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Turkey travel, Thanksgiving getaways and Black Friday deals, all in one place.
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NEWEST · NOVEMBER 7, 2026Best Thanksgiving Getaways 2026: 15 Places to Escape for the HolidayMountain cabins, big cities and tropical beaches, with costs, family fun and pet-friendly picks.Read More →
BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026How to Prepare for the Camino de Santiago: Every Question Answered (Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)Every question about preparing for the Camino de Santiago, answered one honest letter at a time by a midlife pilgrim: routes, cost, and more.Read More →
BACKSTAGE CONVO · JULY 16, 20264 Steps to Planning Your Camino de Santiago (A Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)The four steps that helped me plan my Camino de Santiago: how many days to take, the route rules, training, and nervous system prep.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 13, 2026I Made It to Santiago: What the Camino de Santiago Taught Me About Trusting Myself at 44After biking and walking across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, Jennifer Board reflects on faith, grief, trusting herself, listening to her body.Read More →
RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 9, 2026Christmas in Breckenridge 2026: For Couples, Families and Fur BabiesPlan Christmas in Breckenridge 2026: romantic getaways, family Christmas activities, dog-friendly hotels, Christmas Eve dinner, and sample itineraries.Read More →RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 7, 2026Best Thanksgiving Getaways 2026: 15 Places to Escape for the HolidayMountain cabins, big cities and tropical beaches, with costs, family fun and pet-friendly picks.Read More →
RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 4, 2026Thanksgiving in New York City 2026: Where to Eat, Stay and PlayPlanning Thanksgiving in NYC 2026? The 100th Macy's Parade, where to watch free, parade-view hotels, Thanksgiving dinner, Home Alone 2 fun and a 5-day plan.Read More →
RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026Things to Do in Orlando November 2026: Events & Holiday FunFestivals, Christmas lights, Disney holidays, Winter Park events, Thanksgiving weekend and dog-friendly adventures, plus my Orlando bucket list.Read More →
RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026Thanksgiving in Orlando 2026: Turkey, Theme Parks & a Little Holiday MagicThanksgiving dinners and resort buffets, theme park celebrations, Christmas lights, Turkey Trots, free festivals, dog-friendly outings and a five-day itinerary.Read More →
RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026Thanksgiving in Breckenridge 2026: Dinner, Skiing and Where to StayPlanning Thanksgiving in Breckenridge 2026? Thanksgiving dinner, early-season skiing, family activities, hotels, shuttles, the Turkey Day 5K and a 5-day itinerary.Read More →RESOURCE · OCTOBER 30, 2026Breckenridge Holiday Events 2026: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's EveBreckenridge holiday events 2026: the Dec 5 tree lighting and Race of the Santas, Thanksgiving dinner, Ullr Fest, New Year's Eve fireworks, and where to stay.Read More →
RESOURCE · OCTOBER 30, 2026Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge 2026: Where to Eat, Stay and PlayPlanning Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? 2026 Thanksgiving dinner, cabins and hotels, Dollywood, holiday lights, dog-friendly tips and a 5-day itinerary.Read More →
BACKSTAGE CONVO · OCTOBER 28, 2026Southwest Rapid Rewards Changes 2027: Companion Pass and MoreSouthwest's 2027 changes explained: new Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, Companion Pass rules, the Dec 2 Chase card deadline, new lounges and Europe with points.Read More →
HEY YOU NOTE · OCTOBER 14, 2026Returning to Austin in Midlife: A Letter to Who I Used to BeI lived in Austin for four years and never went back. A midlife letter about motherhood, marriage, the memories a place holds, and going back to move forward.Read More →
BACKSTAGE CONVO · SEPTEMBER 25, 2026What I Wish I Knew Before Booking Hotels on the Camino de SantiagoPlanning the Camino de Santiago in 2026 or Holy Year 2027? The hotel booking mistakes I made, from route location to hills and breakfast.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 24, 2026Feeling Stuck in Life? What the Camino Taught Me About Getting Out of My Comfort ZoneFeeling stuck in life? After the Camino de Santiago, I realized adventure doesn't have to mean flying to Spain.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 13, 2026I Made It to Santiago: What the Camino de Santiago Taught Me About Trusting Myself at 44After biking and walking across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, Jennifer Board reflects on faith, grief, trusting herself, listening to her body.Read More →
HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 6, 2026Biking 278 Miles on the Camino del Norte: Grief, Self-Trust and Starting Again at 44After biking 278 miles on the Camino del Norte, Jenn reflects on chronic illness, fear, estrangement grief, self-trust, and surrender.Read More →
HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 3, 2026Overcoming Fear in Midlife on the Camino de SantiagoAt 44, Jenn reflects on overcoming fear while cycling the Camino de Santiago, celebrating 222 miles and confidence that grows one step at a time.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026Finding My Voice at 44 on the Camino de SantiagoOn Day 15 of biking the Camino del Norte, Jenn wakes up to see the cover of Silent to Spoken and realizes how far she has come in finding her voice.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 1, 2026I Went Anyway: What 45 Miles on the Camino Taught Me About Loving MyselfAfter 45 miles and 2,678 feet of climbing on the Camino del Norte, Jenn reflects on fear, chronic illness, finding her voice, listening to her body.Read More →
HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 29, 2026He Went Anyway: What the Cross Reminded Me on the CaminoA Camino reflection from Laredo, Spain, on physical exhaustion, sitting beneath the cross, gratitude, and what Jesus carried for us.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 25, 2026When Change Holds Both Grief and JoyA Camino reflection on grief, faith, and the power of choice in midlife, learning to pause, face change, and welcome what comes next.Read More →
HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 22, 2026Hey You, It's Me: Finding My Voice on the CaminoFrom fear and self-doubt to finding her voice, Jenn reflects on cycling the Camino, taking up space, and choosing the next brave step at 44.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 11, 2026Don't Worry, Nothing Is Going to Happen to YouA tender, honest note from Jenn Board on living today fully, because we do not get to know if tomorrow comes. Say the thing. Make the call.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026How to Train for the Camino de Santiago: Body, Mind and Heart | Camino ChroniclesHow to train for the Camino de Santiago with a whole-person plan: distance, back-to-back days, pace, sleep, recovery, feet, and hills.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026Is the Camino de Santiago Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Traveling Alone with Anxiety | Camino ChroniclesIs the Camino de Santiago safe for solo female travelers? A first-time solo international traveler shares practical safety planning, travel-anxiety tools.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026Camino de Santiago FAQ: Best Time, How Long, Blisters and Trail Kit | Camino ChroniclesCommon Camino de Santiago questions answered: the best time of year to walk, how many days it takes, how to treat blisters on the trail.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026Best Camino de Santiago Apps, Websites and Resources (2026 Guide) | Camino ChroniclesThe best Camino de Santiago apps and websites in one place: route planning, booking, the official credential, navigation, and weather.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 10, 2026What Does The Camino Provides Really Mean? | The Way, Letter TenMedieval pilgrims made a will and left with a bowl. On daily bread, tomorrow's worry, why overpreparing is often a nervous system doing its job.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Is It Safe to Walk the Camino de Santiago in 2026?A current, honest look at walking the Camino de Santiago in 2026: Spain's record wildfires and heat, why the coast is cooler but Galicia fire risk is real.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Which Camino Route Should I Choose? 5 Routes Compared, Easiest to Hardest | Camino ChroniclesThe 5 main Camino de Santiago routes compared, easiest to hardest: how busy, how hard, the terrain, the vibe, the services, and the landmarks.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026How to Prepare for the Camino de Santiago: Every Question Answered (Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)Every question about preparing for the Camino de Santiago, answered one honest letter at a time by a midlife pilgrim: routes, cost, and more.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Camino de Santiago Packing List: Backpack Fit, Weight and Luggage Transfer | Camino ChroniclesA practical Camino de Santiago packing guide: choosing the right backpack, what actually goes in your pack, testing fit and weight.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Camino de Santiago Cost 2026-2027: 3 Budgets and Hidden Costs | Camino ChroniclesHow much does the Camino de Santiago really cost? Compare a traditional, mixed, and 31-day hotel-based Camino, plus hidden expenses.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 7, 2026Who Painted the Camino's Yellow Arrows? | The Way, Letter SevenOne priest, a small car, and leftover road paint. The true story of the Camino's yellow arrows, and Proverbs 3.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 6, 2026Starting Over Together in Midlife: A New Camino SeriesA new Camino series for anyone starting over in midlife. You do not have to walk across Spain. These daily reflections are about letting go.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 3, 2026Taking the First Step: Grief, Estrangement, and Walking the Camino to HealOn the eve of walking the Camino, what I am laying down: the grief of estrangement from my daughter, the need to be chosen, the waiting for apologies.