A Lifelong Traveler With A Passion For Seeing The World
Travel has been part of my identity since the very beginning. Born in Europe (where my father and family were stationed), I spent my first 12 years living abroad with my family, absorbing new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. After college, I married, started a family, and continued exploring—this time across the United States with our kids in tow. Now that we’re empty nesters, my husband and I are embracing the freedom to wander even more, discovering the beauty, history, culture, and incredible food (and wine) of Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
Every trip still feels like a fresh adventure—whether I’m boarding a plane for a new destination or finding unexpected gems closer to home.
From Classroom Educator to Travel Writer
Before becoming a travel writer, I spent most of my career in education. After a few years in the business world, I shifted paths, earned two M.Ed. degrees, and became a National Board Certified Teacher. I taught in classrooms, mentored aspiring educators, and supported teachers through advanced professional development. When I retired, I blended my two passions—education and travel—into a new chapter as a travel writer.
I loved sharing ideas with my students, and now I pour that same energy into helping adults who are curious, adventurous, and ready to see more of the world. This website is my space to inspire travelers, offer practical travel planning tips, and highlight unique destinations and memorable places to stay. My goal is simple: to help you travel more comfortably while creating richer, more meaningful experiences.
Travel lets me learn, connect with local traditions, and meet wonderful people from every corner of the globe. And because I’m always snapping photos—of iconic landmarks and everyday moments—I use those images to help bring each destination to life. If I ever use someone else’s photo, it’s always credited.
Meet the Travel Team: Lolly & Pop
I’m half of a travel-loving duo—Lolly & Pop (our grandparent names). Between my background in education and my husband’s in engineering, we bring a mix of curiosity, structure, and enthusiasm to every adventure. Together we’ve visited more than 35 countries, combining business trips and personal vacations. Pop also contributes to Travel with Lolly, sharing his own insights, observations, and humor. I couldn’t do this without him! ❤️
How We Like to Explore
Over the years, we’ve planned many of our own trips—researching destinations, designing itineraries, and getting from point A to point B, however necessary: planes, trains, ferries, buses, cars, and bikes. We love the energy of major cities but also treasure the quiet charm of off-the-beaten-path towns.
We’ve taken week-long cooking classes in Provence and Tuscany, joined fascinating local walking tours, and uncovered hidden gems recommended by the people who know best—locals.
We’ve also enjoyed a number of organized adventures, like escorted land tours and cruises. Viking’s river cruises remain favorites for their comfort, culture-rich itineraries, and smooth journeys between Europe’s most iconic cities. Their ocean cruises have also given us unforgettable experiences with fantastic amenities and ports of call.
Traveling Far…and Closer to Home
As our kids moved out, we found ourselves exploring Europe and Canada more frequently. But when the global pandemic hit, we pivoted—and discovered something valuable: some of the best destinations are much closer than we realized. Those road trips taught us that you don’t need to travel far to find beauty, culture, and relaxation. Plus, driving instead of flying meant less stress (and less packing pressure!).
It turns out that familiar saying is true: sometimes the best discoveries are in your own backyard.
Falling in Love with Hiking
Another silver lining from those early pandemic days? We rediscovered the simple joy of being outdoors. Hiking quickly became one of our favorite ways to explore. Now we seek out scenic trails wherever we go. Hiking lets us slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience landscapes in a way you just can’t from a car or a tour bus.
Exploring the world—whether across an ocean or along a nearby trail—continues to bring us joy, connection, and wonder. And I’m grateful to share those experiences and insights with you.
Where We Love to Stay: Vacation Rentals, Boutique Hotels, and Hidden Gems
When we travel across the U.S., we gravitate toward vacation home rentals and charming boutique hotels or inns. Whenever we discover a standout property—one that delivers something truly special—I make sure to share it with you.
Vacation rentals provide the flexibility to pick a home that matches our group’s priorities. We love finding properties with memorable amenities—think stunning views, private pools, fire pits, boat docks, outdoor kitchens, or even a pool table. These are the kinds of comforts you simply won’t get in a standard hotel. Having a home base tailored to our needs makes everyone happier and makes the whole trip feel more relaxed and personal.
When we’re not renting a vacation home, we look for small, locally owned hotels and inns. These family-operated properties often deliver the warmest hospitality and the most thoughtful touches. Some of our most memorable stays have been in European gems across Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy (especially Piedmont and Tuscany), and Norway. And we’ve also enjoyed stays in places closer to home, such as Annapolis (MD), the Hudson River Valley (NY), St. Augustine (FL), Saratoga Springs (NY), and in a small southern Maryland community near colonial history sites. These intimate accommodations offer charm, comfort, and a true sense of place—qualities that make travel even more rewarding.
Whether it’s a cozy inn, a boutique hotel, or a beautifully curated vacation rental, we’re always searching for places that elevate the journey—and we love sharing those discoveries with fellow travelers.
I Love Sharing the Best Travel Tips and Discoveries
One of my greatest joys as a travel writer is sharing the standout experiences, helpful tips, and unexpected gems I’ve uncovered over the years. Planning our trips has taught me so much—and those adventures have given us unforgettable memories, meaningful moments, and plenty of laughter along the way.
I’ve gathered countless insights, from smart trip-planning strategies to destination inspiration and a tried-and-true travel planning timeline. And I’m excited to share it all with you. If something has helped make our travels smoother, richer, or more enjoyable, you can bet it will find its way here—so you can make the most of your own journeys, too.
When perusing my site, feel free to leave comments after reading my posts about your experiences. What you have to share could help other travelers.
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