California is one of those places people seem to either love or hate, but no matter how you feel, there’s no denying its beauty.I often forget just how stunning this state is until I step away from my daily routine and take time to explore what’s right around me.
I attended a wedding on the coast recently and it inspired me to start exploring my local surroundings a bit more. Where should I go first? #california #aptos #beautifulplaces
Oct 16
Which one is your favorite? I can’t decide myself. I loved pirates so much, but I also loved the way the way Sleepy Hollow looked. This year we’re going in a completely different direction. I can’t wait to show you the theme we landed on. #halloweendecorating #halloweendiy #halloweendecor #halloweenideas #halloweentunnel
Oct 15
We finally got our Halloween tunnel up, and it’s finally time to start decorating it! We are a bit behind schedule this year, and the rain this past weekend definitely didn’t help the matter. As you can see this tunnel is fairly inexpensive and easy to put up. I have the full supply list and directions in the link in my bio. #halloweendecorating #halloweendiy #halloweendecor #halloweendecorations #halloweenarches #halloweentunnel
Oct 14
Just a little reminder to put yourself out there. Say hi. Smile. Offer a compliment. Start a conversation with a stranger. You never know what serendipitous moments might follow.
My recent travels taught me the beauty of stepping outside my comfort zone, the courage to ask for help, and how a simple smile can lead to genuine human connection.
The other day at Capitola Beach, I stopped a passerby to ask a quick question and found out he had just arrived from Japan and is spending the next two weeks traveling through California. Naturally, I shared with him about my recent travels to Japan. We ended up chatting for quite a while, and was such a lovely, full-circle moment.
And of course, in true traveler fashion, we took a photo. ❤️ #smallworld #travelerlife #wanderlust #serendipity #capitola
Oct 13
If you want to almost be guaranteed to see elephants in the wild, go to Sri Lanka. Especially Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks between August and October. During this time a phenomenon called, “The Gathering” takes place, which is when hundreds of elephants congregate together to bathe and swim in the reservoirs. It’s considered the largest congregation of Asian elephants in the world, and is definitely one for the bucket list. One of the coolest experiences ever. #elephantsafari #srilankatravels #srilankaelephants #holyfknairball #getyourguide #bucketlist
Oct 12
We didn’t expect this day to turn into one of our favorites.
What started as a tough challenge became a lesson in kindness, hospitality, and seriously good food.
Each day during our travels with @largeminority brought a new challenge, and this one quickly became our favorite.
Thank you to this wonderful family who taught us how to make rice and curry and welcomed us like their own. #srilanka #srilankatravels #traveldiaries #travelexperience #largeminoritytravel #riceandcurry #srilankaneats @maddy_pat_mad
Oct 11
From the adrenaline rush to the morning rush. Nothing really prepares you for going back to your daily routine, after an incredible trip. That vacation high never lasts long, and when it fades, I’m already searching for our next ticket. I guess I’m lucky in the sense that editing and writing give me the opportunity to relive these highs just a little longer.
#backtoreality #vacationhigh #wanderlust #srilanka #srilankatravel #tuktukadventure #adventuretravel #adventureawaits #cousins #largeminoritytravel
Oct 10
Just hanging in the mountains of Sri Lanka. This was probably our most off-the-grid day during our weeklong tuk tuk adventure through Sri Lanka with @largeminority!
We glamped deep in the stunning, and seriously remote, Knuckles Mountain Range at @wildglampingknuckles_bythema . Power ran off a generator that shut down at 10 Pm, that means no Wi-Fi, no signal, just nature sounds and stars. Honestly, it was kind of perfect.
The next morning, we made our way up to Sri Lanka’s highlands to pick tea at @teaandexperiencebythema , 🍃 another unbelievably beautiful (and yes, remote) spot.
Would you enjoy being totally off the grid for a night?
#onceinalifetime #travelideas #beautifulplaces #remotedestinations #srilanka #srilankatravel #adventureiscalling #insta360 #wanderlust
Oct 8
It really was the adventure of a lifetime!
If you’ve been following along, you know how nervous I was before this trip,but wow, it’s truly ignited something in me. I’m usually traveling with my family, but when I turned 50 this year, I knew I wanted to do something life-changing, and I definitely found it!
A huge thank you to @largeminority for inviting us on this epic road trip.
And a huge shout out to my cousin, Amy for being my ride or die, and meeting me halfway around the world last minute.
You can read the full story and all the details about our journey (and about Large Minority Travel) in my latest blog post. Link in bio!
#srilankatravel #srilanka #srilankatravels #adventureiscalling #tuktuk #tuktukadventure #tuktuktravels #travelideas #wanderlust #bucketlisttravel #largeminoritytravel #thisis50 #hosted @maddy_pat_mad
Oct 8
Our elephant Safari turned into an impromptu workout, dodging trees and such. I guess our driver wasn’t used to tall American girls. I seriously almost lost my brand new camera! 😂 #funnymoments #safari #oops #srilanka #travelwithus #srilankatravel #elephantsafari #cousinadventures #alwaysanadventure #ohno
Oct 6
I guess he didn’t realize we were two TALL American gals. Those trees hurt! 😂 At least we got a good ab workout during our elephant Safari. #oops #funnymoments #elephantsafari #safarimoments #mishaps #srilankatravels #srilankatravel #cousintravels #travelwithus
Oct 6
It’s called “The Gathering.”
During Sri Lanka’s dry season, hundreds of wild Asian elephants make their way to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. It’s the largest congregation of Asian elephants on the planet, and an experience that feels almost otherworldly.
We booked an elephant safari with @getyourguide to witness it, and it was unforgettable. There were elephants everywhere, hundreds of them, some even just steps from our jeep. And the babies… so many babies! Watching them play, splash, and follow their mothers was pure joy.
It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that makes you stop, breathe it all in, and feel incredibly grateful to witness nature on this scale. #elephant #elephantsafari #thegathering #asianelephants #wildelephants #srilanka #kaudullanationalpark #srilankatravel #bucketlist #wanderlust #getyourguide #getyourguidecommunity #bucketlist✔️
Oct 5
Hear me out, it’s a different kind of exhausting. The kind that actually recharges me, reignites a spark I’d lost in the day-to-day at home. Sometimes all we need is an adventure to remind us what it feels like to be alive again.
And sure, I sneak in a little R&R along the way…but it’s the adventure that fuels my soul. Even now at 50 years old, I’m finding it more and more important to reignite that spark as often as I can.
I want to thank @largeminority for inviting me on this adventure. It has truly given me a new outlook on life. You could find out more about the adventures they offer all around the world in the link in my bio. #adventuretravel #wanderlust #srilanka #lifeover40 #findingyourspark #srilankatravel #traveladventures #traveltipsandtricks
Oct 4