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 3, 2026Which Camino Route Should You Choose? | The Way, Letter ThreeA stranger told me my Camino would not count unless I suffered. The six routes, and what the Cathedral actually requires.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 1, 2026Why Do Pilgrims Walk? | The Way, Letter One | Camino Preparation StudyFor a thousand years people have walked to Santiago carrying something. Camino history, Hebrews 11, and the honest question underneath every pilgrimage.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JULY 16, 20264 Steps to Planning Your Camino de Santiago (A Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)The four steps that helped me plan my Camino de Santiago: how many days to take, the route rules, training, and nervous system prep.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 15, 2026A Postcard from 30,000 Feet: I Don't Want to Be BraveA tender postcard from 30,000 feet on the flight home: Marley moving out, the Camino ahead, and letting the sadness move through.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 13, 2026What Bastille Day in Paris Reminded Me About Loving People WellWatching Bastille Day fireworks from a Paris balcony, I thought about how we have forgotten to celebrate our differences.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 12, 2026What 20,000 Steps a Day Taught Me About Aging GracefullyWhat walking twenty thousand steps a day across Europe taught me about aging gracefully, listening to my body, and pacing myself.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 11, 2026What Traveling Taught Me About Healing My Nervous System in MidlifeA Paris reflection on how travel did not heal my nervous system, it revealed it. On hypervigilance, surrender, faith, and the daily practice of P.A.U.S.E.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 10, 2026What an Airport Full of Solo Travelers Taught Me About ConfidenceRandom thoughts from the Rome airport on whether I would ever travel solo, the benefits of solo travel in midlife.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 9, 2026What I Packed for Europe vs. What I Actually NeededWhat I overpacked for Europe, what I was grateful for, and the one thing I wish I had packed more of.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 4, 2026Empty Nest and the Holidays: What Homesickness Taught Me About HealingAn honest Fourth of July reflection from Rome on empty nest grief, feeling homesick on holidays, and learning you can miss home and still be fully present.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JULY 2, 20265 Things I Wouldn't Travel Abroad Without in MidlifeFive honest midlife travel essentials from a woman in Rome who packed for every 'what if' and learned what actually mattered.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 1, 20266 Things Traveling in Midlife Taught Me About MyselfSix honest things traveling through Greece and Italy in midlife taught me about myself, from needing less to seeing interruptions as invitations.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JUNE 30, 2026Homesickness While Traveling: What I Miss About Home in MidlifeA postcard from Milos, Greece. A midlife pen-pal note on homesickness, missing my spouse and kitchen and dogs.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JUNE 25, 2026How to Beat Jet Lag on an Overnight Flight in Midlife: A Morning in AthensThree midlife non-negotiables for beating jet lag on an overnight flight, plus the tray-table tricks that helped me land in Athens ready to go.Read More →FREE PRINTABLECamino Hotel Booking Checklist (Printable)A free printable checklist for booking Camino de Santiago hotels: route, elevation, breakfast, luggage transfer, stamps, and laundry.Read More →
RESOURCE · OCTOBER 26, 2026Last-Minute Halloween Getaways 2026: Where to Go14 last-minute Halloween weekend getaways for Oct 30 to Nov 1, with nonstop flights from major U.S. cities, drives under 4 hours, and what is still happening.Read More →
RESOURCE · OCTOBER 24, 2026Orlando Halloween Bucket List 2026: From a LocalOrlando Halloween 2026 from a local: theme parks, hidden gems, 21+ nights, dog-friendly events, pumpkin patches, free fun, and spooky date nights.Read More →
RESOURCE · OCTOBER 16, 2026Austin Halloween Guide 2026: From a LocalAustin Halloween events for 2026 from a former local: haunted houses, Halloween bars, family events, Día de los Muertos, ghost tours, and spooky movies.Read More →
RESOURCE · OCTOBER 13, 202611 Best Places to Travel for Halloween in 2026Plan a Halloween getaway with the 11 best places to travel for Halloween in 2026, plus a quiz, sold-out alerts, and midlife travel tips.Read More →
The Sweet Spot Backstage
Welcome to The Sweet Escape
Grab your backpacks, bestie.
✈️ Travel Feature
Breckenridge Holiday Events 2026: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve
Thanksgiving, the December 5 tree lighting and New Year’s Eve fireworks, all in one Colorado holiday guide.
Read the Guide →Planning Thanksgiving? See Thanksgiving in Breckenridge 2026 →
From last-minute road trips to a 31-day walk across Spain on the Camino, I’ve learned that every trip can change you, even the spontaneous ones. ✈️ Where are you going next?
