If you have a friend or family member who’s always off on the next big adventure, finding a great gift can be tricky.

But after decades of traveling the world myself, I’ve learned that the best travel gifts aren’t just thoughtful—they’re practical, too. These are the kinds of gifts that will be appreciated because they’re actually going to be used, whether it’s a two week trip for a personal retreat, a trip across the country or a journey to the other side of the globe.

The right travel gift can make your loved one’s experience more comfortable, organized, and even more enjoyable.

Imagine giving something that helps them breeze through airport security, feel prepared for anything, stay connected no matter where they are, or even feel a little more at home while they’re thousands of miles away.

And in a world where mindful travel is more important than ever, these gifts also help your loved ones reduce their impact on the...

In 2006, I found myself at a crossroads.

While I was still dedicated to helping children and families as a psychotherapist, I realized there was more I wanted to explore. There was a growing part of me that longed for adventure and fulfillment outside of my career.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t making a difference—I was—but I knew I could also find joy in something else. When I hired a life coach, everything shifted. That’s when I discovered my passion for travel.

Just weeks later, an opportunity appeared to work overseas, allowing me to live my dream. Before I knew it, I was traveling the world, from Germany to Japan, and every adventure since has reaffirmed the power of following my heart.

Fast forward to today, and I’m still exploring new places, living a life shaped by the dreams I once thought impossible. One of the things that has made these adventures smoother? Finding the best travel purse for each journey.

Over the years, I’ve learned...

"Get out, get out, NOW!"

Thom shouted, his voice cutting through the night.

I immediately heard a strange hissing sound, and my heart sank. My first thought? The air mattress. That glorious air mattress is my lifeline to comfort on the hard floor of our popup tent atop our trusty Tacoma truck. I couldn't lose it.

But within seconds, I realized it wasn’t the air mattress deflating. A dense, white cloud began to fill the tent, suffocating the space where, just moments ago, I felt safe.

There wasn’t a moment to think...

We were camping at Burnside Lake in Toiyabe National Forest, just south of Lake Tahoe. 

The lake shimmered under the early evening sun, a hidden sanctuary wrapped in the stillness of the wilderness.

After setting up camp, we decided to hike the nearby trail, which led to massive boulders overlooking the lake, giving us a 360-degree panoramic view. The sunset painted the landscape in gold, and the air was crisp and clean.

For a moment, life...

There’s a moment—you know it—when the first inkling of your next adventure hits. Maybe it's a self care trip, maybe it's just for pure adventure. There's excitement, anticipation, magic… I absolutely love that feeling.

But as you probably know, travel comes with its fair share of little bumps in the road. That’s why, when I travel, I rely on a few of the best travel apps I've found as my trusty sidekicks.

I've been traveling before travel blogs were even a thing, so I can tell you that since I've discovered these gems, I now travel like an expert.

Translating menus in Tokyo is a breeze, navigating the streets of Baja without internet access—no problem. Finding the best local restaurants in Lisbon or securing a last-minute ticket to a sold-out show in New York? Done.

These apps have turned potential travel hiccups into seamless adventures. I wouldn't dream of traveling without them.

In this post, I'm going to share with you the travel apps that...

Traveling to me is sacred. It's the greatest gift I've given myself in this lifetime.

It's opened my eyes and heart to the most joyous and meaningful lessons I could've ever imagined. And oh the lessons I've learned! I've learned so much about myself through personal retreats and I've learned about people, about places, about human nature and about Mother Earth.

When it comes to planning my trips now, it's second nature. I've been through all the trial and error of packing blunders and successes so you don't have to. I'm here to help you empower yourself with this list of travel essentials for women so that you can feel confident as you set off for your next adventure.

Whether you're traveling with your partner, a group, on your own, or maybe your dreaming up your next weekend getaway, this list will be your go-to so you're prepared for any plan you might have and the unexpected turns that inevitably await you!

