Travel Writing
The first thing we think of when it comes to travel is sightseeing—the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty or Shibuya Crossing. Maybe we think of white sand beaches, snowy mountaintops or palm trees (I sure do love palm trees).
But traveling, no matter where we go, is about the moments.
The time we spend listening to water lap against docks, or the smell of fresh waffles and snow. The taste of a food you’ve never tried before, but it quickly becomes your favorite. Travel is about capturing the small moments to take back home with you, like sand in a bottle. The memories might get fuzzy, but the moments last forever.
KEY WEST, FLORIDA
If I said this wasn’t my favorite vacation of all time, it’d be a lie. I’ve been to many places in the US, but never somewhere that ignited such inspiration, happiness and enthusiasm.
The humid warmth of Key West is akin to being wrapped up in relaxation. While walking down the street, listen to the song of whispering palm trees, roosters cawing, and the far-off white noise of waves crashing. As calming as it is to your soul, the island is crawling with life. Duval Street is where you’ll find the clubs, bars and tourists shopping with piña coladas in hand.
One special piece I can’t go without mentioning is the seafood. As someone who grew up catching fish in the morning and eating it for dinner, I fell in love with the amazing options here. Kudos to Blue Heaven for such a unique atmosphere, and the Eaton Street Seafood Market for a more casual experience that I still fell in love with.
BURLINGTON, VERMONT
For three years, I resided in the lively city of Burlington, Vermont. While it isn’t big or grand, its quaint qualities make for a wonderful stay. As a college city overflowing with students, Burlington is full of art and beautiful campuses. The beauty of the University of Vermont is what drew me in, after all.
Church Street is where the fun begins! Bookstores that smell like paper and warm wood, sweet chocolatiers, and the wonderful Ben & Jerry’s will give you that fuzzy feeling of comfort. This brick pedestrian street is a perfect place for photo-ops, but nothing beats beautiful Lake Champlain.
Stroll across the boardwalk at sunset, have a picnic in the park overlooking the water, and watch the boats come in as you sit on the swings nearby. Not far off is the famous Skinny Pancake, a perfect place for dinner or dessert, crêpe style! After a delicious meal, you might like to take a trip down Pine Street to visit breweries like Queen City or Zero Gravity, and even Citizen Cider!
OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA
The Outer Banks is a very popular vacation destination on the east coast of the US—and for good reason. If sunbathing in soft sand and watching seagulls fly over breaking waves isn’t enough, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy on these wonderful islands.
In the town of Corolla, drive on the beach and take a ride through sandy neighborhoods to spot wild horses. Here, you can even see the bright green house owned by the driver of the famous Grave Digger. To experience something truly ethereal, walk along the tops of sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Kitty Hawk. Just don’t forget to cover up to avoid the sand carried by the wind!
Duck is the best place to snack. Visit Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books for sweetly flavored lattes, or grab some other sugary delights at Donutz on a Stick. But don’t miss out on my personal favorite, Duck Donuts, where you get to choose your favorite flavors, and the donut is fried right before your eyes!