💌 Write Me Back in Pen PalOr tag me @justjennboard
I love you, Jenn 💋
Hey you, it’s me! 💋
You know that trip you’ve been talking about taking? The weekend getaway you’ve been putting off? Or that little town you’ve always wanted to explore?
Well, consider this your sign.
Welcome to The Sweet Escape, where we’re finding the hidden gems, planning the adventures, and making it a whole lot easier to get out there and enjoy life.
💋 Where Are We Escaping To Next?
NEWEST · NOVEMBER 7, 2026Best Thanksgiving Getaways 2026: 15 Places to Escape for the HolidayMountain cabins, big cities and tropical beaches, with costs, family fun and pet-friendly picks.Read More →
The Midlife Bucket List ✨
For the experiences we’ve spent years saying we’ll do someday. Think climbing Mount Fuji, walking the Camino, learning something new, or finally booking that dream vacation.
BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026How to Prepare for the Camino de Santiago: Every Question Answered (Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)Every question about preparing for the Camino de Santiago, answered one honest letter at a time by a midlife pilgrim: routes, cost, and more.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JULY 16, 20264 Steps to Planning Your Camino de Santiago (A Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)The four steps that helped me plan my Camino de Santiago: how many days to take, the route rules, training, and nervous system prep.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 13, 2026I Made It to Santiago: What the Camino de Santiago Taught Me About Trusting Myself at 44After biking and walking across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, Jennifer Board reflects on faith, grief, trusting herself, listening to her body.Read More →What Visitors Will Find
RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 9, 2026Christmas in Breckenridge 2026: For Couples, Families and Fur BabiesPlan Christmas in Breckenridge 2026: romantic getaways, family Christmas activities, dog-friendly hotels, Christmas Eve dinner, and sample itineraries.Read More →RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 7, 2026Best Thanksgiving Getaways 2026: 15 Places to Escape for the HolidayMountain cabins, big cities and tropical beaches, with costs, family fun and pet-friendly picks.Read More →RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 4, 2026Thanksgiving in New York City 2026: Where to Eat, Stay and PlayPlanning Thanksgiving in NYC 2026? The 100th Macy's Parade, where to watch free, parade-view hotels, Thanksgiving dinner, Home Alone 2 fun and a 5-day plan.Read More →RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026Things to Do in Orlando November 2026: Events & Holiday FunFestivals, Christmas lights, Disney holidays, Winter Park events, Thanksgiving weekend and dog-friendly adventures, plus my Orlando bucket list.Read More →RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026Thanksgiving in Orlando 2026: Turkey, Theme Parks & a Little Holiday MagicThanksgiving dinners and resort buffets, theme park celebrations, Christmas lights, Turkey Trots, free festivals, dog-friendly outings and a five-day itinerary.Read More →RESOURCE · NOVEMBER 2, 2026Thanksgiving in Breckenridge 2026: Dinner, Skiing and Where to StayPlanning Thanksgiving in Breckenridge 2026? Thanksgiving dinner, early-season skiing, family activities, hotels, shuttles, the Turkey Day 5K and a 5-day itinerary.Read More →RESOURCE · OCTOBER 30, 2026Breckenridge Holiday Events 2026: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's EveBreckenridge holiday events 2026: the Dec 5 tree lighting and Race of the Santas, Thanksgiving dinner, Ullr Fest, New Year's Eve fireworks, and where to stay.Read More →RESOURCE · OCTOBER 30, 2026Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge 2026: Where to Eat, Stay and PlayPlanning Thanksgiving in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? 2026 Thanksgiving dinner, cabins and hotels, Dollywood, holiday lights, dog-friendly tips and a 5-day itinerary.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · OCTOBER 28, 2026Southwest Rapid Rewards Changes 2027: Companion Pass and MoreSouthwest's 2027 changes explained: new Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, Companion Pass rules, the Dec 2 Chase card deadline, new lounges and Europe with points.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · OCTOBER 14, 2026Returning to Austin in Midlife: A Letter to Who I Used to BeI lived in Austin for four years and never went back. A midlife letter about motherhood, marriage, the memories a place holds, and going back to move forward.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · SEPTEMBER 25, 2026What I Wish I Knew Before Booking Hotels on the Camino de SantiagoPlanning the Camino de Santiago in 2026 or Holy Year 2027? The hotel booking mistakes I made, from route location to hills and breakfast.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 24, 2026Feeling Stuck in Life? What the Camino Taught Me About Getting Out of My Comfort ZoneFeeling stuck in life? After the Camino de Santiago, I realized adventure doesn't have to mean flying to Spain.