 2 mi trek is a blast and has it all. Make sure to go counterclockwise around the backside of the towering cliffs that were marked with petroglyphs from early settlers. This will lead you to the cliff tops and a full traverse above it all, while ending with steps going down. This was an unexpected delight and relatively short.
Would you sign up for a week long cruise that wasn’t in your dominant language? Intimidating. Yes. A huge lesson in getting comfortable with the uncomfortable. Absolutely. This leap of faith was a wake up call to myself to embrace the unknown.
I love learning about all South American cultures and can get by with Spanish, but I honestly haven’t improved much over the years since I use it so infrequently. But I love cruising and when you find a $60 RT direct flight deal to Cartagena, Colombia, South America, you push that purchase button. 🇨🇴 🚢 ✈️ 🏝 🤿 🌅
My dear friend Diana helped me find a local guide in her home country and my adventure began. First stop was outside town and a must do in my opinion. Vulcan de Tutomo – vat of mud – was a short, steep climb where you emersed yourself in mud head to toe while a local rubbed all over your body for 25 mins. OMG. It was a strangely delightful experience like you were rolling around in chocolate pudding. After this crazy experience, you had to walk down to the lake to wash off…. naked! What??!! Ummm nope. After my initial panic, I went for it. Even with the locals turning their backs while onshore only 50 feet away, it was very liberating to start this new journey off with a totally out of character moment. Onward!
We drove through the old, colorful city of Cartagena and all the beautiful courtyards. I walked the historical fort and memorials. A fantastic day. Boarding the ship was a little less efficient than my US experiences and no AC in the port buildings, but nothing beats stepping onto a cruise to begin a new journey.
We visited the ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao. On every Caribbean trip, I try to squeeze in a diving excursion and Aruba was my choice this time around. We did a 2 tank dive to a colorful reef and an awesome wreck 90 feet down. And we had an additional stop in Panama, my first time exploring this country besides just passing through the locks here over 10 years prior on the inaugural Disney cruising crossing.
Undoubtedly my favorite times on a cruise are the spectacular & unobstructed sunsets on the horizon, as well as the impeccable stargazing. I just can’t get enough. Seriously.
I rarely read for pleasure anymore, but sunbathing on the top deck with a drink in hand is a perfect triple threat.
So I hope if you ever find the opportunity to cruise to far off lands, you go for it and never look back. Maybe add in a mud bath too!
There is no greater bond. Any athlete that has participated in team sports knows the trust and sacrifice you put into your “band of brothers”.
This is one of my legacies at the Y. I knew how powerful and rewarding bringing together all different groups could be – members, volunteers, staff and family. We even added in weekly training sessions to build excitement, endurance, self confidence and ultimately strengthen our relationships.
Four straight years, the Y team proudly represented our united front to promote a healthy lifestyle in mind, body and soul. Team members had numerous different motivations, overcame fears, problem solved and had a blast playing in the dirt/mud. But it wasn’t easy or for the faint hearted. We laughed, crawled, splashed, ran, pulled, dragged, climbed, fell, jumped, cried and carried our teammates to cross the finish line hand in hand…….locked together.
The culmination came for me when we joined forces of 3 different YMCA teams into one joint powerhouse on the course. I will always smile at the memory in sharing this hard core experience with a kick ass group of individuals that always put others first. By signing up to personally conquer the tough savage course, they inspired others to push their own limits and show again the power of an accountability group outside the fours walls of the gym. And if any of them ever called or needed help, we would all step up and respond without question.
RIP Coach Andrew Highsmith 💔 you will never be forgotten – “The opportunity to connect with one another is unique and can be lost if you don’t make the most of the opportunities when they are present.”
Sustainable travel aims to preserve the planets natural resources and minimize the environmental impacts of tourism. The primary beneficiary of tourist dollars should be local businesses.
Regenerative travel is picking up steam, as simply trying to not harm a location isn’t good enough. We should all be actively working to improve an area.
Don’t just focus on leaving lighter footprints but making a bigger impact in the local communities that serve tourism.
Eat local
Shop local
Drink local
Plant trees
Grow your own food
Recycle
Use refillable water bottles & not get sucked into plastic
Sedona is that special place you hear about but can’t truly appreciate until you let yourself get lost in the thousands of miles of red rock trails. Boynton Canyon is one of the 7 local vortexes where the life force of the earth is especially strong…… a must do on any visit.
As I got deeper into the canyon my thoughts drifted & I was so proud of my adventurous spirit. Too many times in life I’ve been told to slow down to be “normal”, back off the intensity during practice, pace myself on a project and so on…. I don’t have a slow speed or do anything half a$$ & I’m proud of it (now).
I’ve never been the smartest, fastest or extraordinarily gifted at anything but my HEART & willpower can rival the best. But ultimately, I’m not in competition with you, just enjoy challenging myself & trying to do my part to make things better in this crazy world.
So if you can make it the 3.2 miles to the end of the trail, you will be rewarded by the majestic views that few will see (actually venture just a wee bit further to the edge of the cliff & listen to the fresh breeze). I lay out this challenge to you…. NEVER let anyone dull your sparkle & always just “do you”.
FearlessAdventures 