I want to have an honest conversation about budgets. I think many of us are thinking differently about our money this year – where it goes, how we spend it, and what truly matters. Here's the question:
How can we still invest in ourselves through travel, even if it looks different than before?

There's something special about fully unpacking your suitcase. You know what I mean? When I travel, I want to fully immerse myself in a place, even if it's just for a couple of days. And I always want to leave wanting more. We've all been on those trips where, at the end, you're feeling depleted and just so ready to go home. My trick? I leave on a high note, still wanting to see and do more.

I am thrilled to be able to introduce you all to Laura Riordan. Laura was an integral part of the genesis of Dare to Detour, as the concept behind Dare evolved out of a homework assignment for a class I took from her and Linda Lesem in March 2017 called What's Next 101. After the class, I continued working with Laura as I built out my concept for Dare to Detour…

The Fear/Joy Connection

How finding joy can rewire your brain. I've recently become obsessed with a new (to me) neurological concept: It's impossible to feel fear and joy at the same time.

Meet Lisa Joslyn, and how she's supporting women to feel competent and comfortable in nature's wild places.

I just returned from the Sisu Ski retreat in Colorado, and my heart is full of that special kind of joy that comes from doing something outside of your comfort zone and spending a weekend in community with other remarkable women.

My parents, Janet and Mel, have been my living, breathing guidebook to what authentic love looks like. Married in 1963, they've given me and my sister front-row seats to a love story that's been unfolding for decades.

After quietly taking on Dry January, I discovered something unexpected – the most profound changes weren't just physical (though hello, clear mind and better sleep!), but in how we view our relationship with alcohol as a society. Here's what happened to me, 31 days alcohol-free

…But beyond my own personal travel agenda I wanted to share some “new year predictions” shall we say. I'm seeing a travel landscape that's less about destination and more about discovery – for ourselves and the communities we'll encounter.

There's something a bit strange about these quiet days after New Year's. It’s like a twilight zone where the holiday decorations are packed away, and yet we’re still not back to our regular days quite yet. The house feels both empty and full of opportunity. So far, I've spent the beginning of 2025 doing something that was long overdue – creating space. Physical space, mental space, emotional space.

With the horizon of a new year dawns the promise of transformation, evolution, and a fresh intention. Each year I choose a word that serves to guide me as I make decisions personally and professionally and for 2025, my guiding word is VIBRANT.

There's something magical about travel that opens up unexpected portals of human connection. As someone who believes deeply in the power of genuine conversation, I've made it a personal mission to chat with my Uber drivers wherever I go. And let me tell you, my last trip to National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas was a masterclass in unexpected storytelling.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the ideal time to gift ourselves the simple, yet profound, healing of being outside in nature before the rest of December unfolds. Trust me, you deserve it. I know the enticement of planning and celebrating can be captivating (and stressful), but there's magic in solitude and silence too.

This year, something profound shifted for me. As I approach 60, I'm no longer resisting aging—I'm celebrating it.

Throughout the year I’ve found myself returning to the same well-loved products, resources, services, clothing, and gear. Once I fall in love with something, I rarely change my mind. From my favorite travel wrap to the best facial to my go-to suitcase, my trusted camera and lenses, and even the jewelry I put on each morning—these are the things that I love and use every single day. 

Happy November! Whether you dressed up for Halloween, handed out candy, or stayed cozy inside, the turn into November marks the holiday season for us all. With holiday gatherings and celebrations around the corner, I wanted to plant a seed...

I'm one of those people who enjoys the start of a new week, but still, it takes me a moment to shift my gears over to the work week. Most morning look like this…

This summer I turned 59—my final year in my 50s! Up until now, I dreaded my birthday. Being in the middle of summer always meant my friends were away and celebrations were scarce. The main highlight was the angel food cake with lemon frosting my mom used to make. Eventually, though, that tradition transitioned into peach pie.

October is a big month for me every year, but especially this year as it marks five years since I received the life-altering news of my breast cancer diagnosis. Five years—a milestone that seemed distant and daunting back then, but today, it stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of embracing that wild Detour life threw my way.

Traveling with an infant. A daunting task.Traveling internationally with an infant and packing up to be abroad for an entire month? I had some nerves.