• Ocean Springs, Mississippi The gulf coast's best hidden gem
    USA

    Ocean Springs, Mississippi: The Gulf Coast’s Best Hidden Gem

    Nestled along the vibrant Gulf Coast, just east of Biloxi, lies the enchanting coastal town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. With its irresistible charm and picturesque appeal, this quaint gem serves as an idyllic destination for a delightful weekend retreat or a memorable stopover on a longer journey through the captivating US Gulf Coast region. Enjoy culinary delights, explore the many art galleries and museums, and peruse the charming boutiques that line its streets. Ocean Springs proudly exudes a small-town allure that is sure to captivate and leave you with fond memories of this truly exceptional destination. (Updated Sept 25, 2023) Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a quaint small town, is a perfect…

  • 8 budget-friendly travel destinations
    Central America,  Mexico,  Travel Tips,  USA

    8 Amazing Budget-friendly Travel Destinations For Every Travel Style

    Traveling on a teacher’s budget (with student loans, a car note, and a mortgage to pay) can be tough, but I still manage to take a trip just about every month.  Budget-friendly travel destinations are my secret to traveling so often.  While I will save up and splurge on a pricier trip every once and a while, most of my travel is very budget friendly.   I know from my crazy, care-free hostel dorm days almost any trip can be done on a budget, but at this point in my life, I’m older and a little pickier about where I lay my head. While I still love the social atmosphere of hostels, I…

  • Ship Island Mississippi
    USA

    The Gulf Coast’s Best Kept Secret: Ship Island, Mississippi

    Mississippi is one of the most underrated states in the USA. I’ll admit, in the ten years I’ve lived in Louisiana, I’ve driven through it countless times on my way east, but I’ve never really taken the time to explore it.  This summer, I vowed to explore more of my own backyard in the Gulf Coast region and discover all the amazing hidden gems it’s got to offer. Ship Island, Mississippi definitely fits that category!  If you’re in the Gulf Coast or planning a trip in the future, take a day and explore the Gulf Coast’s best kept secret—Ship Island, Mississippi.  Located just an hour’s drive from New Orleans along I-10, Mississippi’s…

  • off the beaten path in florida
    Florida,  USA

    Off the Beaten Path in Florida: A Guide to Visiting Secluded Beaches and Pristine Springs

    When I think of Florida the first two things that pop into my head are Disneyworld and Miami Beach. However, I was looking to have a more off the beaten path Florida experience. I had no idea what amazing natural attractions Florida had to offer. There are so many remote places in Florida that are perfect for a secluded getaway.  If you love the outdoors, kayaking, SUP, diving, and camping…you seriously need to check out Florida’s amazing natural side.  Get off the beaten path in Florida I already love being out in nature.  Hiking, exploring beautiful beaches, kayaking, scuba diving… the list of outdoor adventures I’m checking off my bucket list just…

  • how to spend 2 days in miami
    USA

    Weekend Guide: How to Spend 2 Days in Miami

    Can’t decide between a beach trip or a city break? In Miami you can have both! Here’s how to spend 2 days in Miami. Miami, you’ve stolen my heart!  I visited for the first time March 2018, and I can’t stop coming back at least once or twice a year! When I’m looking for some fun in the sun, Miami is my number one choice for a weekend away! For me, it’s just an hour and a half nonstop flight from New Orleans. I can easily leave on a Friday evening after work and be back Sunday night in time to make it to work on Monday morning.  It’s a quick…

  • weekend guide to big bend national park
    USA

    Weekend Guide to Big Bend National Park

    Updated 3/14/2023 Compared to the crowds found in more popular national parks such as Zion and Yosemite, Big Bend National Park is much more sparsely populated. To be honest, I hadn’t considered it, or had even heard of it, until my dad moved to nearby Midland, Texas.  When I took a trip to visit him over the Thanksgiving holiday, we spent the weekend exploring Big Bend National Park.  Big Bend is the ultimate hidden gem of the Nation Parks Service. Best time of year to visit This depends on your tolerability of heat and cold, but fall and spring are the ideal times to visit. There won’t be too much rain or…