Need a little help manifesting the adventure of your dreams?

Check out...

Traveling to other countries will always fire me up. 

There's something about the journey that leaves you with a refreshed perspective on life. And when it comes to certain trips, you know they'll be filled with adventure and the thrill of the unknown.

Our excursion to Baja was just that. 

It was rocky from the start; tempers flared and anger hung over us. We weren’t in the best place as a couple to begin this journey. 

We went anyway. 

I'll admit, the idea of traveling to Mexico left me uneasy. My imagination ran wild from tales of the cartel capturing us to being innocent bystanders caught in a crossfire.

When I mentioned our plans to my son Andrew, his imagination went into overdrive.

“Mom, really... you're going to  Mexico?” 

He painted a dire picture of us held captive, me, in the back of a pickup truck tied up, dehydrated, and Thom with a gash on his forehead from being hit with a gun. We laughed about it while I...

"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."   Albert Einstein 

This quote has always been one of my favorites. I'm all in for option #2 as we step into this new year. I'm also committed to helping you make it your best year ever. 

Picture this: Thom and I packed up our truck the day after Christmas and headed to Southern California.  If you’re like me, camping in the wintertime does not sound fun, but we chose Anza Borrego desert, about 40 miles from the Mexican border. Trust me, I have no regrets.

This trip was pure magic.

Photo taken at 1:00 am...completely untouched

We're big fans of dispersed camping, where you can set up anywhere on BLM land without reserving a campsite months in advance. Anza Borrego, although a state park, lets you camp almost anywhere. Want to build a fire? Just use one of those cool round metal containers. We did build a fire every night. ...

"Do the thing you think you cannot do: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face."   Eleanor Roosevelt

Traveling alone as a woman can be an exhilarating and transformative experience. 

It offers a unique opportunity to discover the world on your terms, pushing your boundaries and gaining a profound sense of self-reliance. 

In this blog post, we'll explore my journey traveling alone, highlighting the empowering aspects and offering tips for a safe and enjoyable solo adventure.

Empowerment through Independence

I had traveled alone in Europe, but it had been many years. I was nervous, scared, and aware that I’d make all the decisions by myself…a thing that always makes me nervous.

My solo adventure was for only two days. I left the friends I’d been traveling with for two weeks in Greece and flew to Rome.  I‘d booked a room near the Vatican. The host had...

It wasn't the clean air or the clear starry sky nights that were the most nourishing. It wasn't the fact that I got to spend 5 days camping with my best friend or that I hiked on smooth flat rock with gorgeous views that made me feel alive. 

All of those things made my heart sparkle and glow. 

But what surprised me the most was the quiet. The stillness. 

It was startling in a way to be in complete soundlessness. I had forgotten about being out in the middle of nowhere how quiet life can be. 

I realized that living in a city or town, the sounds from the freeway are running in the background, even though for me, my house is nowhere near the freeway. 

It was the stillness and deep quiet without the background noise that soothed me the most. 

Canyonlands with Dear Friends

We started in Canyonlands, Utah, with 5 other couples. Now a delightful annual affair, we hiked, ate together, talked and laughed, did yoga up on a...

 2006 on my way to Europe

There was a time in my life when I was fed up, burned out, and stressed. I didn’t really like how my life was going and I was way too busy to figure out what to do about it. 

I was working as a psychotherapist in a clinic with children and their families. It was hard, challenging, and emotionally draining work. I’d been at this clinic for eight years and I felt like I made a difference in the lives of the children and their parents.  But there was a cost.

Somewhere along the line, I began dreading getting up day after day, driving 30 miles to work in traffic. Some days it was hard to walk in the door because I was already tired. 

Feeling unfulfilled in my job

Even though I felt like I was helping children and I worked with wonderful colleagues who supported each other, I kept hearing that nagging voice inside me say, “you're not doing what you love and this job doesn't really bring you joy.”

I was afraid to let...