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Last Minute Travel

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Save up to 40% on Last Minute Summer Travel Packages at Barceló Hotels & Resorts

Celebrate back-to-school season at Barceló Beach Resorts with these two last minute summer packages offering savings of up to 40 percent off. 

 At Barceló Maya Beach Resort (Mexico), currently in the final stages of a $50 million renovation, families can score a deal on a last blast of fun with a dedicated U-Spa for kids, mocktail menus and more.

Adults looking for a summer-end travel deal can head to Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort (Dominican Republic), offering adults-only accommodations and a PGA-rated championship golf course.

Families can score a deal on a last blast of fun at Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, Mexico.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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ROAD TRIP: Last-Minute Memorial Day Getaways

It’s not too late to hop in the car and save this Memorial Day weekend - stay 3 nights or more at any Wingate by Wyndham or Ramada hotels and receive 20% off your stay.

Here are five last-minute U.S. city breaks where you can kickoff the start to summer and celebrate Memorial Day for less.  

 

1. Washington, D.C. 

National Memorial Parade. Washington D.C.What better place to be patriotic than the nation’s capital? Events in the area include the National Memorial Day Concert  and the National Memorial Day Parade.

Perfect for last-minute trips from: Baltimore; Boston; Charleston, S.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Hartford, C.T.; Louisville, K.Y.; Nashville; New York City; Providence.  

 

2. Atlanta, GA 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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SUMMER SAVINGS: $150 Off Women's Yoga Rafting Trips with Holiday River Expeditions

River rafting. Sun salutations. Mother Nature. Wallet-friendly savings. Women looking for a restorative summer adventure will appreciate this women-only, yoga-focused rafting trip down the Green River through Utah’s Desolation Canyon with Holiday River Expeditions

Whether you are new to rafting, new to yoga, new to the outdoors or looking for a new girlfriend getaway, this June 2 - 6, 2014 trip welcomes women of all abilities and ages. 

 

The deal:

Book by April 30, 2014 and receive $150 off.  

Why go

Not your standard yoga retreat for the uber-fit, this wellness vacation is designed for ALL women including those who struggle with weight, arthritis, chronic pain, sports injuries, MS, aging or mobility related issues. Leading the yoga will be Deanna English, a registered nurse, yoga therapist, and integrative health coach. 

What to expect

Rafting splashy rapids that build in intensity each day. Big beach camps with plenty of room for yoga. Excellent inflatable kayaking opportunities. Dramatic canyon scenery. Great hiking. Plenty of down time. Fresh delicious meals. Scenic flight.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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LAST MINUTE TRAVEL: Winter Packages and Deals in Estes Park, Colorado

Spring may be right around the corner, but in Estes Park, CO., located adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, winter is far from over.  And unlike pricey, hard to access ski towns, in Estes Park, an easy 90-minute drive from Denver, off-peak prices make for some of the best winter deals in the Rocky Mountains.

Here are 4 discounted winter sport packages still available for a last minute winter getaway:

Snowcat Overnight Package 

Estes Park Outfitters offers private, customizable snowcat adventures with accommodations at the exclusive, luxurious High Mountain Cabin – inaccessible outside of the package.

Snowcat Overnight Package, Estes Park, CO

DEAL (Save $350): A private two-hour snowcat adventure, a chef-prepared dinner, a one night stay and breakfast. Adventures can be customized to include private cross-country or back-country skiing.The package is available while weather permits. Rates start at $695 a night for up to four people.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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ALASKA CRUISE DEAL: $600 Savings On New Heritage Adventure Cruises

Here’s a new small ship Alaska cruise with wallet-friendly savings from one of my favorite travel companies… 

Book a 2014 Alaska voyage with Un-Cruise Adventures aboard their new 88-guest S.S. Legacy by February 28, 2014 and receive adventure savings up to $600 per couple.

S.S. Legacy, Un-Cruise Adventures. 

Un-Cruise Adventures’ new replica coastal steamer S.S. Legacy sails back through history bringing alive the stories and characters from Alaska’s Gold Rush. The S.S. Legacy sails with crew in period costume and a team of Heritage guides charged with bringing characters and events from history alive through skits, impromptu vignettes, presentations and strolls on deck. Shoreside tours to points of historical interest are included. On board, guests enjoy the ambiance of an elegant coastal steamer with modern conveniences. Public spaces include an elegant Klondike Dining Room, Grand Salon with dance floor, wine bar and rollicking Pesky Barnacle Saloon. Wellness amenities include two hot tubs, sauna, massage room, fitness equipment and yoga on deck.

