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On the bus to the port Have you ever been surrounded by only complete strangers? No one who even knows your name let alone anything about who you actually are. Individuals that you have no deep connection with. People who you might chat with once or twice and never see again. It can be intimidating. It can be thrilling. It can be freeing. For me, these feelings only lasted until the first night at the hotel before we embarked. It was there we had a small meet & greet with oth

(Imagine a very loud foghorn blowing) Embarkation Process On Tuesday, January 6th, hundreds of people filed onto busses and into the ship terminal to begin the Around-the-World Cruise. Smiles and cheers filled the air as old friends recognized each other in the lines. However, the excitement quickly waned as the check-in process wasn’t exactly as efficient as expected. I was on the first bus from the hotel, scheduled at 11am. We expected about a 30-minute drive from the hotel

As I sit here, the day before embarking on the 6-month Around the World cruise, I find myself reflecting on how exactly I got here. Yes, you may be thinking - 'Lan, you drove from Michigan to Miami. If you already forgot that, maybe you should go get a check-up before getting on the boat...' But I don't mean how I physically got to this place, instead, the choices and decisions made over the past many years that allowed me to be here, sitting poolside at a very fancy and beau

I created my very first YouTube video! It’s a bit rough cut as I’ve decided just to learn as I go, but it covers the Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about my upcoming cruise. Check it out! https://youtu.be/8EcnIxFERkw?si=53nxsLYIvhclAHV6 PS - Less than ONE MONTH TO GO!!

This past weekend, my sister and I checked off a long-awaited Bucket List item - Experiencing the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, USA. We had been planning this trip for about 10 years, ever since we managed to get a bit lost in a Utah desert . Somehow, that lead to us wanting to vacation together again, but there we were. However, the only way we would go was if we were able to get a glamping tent, because let's face it, neither of us are really outd

Why You Should Start a Multi-Year Bucket List Let’s be honest—how many vacation days have you let slip away unused, waiting for “the...

Ahoy, fellow wanderers and vicarious adventurers! In preparation for my upcoming AROUND THE WORLD cruise, I've added a subscription ...

Eat where the locals eat, not where the tourists snap selfie s – If a place has a long line of residents, congratulations—you’ve found...

Never underestimate the power of an extra pair of socks – Warm feet = happiness. Cold, damp feet = existential crisis. Extra socks,...

Public transport is your secret weapon – It’s cheaper, you meet real people, and sometimes you get an impromptu tour from a chatty...

Treat your passport like gold – It is your ticket home! Luckily, I never head to deal with this, but I sat in on a travel security...

Always say “yes” (except to suspicious alleyway deals) – Unexpected adventures come when you embrace the unknown. But trust your...

A smile is your best visa – Even if you don't speak the local language, a kind grin can open doors, win friends, and possibly get you...

Master the art of "lost" sightseeing – Wandering without GPS can lead to the best hidden gems (or a great workout while finding your way...

Pack like a minimalist – The less you carry, the easier your journey. But always make room for snacks. Priorities! I recall my first...

Near Portland, Oregon This is a lesson I learned the hard way – Always check for forest fires or any other natural disasters near your...

Estes Park, Colorado On road trips, and cruises, and well, any vacations, I normally get up extra early because I don’t want to miss out...

If you were to ask me for my favorite Caribbean Island, I would answer, without a doubt, ARUBA! Top 5 things about Aruba: 1.       You...

New Orleans, Louisiana Have you ever found that one food that you will go out of your way, regularly, to eat? For me, it is Charbroiled...

Nashville, Tennessee There once was a time when GPS was not on your phone. It was not on your Garmin. It resided in 2D format called a...