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 13, 2026I Made It to Santiago: What the Camino de Santiago Taught Me About Trusting Myself at 44After biking and walking across Spain to Santiago de Compostela, Jennifer Board reflects on faith, grief, trusting herself, listening to her body.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 6, 2026Biking 278 Miles on the Camino del Norte: Grief, Self-Trust and Starting Again at 44After biking 278 miles on the Camino del Norte, Jenn reflects on chronic illness, fear, estrangement grief, self-trust, and surrender.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 3, 2026Overcoming Fear in Midlife on the Camino de SantiagoAt 44, Jenn reflects on overcoming fear while cycling the Camino de Santiago, celebrating 222 miles and confidence that grows one step at a time.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 2, 2026Finding My Voice at 44 on the Camino de SantiagoOn Day 15 of biking the Camino del Norte, Jenn wakes up to see the cover of Silent to Spoken and realizes how far she has come in finding her voice.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · SEPTEMBER 1, 2026I Went Anyway: What 45 Miles on the Camino Taught Me About Loving MyselfAfter 45 miles and 2,678 feet of climbing on the Camino del Norte, Jenn reflects on fear, chronic illness, finding her voice, listening to her body.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 29, 2026He Went Anyway: What the Cross Reminded Me on the CaminoA Camino reflection from Laredo, Spain, on physical exhaustion, sitting beneath the cross, gratitude, and what Jesus carried for us.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 25, 2026When Change Holds Both Grief and JoyA Camino reflection on grief, faith, and the power of choice in midlife, learning to pause, face change, and welcome what comes next.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 22, 2026Hey You, It's Me: Finding My Voice on the CaminoFrom fear and self-doubt to finding her voice, Jenn reflects on cycling the Camino, taking up space, and choosing the next brave step at 44.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 11, 2026Don't Worry, Nothing Is Going to Happen to YouA tender, honest note from Jenn Board on living today fully, because we do not get to know if tomorrow comes. Say the thing. Make the call.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026How to Train for the Camino de Santiago: Body, Mind and Heart | Camino ChroniclesHow to train for the Camino de Santiago with a whole-person plan: distance, back-to-back days, pace, sleep, recovery, feet, and hills.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026Is the Camino de Santiago Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Traveling Alone with Anxiety | Camino ChroniclesIs the Camino de Santiago safe for solo female travelers? A first-time solo international traveler shares practical safety planning, travel-anxiety tools.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026Camino de Santiago FAQ: Best Time, How Long, Blisters and Trail Kit | Camino ChroniclesCommon Camino de Santiago questions answered: the best time of year to walk, how many days it takes, how to treat blisters on the trail.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 11, 2026Best Camino de Santiago Apps, Websites and Resources (2026 Guide) | Camino ChroniclesThe best Camino de Santiago apps and websites in one place: route planning, booking, the official credential, navigation, and weather.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 10, 2026What Does The Camino Provides Really Mean? | The Way, Letter TenMedieval pilgrims made a will and left with a bowl. On daily bread, tomorrow's worry, why overpreparing is often a nervous system doing its job.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Is It Safe to Walk the Camino de Santiago in 2026?A current, honest look at walking the Camino de Santiago in 2026: Spain's record wildfires and heat, why the coast is cooler but Galicia fire risk is real.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Which Camino Route Should I Choose? 5 Routes Compared, Easiest to Hardest | Camino ChroniclesThe 5 main Camino de Santiago routes compared, easiest to hardest: how busy, how hard, the terrain, the vibe, the services, and the landmarks.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026How to Prepare for the Camino de Santiago: Every Question Answered (Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)Every question about preparing for the Camino de Santiago, answered one honest letter at a time by a midlife pilgrim: routes, cost, and more.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Camino de Santiago Packing List: Backpack Fit, Weight and Luggage Transfer | Camino ChroniclesA practical Camino de Santiago packing guide: choosing the right backpack, what actually goes in your pack, testing fit and weight.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · AUGUST 9, 2026Camino de Santiago Cost 2026-2027: 3 Budgets and Hidden Costs | Camino ChroniclesHow much does the Camino de Santiago really cost? Compare a traditional, mixed, and 31-day hotel-based Camino, plus hidden expenses.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 7, 2026Who Painted the Camino's Yellow Arrows? | The Way, Letter SevenOne priest, a small car, and leftover road paint. The true story of the Camino's yellow arrows, and Proverbs 3.