From June 15 through August 17, 2014 ten departures of a new Alaska’s Golden History cruise bring the Klondike Gold Rush alive. The weeklong cruise visits Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines and Skagway; Frederick Sound and Icy Strait are prime whale watching territory. An 11-night Gold Rush Legacy cruise between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered in June and August.

Highlights include guided tours in port, whale watching, viewing glaciers in Glacier Bay, discovering native Tlingit culture and exploring scenic waterways by coastal steamer.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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EUROPE TRAVEL DEAL: Winter Wipeout Deals at Generator Hostels Starting at $7 Per Night

Generator, the world’s fastest-growing hostel brand, is offering incredible winter wipeout deals available brand-wide at their eight locations throughout Europe’s best destinations starting as low as $7 per person, per night. 

Winter Wipeout offers are available through December 31, 2013 for travel until February 28, 2014.  Starting rates for each property are:  

 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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AFFORDABLE BEACH ESCAPES: Last Minute Fall Travel Deals in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Does the end of summer have you yearning for one last beach fling before the chill of autumn settles in?

I’m in the midst of writing about the Dominican Republic and Mexico this week and have stumbled upon some amazing last-minute travel deals in the process.

Here are three affordable hotel deals in Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya offering exceptional last-minute savings that just might tempt you to hop a flight.  

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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LAST MINUTE TRAVEL: Save up to $3100 with Free International Airfare with Grand Circle Cruise Line

Is Russia on your travel wish list for 2013?

Check out this new last-minute booking offer from Grand Circle Cruise Line’s for free round-trip international air fare from 22 U.S. gateway cities on 3 Fall 2013 departures on their 16-day Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg river cruise. Offer ends August 27, 2013. 

Cruise Russia for less with Grand Circle Cruise Lines 

This Russia river cruise is among GCCL travelers’ top 3 most popular river cruises for 2013. In addition, two GCCL Russia ships, the M/S Tikhi Don and the M/S Rossia, were the highest ranked Russian river ships in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 Top 100 Cruise Ships in the World.   

Here are the details:   

Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise 
Explores Moscow, Uglich, Goritsy, Kizhi, Petrozayodsk, Svir Stroi, and St. Petersburg 
16 days from $3195 per person (or $200 per day) 

SAVE up to $3100 per couple on three fall 2013 departures:  Free round-trip international air fare from 22 U.S. gateway cities includes airport transfers and government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges.  (Please note: visa costs are not included). 

Departure Dates & Prices: 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Peru: Fly LAN to Lima from $549

Why Go:

It’s no secret that Peru is one of South America’s hottest destinations with Amazon adventures, the Sacred Valley of the the Incas and Machu Picchu, plus some of the best cuisine on the planet. But the price of getting there isn’t always wallet-friendly.


Move quickly and you can fly for less with LAN Airline’s BIG DEAL Summer Sale on flights to and within Peru. Fly from the U.S. to Lima, Peru with fares starting at $549* and see more of Peru when you visit an additional domestic destination for $14 or LESS. Tickets must be booked together before August 5, 2013 for travel between August 15 and December 5, 2013.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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SWISS BLISS: 5 Last Minute Ways to Save in Switzerland this Summer

Switzerland ranks as one of the prettiest places on the planet. It’s also one of the most expensive. But that doesn’t mean budget travelers have to steer clear. Here are five wallet-friendly summer deals to help you stretch your dollars and expand your fun.

Alpine Summer Switzerland

Better still, discover how you can win a free one-week Swiss summer holiday.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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National Park Trips On Sale At Holiday River Expeditions

In Celebration of National Parks Week 2013 adventure travel outfitter, Holiday River Expeditions, is offering great deals on several of their National Park biking and rafting trips.

Holiday River Expeditions/Canyonlands National Park.

Book space on select Cataract Canyon Rafting or Combo Cataract Rafting & White Rim Trail Mountain Biking trips by April 26, 2013 and save $200 OFF the Adult Fare.

