Travel and Travails — Finding New Paths on the Road of Life

Experience Moroccan Culture

Eating Moroccan couscous with our fingers, forming it into balls, sharing from one large platter in the middle of the low table… this meal in Zagora was the highlight of my family’s Morocco adventure. We traveled about Morocco for a week in early February, curious to explore this north African country. Living in Spain, it [...]

Unique Maui Hike

Travel for us is all about getting off the beaten path, literally. If you find yourself on Maui and looking for a hike, venture upcountry toward the slopes of Haleakala Volcano and find the Boundary Trail, near Polipoli State Park. It’s an adventure you won’t forget.

Season of Change

Journey no farther than your own backyard. The beautiful colors of an autumn blaze maple are perfect to stop you in your tracks, give you time to reflect, decide what’s next in your life.

Great Places to Stay

Where to stay when traveling is as important to me as the destination itself. I want family friendly lodging, something unique, affordable and fun. I put a lot of research and consideration into finding great places to stay… read all about my favorites.

Highlights of Travel and Travails

Highlights over Casares Castle Ruins in Spain

My highlights from the past two years of blogging about our travels and travails. From one year abroad living in Spain to life on the laundry line and what your clothes say about you, these posts capture the essence of traveling, exploring, and trying new things.

Visit Cappadocia Turkey

Visit Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s a magical, historical, friendly region of Turkey whose fairy chimneys will capture your imagination. My daughters loved the idea that fairies lived inside. It was easier for them to believe the houses were for fairies instead of Turkish families. Wonderful hikes and tours abound.

Maui Hiking: The Waihee Valley

The Waihee Valley trail in Maui is an unexpected and fun way to hike through the rain forest and to waterfalls, take a plunge into a pool and cross swinging bridges. Great for all ages, the hike was a highlight of our family vacation to Hawaii.

Big Island Snorkeling

The Kapoho Tide Pools on the Big Island of Hawaii are one of the best snorkeling locations in the Hawaiian Islands. The calm, crystal clear pools are formed by the lava rocks spilling into the ocean and are a spectacular setting for Big Island snorkeling and sunbathing. Combined with a visit to Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island makes for an excellent family beach vacation full of adventure.

Family Dynamics on the Road

Extended travel has its bumps as well as its benefits. Travails abound and family dynamics are not always easy when you spend so much time together, living and vacationing for extended amounts of time. How to manage work, life, travel and parenting when you take travel long term requires different strategies… or just more patience.

Panzanella Salad

Try something new for lunch today. Panzanella salad takes advantage of the summer tomatoes ripening on the vine and a day old baguette. Add a few vegetables, drizzle on the olive oil, and voilà!