If you are planning a trip to Seattle, you might find your plans interrupted by unexpected rainfall- but don’t worry, Seattle knows just how to make the most of rainy days and in this post we’ll review some of the best ways to ENJOY what rain brings to the city. It’s important to remember that…
The 5 Best Study and Work Spots in Seattle, Washington
Sometimes I need to break up my routine and switch up my study or work spaces. A change of scenery and a little bit of background noise often helps me focus- and getting out of my tiny studio is never a bad idea. In this post I’ll be introducing you to some of my favorite…
8 Essentials for Solo Travel
After I sold my business in 2015, I had the opportunity to do some traveling. Even though I’d dreamed of travel… I didn’t go. I did not have a travel companion and was afraid to go by myself, so I did not go. Fast forward 2 years and a cross-country move, and in 2017 I…
Dig Your Own Crystals – Quirky Seattle Day Trip
I’m not a typical crystal collector. Neither geologist or a believer in healing crystals, I just like things that are pretty and sparkle- and crystals definitely fit the bill. I also love a good treasure hunt, as evidenced by the many posts on this blog about garage sales, gardening, and chicken-keeping (because what is…
Secret Seattle: Tips for Visiting Amazon’s Campus in South Lake Union
South Lake Union is a neighborhood in Seattle. While it’s not the hottest tourist destination, South Lake Union is only a few steps from iconic Pike Place market and, as the neighborhood that is home to Amazon’s headquarters, is a fascinating part of Seattle to include on your itinerary for visiting Seattle. In this post,…
Croatia to Italy Adriatic Sea Crossing aboard the Dubrovnik to Bari Ferry
On the return trip from Croatia in July 2017, I sailed from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Bari, Italy aboard the Jadrolinija Ferry “Dubrovnik”. On this return trip, unlike my first Adriatic crossing with Jadrolinija, I traveled on a daytime passage. This crossing made my first Jadrolinja ferry seem like a cakewalk! Ferry Check In Passengers…
Tips for Solo Travel In Croatia – Travelling by Bus
Unlike most of Europe, Croatia lacks a well-developed rail system. Thankfully, I found the transportation options available by bus to be more than adequate and most of my bus experiences in Croatia were preferable overall compared to train travel that same summer (2017) through Italy. I rank transportation by comfort, stress level, and the…
4 Creative Tips you Haven’t Heard for Keeping your Wallet and Passport Safe During Solo Travel
I’ve traveled internationally in the past, but this past summer’s trip to Italy, Croatia was my first time to travel internationally alone. For me, traveling is always high stress, and traveling alone definitely added a layer of anxiety. Being extra vigilant about my security felt important, and I think the creative ways I came up…
Visiting Seattle’s Freeway Park
The first time I drove down the freeway that cuts through downtown Seattle, my attention was drawn upward. I’d seen freeway lids plenty of times, but Seattle’s downtown freeway lid hinted at something unique and spectacular: towering evergreens extended high over the lid and wandering vines dangled far over the edges. This, I would later…
2 Days on Whidbey Island – August 2017
[Originally published on my art site, LindsayBraman.com, I realized this content was very appropo to this blog, so I’ve reposted below] This summer has been kind to me and offered many opportunities to travel. While it was nice to be home after the long trip in July, I took one last jaunt out of the city…
3 Days Traveling Solo in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
I’m not entirely sure how Mostar Bosnia wound up as a 4 day/3 night stop on my 2017 summer travels, but this little oasis in Bosnia and Herzegovina was a destination of rest and adventure. As a single female solo traveler in my mid 30’s- and an artist- I travel a little differently from the…
How to DIY a Hair Removal Lip Waxing Kit for Travel
Recently while browsing (of all places!) Anthropologie’s website I came across a product I thought was pretty genius but dramatically overpriced: A small and adorably labeled tin that contained pre-waxed waxing strips that, when warmed slightly, can be used for waxing your upper lip when you are away from home or salon. It’s…
Stuff to Know before you Go: My Expereince with Jadrolinija Ferry Service from Italy to Croatia
As a ferry-loving transplant to the Pacific Northwest USA planning a trip to both Italy and Croatia, I was excited to find that ferries are an option for connecting Italy with Eastern Europe. Booking my tickets was easy enough (through Jadrolinija website or directferries.com) but information beyond when to show up was sparse- and English-language…
Escape to Lopez Island: the PNW’s Hidden Gem in the San Juan Islands
Confession: I am currently in the midst of a long term love affair with the Washington State Ferries. Living in downtown Seattle, the ferries are a constant rhythm as they come and go from the downtown ferry dock. Since my very first ferry ride in Seattle, the ferries have represented escape, rest, and retreat from…
Truffle Hunting in Florence: A Solo Traveler Tries an AirBnB Experience.
(aka: The time I Paid $200 to Pet a Dog in Florence) For many, travel is about seeing the iconic scenes and structures around the world, for others, travel is more about collecting experiences and stories that form sensory memories and opportunities to experience life through the eyes of people very different from me. AirBnB…
Air BnB Hosting Tips that Boost Profit & Guest Reviews:
Know your Market and Price Accordingly Just two tips on pricing: A. Start Low then go High. People who pay very little for a product or service are more likely to give the product or service very high reviews. Starting out on Air BnB, reviews are EVERYTHING- reviews are so important they are practically worth…
AirBnB Hosting Tips – 8 Things I did Differently to Boost Profits
While I was in the process of relocating to Seattle, my home in Joplin, MO spent more than a year vacant. Unsure at first if I wanted to keep the house, and, after listing, aware the unique property would take time to sell, I set up my home as an Air BnB. In the year…