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7 Gentle Days in Provence: A Slow Traveler’s Reverie

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If the idea of time slowing down speaks to your soul, Provence may be the balm you've been seeking. For the traveler who prefers gentle mornings over jam-packed itineraries, who longs to linger over a glass of rosé instead of racing to the next landmark—this region offers more than just a trip. It offers a rhythm. A Tale of Two Tempos Base yourself in a city like Avignon or Aix-en-Provence if you crave a soft blend of culture, history, and life’s quieter pleasures. Cobbled lanes, shaded squares, and the whisper of fountains offer just enough energy without overwhelming the senses. Pont Du Gard, UNESCO Site But if your heart yearns for stillness, the countryside is calling. Think of places like Lourmarin, Saignon, or Gordes, where days unfold slowly and beauty reveals itself gradually. What 7 Days Can Feel Like Smell the Lavender Time it right, and the lavender fields will greet you with their intoxicating perfume. The bloom is fleeting—but when it’s on, it feels like walking ...

Travel Planner vs. Travel Agent vs. Travel Concierge: Who Should You Hire for Your Next Trip?

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Travel Planner vs. Travel Agent vs. Travel Concierge: Key Differences Explained If you’re planning a vacation or luxury getaway, you’ve probably seen the terms travel planner , travel agent , and travel concierge . While they may sound similar, each role offers different services that can shape your travel experience in unique ways. As a solo travel professional, I often wear all three hats—so let me break down the differences to help you understand what I can offer based on your needs. What Is a Travel Planner? As a travel planner, I specialize in creating custom itineraries tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget. Unlike traditional agents who focus on bookings, I focus on designing your experience—day by day—so it feels effortless and exciting. Services I Offer as a Travel Planner: Destination research and personalized recommendations Itinerary design (including daily activities and logistics) Multi-city or multi-country route planning Optional booking...

A Hidden Gem in Southern France: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

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Nestled in the heart of Southern France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a picturesque medieval village that feels like something out of a fairytale. Often mistaken as just a quick stop, this charming village is actually part of the Provence region and deserves far more than a fleeting visit. With its cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques, and breathtaking views, Moustiers is small enough to explore in a day—but if you're anything like me and enjoy soaking in the atmosphere without the rush of tourists, I highly recommend staying for at least 2–3 nights. Why Stay Longer? A longer stay allows you to fully experience the region at a relaxed pace. From Moustiers, it's easy to take a day trip to the stunning Lac de Sainte-Croix , where you can swim, kayak, or simply enjoy a picnic by the turquoise waters. Another unforgettable experience is the Route des Crêtes , a scenic drive along the cliffs of the Verdon Gorge. Although I missed out on the Route des Crêtes—most private dr...

Exploring Ireland for First-Time Traveler

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Have you ever been to Ireland? If you've never been to Ireland, you are not alone. I haven't been there myself, but I'm starting to research it as a way to take a break from the medieval scene in France. And here is what I found Where is Ireland? Ireland is an island in northwestern Europe, located to the west of Great Britain. It’s surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and separated from the UK by the Irish Sea. The island is divided into two parts: The Republic of Ireland — a sovereign nation, often simply called “Ireland” Northern Ireland — part of the United Kingdom The sovereignty of Ireland can get a little complex, especially if you’re a traveler or digital nomad planning to use Ireland as a base to navigate the 90-day Schengen rule. So, it’s worth understanding this clearly.   What’s the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and Ireland? United Kingdom (UK) Is short for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.  It includes four countries:...

Traveling with a Sensitive Body in Cold Weather? Here’s What’s Helping Me Thrive

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I’ve been wearing socks around the house since I can remember. Not just a cozy habit—more like a survival strategy. Years ago, I noticed that when I stood barefoot on cold marble floors, my calves would spasm painfully. That sensation led me to never take warmth for granted again. So, socks became my travel companions. As time passed, I began experiencing arthritis in my hands. My fingers would sometimes freeze in place—tense and immobile for what felt like five full minutes. It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was alarming. With each new signal from my body, I’ve learned to listen, to adapt, and to care for myself more intentionally. My Experience in France: Winter Stomach Pain On my recent trip to France, I experienced something new—and honestly, awful: winter stomach pain. Not once. Not twice. But three times. It felt like: A spasm A contraction A punch of gastric flu A persistent ache that just wouldn’t let go And yes—it was spring. The temperatures were in the 6...

My First Year as a Travel Vlogger: What They Don’t Tell You

It’s been just over a year since I decided to become a travel vlogger. And here’s the hard truth: It ain’t easy. I really don’t know how some creators do it—making 6- or even 7-figure incomes in a few months, jet-setting while effortlessly pumping out polished content. I’m not being negative. I’m being honest. I am not them. I didn’t hit my income goals. I didn’t go viral. But here’s the part I’m proud of: I’m still here. Still learning. Still filming. Still growing. This isn’t a post about quitting. This is a story about pivoting . Why I Chose This Path What a lot of people don’t know is that I’m doing this part-time . My full-time job is being a mother to two children with special needs. I homeschool my youngest and help my older son with schoolwork. Every spare moment outside of that, I pour into this dream—learning, experimenting, filming, editing, researching, and showing up on camera even when I feel rundown. I started because I wanted to explore the world through ...

A Second Climb: Experiencing the Eiffel Tower Again

We went to the Eiffel Tower — again! Though I’ve visited Paris several times, I never actually set foot on the Eiffel Tower until last year, when I brought my youngest son. I thought that might be a once-in-a-few-years experience… but surprise, surprise — we were back just a year later. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you! First Time vs. This Time Last year’s visit was during Easter. It was chilly but less crowded since it was the off-season. We didn’t plan much in advance and still managed to get tickets on the spot — a rare stroke of luck! (Pro tip: normally, it’s best to book your tickets one to two months in advance.) That time, we only went up to the first level. It was enough for a quick experience, especially with a young child. This year, we climbed higher — though not all the way to the summit. My son is 10 now, and I wanted this to be memorable for him , so I followed his lead and...