Or, for the ultimate mountain biking adventure, save $100 OFF the Adult Rate on their White Rim Trail Mountain Biking trip.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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LAST MINUTE TRAVEL: Act Fast and Save Big with Grand Circle Cruise Line

I love it when an inside connection turns me onto exceptional savings on vacation experiences that I can pass along and share. 

Here are two last-minute deals offering incredible wallet-friendly discounts on March 2013 European river cruises that you won’t find anywhere else.

Combined savings are more than $3,000 pp, but you’ll have to act fast. Booking deadlines are January 17 and 21, respectively. Hope it helps get you Out There!

Special #1:

Old World Prague & the Blue Danube (2013) River Cruise Tour

Explores Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Austria: Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Salzburg; Prague, Czech Republic

Regular price: 12 days from $2195

Special Discount: $1,000 pp for 03/07/13 departure (Book by: January 17, 2013 and please use code: TAAA 689)

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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LAST MINUTE ADVENTURE DEAL: Southern Tanzania & Swahili Coast with Immersion Journeys

Beginning November 1, 2012, custom travel company Immersion Journeys is offering last-minute discounts on their six-night Tanzania and Swahili Coast adventure package, including airport meet-and-greet services, five-star accommodations and meals, domestic transport and game drives with an English-speaking guide, all park fees and government taxes. This is a savings of 15% off their high-season rates. (valid Nov 1, 2012- March 1, 2013). 

 

 
 

Highlights of this extraordinary adventure include three nights in the Selous Game Reserve- the largest reserve in Africa - and a stay at the luxury Serena Mivumo Lodge overlooking Steiglers Gorge, with game activities during the day including sundowners along the mighty Ruaha and Rufiji Rivers- where explorer’s caravans were likely to have once camped for the evening. 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Save Up to 66% Off Sailing Adventures in Costa Rica & the Caribbean

I was telling a friend recently how much fun Star Clippers’ tall ship sailing adventures are. Then I spotted this great travel deal and had to share…

Trade your scarves and shovels this fall and winter for balmy breezes and palm-fringed shorelines with a tropical getaway to the Caribbean and Costa Rica aboard a glorious tall ship. On select seven-night sailings from November through March aboard all three Star Clipper ships, guests can take advantage of exceptional savings and book a SetSail cruise-only rate starting at just $1,299 per person, double occupancy. That represents 66 percent off brochure rates. 

 

Bookings must be made by Nov. 15, 2012, to take advantage of these savings, so don’t wait until the snow starts to fall to reserve your cabin. 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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LAST MINUTE TRAVEL DEAL: Summer Sale on 2012 Galapagos Yacht Cruise

We cruised the Galapagos with Ecoventura earlier this year and loved it. If the famed islands are on your travel wish list, check out this budget-friendly travel deal…

Book a Galapagos Yacht Cruise by Aug. 31st for Travel in 2012 or 2013 and save.

Sally lightfoot crab, the Galapagos Islands. ©Ellen Barone.

Environmentally friendly Galapagos cruise company, Ecoventura, is offering a special ten percent discount on some seasonal departure dates through mid-December 2012. In addition, guests booking a trip now for 2013 (excluding holiday weeks) can lock in 2012 cruise rates. This promotion can also be combined with a 5 percent Early Bird discount for selected departure dates 180 days out from booking date.

The 2012 seasonal departures that apply are July 29-Aug. 5, Aug 19-26, Sept. 2-9, Sept. 16-23, Sept. 23-30, Sept. 30-Oct. 7, Oct. 21-28, Nov. 4-11, Nov. 18-25, Dec. 2-9 and Dec. 9-16. 

Seven-night/eight-day cruise rates start at $3,550 per person, double occupancy before any discounts are applied. Additional discounts are available for children. All cruises run Sunday to Sunday. 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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LAST MINUTE TRAVEL DEAL: South America from $399 taxes included with LAN.

I’m currently traveling in South America and believe me, this is a GREAT deal. Flights here can be very expensive. Read on for details…

Planning a Fall trip to South America? You can save now and travel later with LAN airlines’ mid-year BIG DEAL SALE, now offering huge savings from the U.S. to South America this fall. But the deal ends this week!

Buy your ticket now through June 18, 2012 for deals starting at US$399 roundtrip, including all taxes and fees and travel for less between September 1 - November 30, 2012.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Save On Flights Across The U.S.

Whether you’re planning a family trip or a romantic getaway, American Airlines and American Eagle are offering some great deals with airfares as low as $87*, but you must purchase your tickets by May 31, 2012, to save. 

