Author: Andrea Hamilton
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Planning an Unforgettable Multi-Generational Vacation – Tips for Success
One year, in the throes of single-handedly cooking a Thanksgiving feast, I said enough. Spending so many hours to create a meal that lasted 30 minutes, being too tired to even eat after the meal was ready – this was not how I wanted to connect with my friends and family. I reached out to…
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Why vacation is the best time to jump-start your health goals
While a lot of people assume vacations are for forgetting all about health and wellness goals, today I offer a different view. Rather than using your trip as a time to eat every and anything and forget about your doctor’s plea for more and more exercise, think twice. Instead, your vacation is often the best…
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Budget Travel vs. Value Travel (Part 2): What to spend on meals and more
Traveling is expensive business. And make no mistake, meals can be one of those unexpected sources of cost that really make your travel expenses out of control. In this the second part of a series of articles on Budget Travel vs. Value Travel, we break down how to get good value for the money we…
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Our Travels: 5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise
November 2024 This trip was a labor of love, borne of my personal exhaustion after cooking for three days one Thanksgiving. Nearly a year in planning, it ended being on of the most amazing experiences for me as unofficial team leader, and all ten of my traveling companions. If you’ve ever wanted to take your…
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Budget Travel vs. Value Travel (Part 1): Know when to spend to get the trip you want
One of the questions I get asked a lot is how to save money traveling. I often disappoint in response because to me, the better question is, “How do I get value for the money I am spending on a vacation?” Trips are costly and not likely to get cheaper any time soon. If you…
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Travel essentials you need to get out there
When I travel there are just some things I never leave home without. Regardless of my destination or transportation type, I generally keep these things ready in my travel “go” bag at all times. Today I’m going to share my essentials with you and why I think they’re worth the space and hassle to drag…
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Vacation exhausted? How to use mindfulness to actually recharge on your vacation
Does this sound familiar? You head out on vacation with the dream of recharging your inner battery, connecting with your friends and loved ones, and experiencing a new place and moment in your life. Instead, you find yourself frazzled most days. You’re juggling expectations of your travel companions and are constantly debating about restaurant options.…
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The best travel journals to capture your voyage
Admittedly, I’m a bit of a paper and pen snob. I like smooth writing surfaces with thick, luxurious paper. I like looking back and decoding my handwriting of the past to connect with myself and my journey. I also love a good pen. We’ll leave writing utensils for another time. The goal of today’s post…
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Our Travels: Grand Traverse Region, MI
October 2025 Nearly through the fall sports season and an incredible stressful September at work, I knew I needed a break. The Grand Traverse region hit all my buttons for a wonderful long weekend away – lakes, quaint towns, stunning views, and a slower pace of life. If this sounds like your strategy for a…
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The Perfect Mix: What makes a vacation unforgettable?
Globally, the tourism industry is estimated to generate $988 billion in 2025 and will grow to over a trillion in the next 4 – 5 years. We are spending more than ever on travel. But, are we getting value from those investments? We get stuck wondering things like, does spending more give us more? How…