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 6, 2026Starting Over Together in Midlife: A New Camino SeriesA new Camino series for anyone starting over in midlife. You do not have to walk across Spain. These daily reflections are about letting go.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 3, 2026Taking the First Step: Grief, Estrangement, and Walking the Camino to HealOn the eve of walking the Camino, what I am laying down: the grief of estrangement from my daughter, the need to be chosen, the waiting for apologies.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 3, 2026Which Camino Route Should You Choose? | The Way, Letter ThreeA stranger told me my Camino would not count unless I suffered. The six routes, and what the Cathedral actually requires.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · AUGUST 1, 2026Why Do Pilgrims Walk? | The Way, Letter One | Camino Preparation StudyFor a thousand years people have walked to Santiago carrying something. Camino history, Hebrews 11, and the honest question underneath every pilgrimage.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JULY 16, 20264 Steps to Planning Your Camino de Santiago (A Midlife Pilgrim's Guide)The four steps that helped me plan my Camino de Santiago: how many days to take, the route rules, training, and nervous system prep.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 15, 2026A Postcard from 30,000 Feet: I Don't Want to Be BraveA tender postcard from 30,000 feet on the flight home: Marley moving out, the Camino ahead, and letting the sadness move through.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 13, 2026What Bastille Day in Paris Reminded Me About Loving People WellWatching Bastille Day fireworks from a Paris balcony, I thought about how we have forgotten to celebrate our differences.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 12, 2026What 20,000 Steps a Day Taught Me About Aging GracefullyWhat walking twenty thousand steps a day across Europe taught me about aging gracefully, listening to my body, and pacing myself.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 11, 2026What Traveling Taught Me About Healing My Nervous System in MidlifeA Paris reflection on how travel did not heal my nervous system, it revealed it. On hypervigilance, surrender, faith, and the daily practice of P.A.U.S.E.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 10, 2026What an Airport Full of Solo Travelers Taught Me About ConfidenceRandom thoughts from the Rome airport on whether I would ever travel solo, the benefits of solo travel in midlife.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 9, 2026What I Packed for Europe vs. What I Actually NeededWhat I overpacked for Europe, what I was grateful for, and the one thing I wish I had packed more of.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 4, 2026Empty Nest and the Holidays: What Homesickness Taught Me About HealingAn honest Fourth of July reflection from Rome on empty nest grief, feeling homesick on holidays, and learning you can miss home and still be fully present.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JULY 2, 20265 Things I Wouldn't Travel Abroad Without in MidlifeFive honest midlife travel essentials from a woman in Rome who packed for every 'what if' and learned what actually mattered.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JULY 1, 20266 Things Traveling in Midlife Taught Me About MyselfSix honest things traveling through Greece and Italy in midlife taught me about myself, from needing less to seeing interruptions as invitations.Read More →HEY YOU NOTE · JUNE 30, 2026Homesickness While Traveling: What I Miss About Home in MidlifeA postcard from Milos, Greece. A midlife pen-pal note on homesickness, missing my spouse and kitchen and dogs.Read More →BACKSTAGE CONVO · JUNE 25, 2026How to Beat Jet Lag on an Overnight Flight in Midlife: A Morning in AthensThree midlife non-negotiables for beating jet lag on an overnight flight, plus the tray-table tricks that helped me land in Athens ready to go.Read More →FREE PRINTABLECamino Hotel Booking Checklist (Printable)A free printable checklist for booking Camino de Santiago hotels: route, elevation, breakfast, luggage transfer, stamps, and laundry.Read More →Coming soon. The first post in this category is on its way.
🎃 Halloween 2026 Archive
RESOURCE · OCTOBER 26, 2026Last-Minute Halloween Getaways 2026: Where to Go14 last-minute Halloween weekend getaways for Oct 30 to Nov 1, with nonstop flights from major U.S. cities, drives under 4 hours, and what is still happening.Read More →RESOURCE · OCTOBER 24, 2026Orlando Halloween Bucket List 2026: From a LocalOrlando Halloween 2026 from a local: theme parks, hidden gems, 21+ nights, dog-friendly events, pumpkin patches, free fun, and spooky date nights.Read More →RESOURCE · OCTOBER 16, 2026Austin Halloween Guide 2026: From a LocalAustin Halloween events for 2026 from a former local: haunted houses, Halloween bars, family events, Día de los Muertos, ghost tours, and spooky movies.Read More →RESOURCE · OCTOBER 13, 202611 Best Places to Travel for Halloween in 2026Plan a Halloween getaway with the 11 best places to travel for Halloween in 2026, plus a quiz, sold-out alerts, and midlife travel tips.Read More →