 
• Take off to cities across the U.S.
• Travel June 9 through October 30, 2012
• Purchase your ticket by Thursday, May 31, 2012
*Prices are each way, based on round-trip purchase.
Taxes included; conditions apply.

 

Learn more at AA.com

Source: American Airlines.

 

 

About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of TravelUpdatesbyEllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. Learn more here and connect on Twitter at,FacebookGoogle+ and LinkedIn.

 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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Spring Special at Lake Yellowstone Hotel Cabins

Spring in Yellowstone National Park means the arrival of newborn wildlife and colorful wildflowers and a discounted price on Frontier Cabins at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins. Concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts has reduced the rate on Frontier Cabins to $99 through May 24. The Lake Yellowstone Hotel opens for the summer season May 11.

Built in the 1920s, all of the Frontier Cabins have been renovated within the last few years. All cabins – some freestanding and others duplex-style units – include two double beds and a private bathroom with a shower. The cabins, normally priced at $135 per night, are just a short walk from the main hotel building.

The cabin discount occurs in advance of the park’s busiest months of June, July and August and is a good choice for travelers who prefer to visit the park when there are fewer visitors. 

Springtime in Yellowstone is also a popular time for wildlife viewing because it is when newborn elk and bison calves, wolf pups, bear cubs and other animals make their debuts.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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SAINT LUCIA: Spring Savings Just In Time for Easter & Mother's Day

Looking to relax and unwind with a Caribbean escape this Spring that won’t break the bank? Take advantage of value-packed specials at Bay Gardens Resorts this Spring for Easter, Mother’s Day and Saint Lucia Jazz at two of its three Saint Lucia properties - The Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn.

Nestled in the heart of Saint Lucia’s entertainment capital, Rodney Bay Village, both properties offer superior accommodations, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and the finest in service and hospitality. Within walking distance of the world famous Reduit Beach, dozens of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and the recently opened Treasure Bay Casino, Bay Gardens is perfectly situated to offer the best of what Saint Lucia has to offer.

Celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and Saint Lucia Jazz on a Budget at Bay Gardens Hotel and Inn.

Easter Savings

Easter is a great time for a family escape. Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn doubles the fun for parents and children with their Easter Savings package where children under 16 stay for free. Mom and dad can receive a Couples Massage at La Mer Spa or a romantic three-course dinner at the Trios Caribbean Fusion Restaurant, both located at Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, including complimentary babysitting service. Children can take part in a day of fun with an Easter egg hunt, special Easter Sunday Brunch at the Beach Resort, and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself. Rates for a five night package start at US$689 for a family of four in a Superior room including daily Caribbean buffet breakfast – a savings of 60 percent.

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".

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SPRING SKIING DEALS: Save On Lodging and Lift Tickets

Hit the slopes and save with these late season package deals from resorts in some of North America’s top ski destinations.

Perfect for spring breakers looking to save on lodging and lift tickets. 

1.       Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, Avon, Colorado - With the Sunshine on Sale package, make a reservation before April 15, 2012, at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa and get an extra night of luxurious accommodations for FREE at the magnificent chateau-style Vail resort.

2.       Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, Wyoming – The luxurious ski-in/ski-out Four Seasons Resort in Wyoming’s Teton Mountains features world-class dining, full-service spa retreat, unforgettable service & signature amenities, along with incredible access to epic ski terrain & winter adventures. With their Ski Jackson Hole package, guests booking a minimum of two night stay at the resort will receive daily lift tickets for two

3.       Four Seasons Resort Whistler, British Columbia, Canada –  With easy access to the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb, featuring exceptional dining experiences, lively après ski scene, a rejuvenating spa & endless outdoor adventures, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler is offering free daily lift tickets for two with their Ski Whistler Package.  Minimum of two nights stay at the resort required.

4.       Destination® Hotels & Resorts Mountain Collection – Save up to 40% off your stay at select properties within the DH&R mountain collection, including Aspen, Snowmass, Squaw Valley, Stowe Mountain, Tahoe, Telluride and Vail. The sale is exclusive to Destination Delivers loyalty program members, which is free to join.

 

About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel expert Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of EllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. Learn more here and connect on Twitter at,FacebookGoogle+ and LinkedIn.

 

 

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Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".