I’m continuing my series that catalogs tips I learned during my travels so you can have all the insider information. I’m currently writing this from a terrace at the base of 4 volcanoes – overlooking a lake. I had no expectations before coming to Ecuador, but I can now say that the nature views are absolutely breathtaking. Continue reading “Ecuador: A Travel Blog”
I keep surprising myself with what I say no to during this journey to early retirement. My friend and former colleague works at a company that offers discounted stays at a Four Seasons in Mexico. It looks beautiful (see above). Their rooms usually start at $400/night and we would get to stay for $75/night so $37.50/person/night. That’s a crazy discount. We would also receive half priced food and drinks…which would probably bring them to regular restaurant prices. Continue reading “Saying No To A Discount Vacation” 
I’ll be honest – I was scared for this flight from Seattle to Singapore. It would be my first 13.5 hour flight in economy (I know, princess much?) and it was also basically double the length of my previous longest economy flight: 7 hours. I was worried and thought this flight would convince me to dive even deeper into travel hacking and never ride long-haul economy again. I shouldn’t have worried. This flight on EVA Air was great and solidified my place as an international economy passenger.
Continue reading “Review: EVA Air”
My recent trip to Singapore was the first vacation in years that was more than a week chilling on the beach. The last similar trip I had was exploring Europe – mostly alone – for 2.5 weeks. Usually my Mom is interested in being in a luxury bubble and not actually learning about or exploring the local area. Singapore was different and it gave me an unexpected and unique insight into my life in retirement. Continue reading “A Retirement Prequel”
SINGAPOREWelcome to Disneyland! Jk – it’s Singapore. And it’s basically a grown up Disneyland. I had no expectations when visiting Singapore, but was quickly blown away. I also realized that this is the first vacation I’ve taken in a few years that was not based on luxury and beach relaxation. Instead I was being a real explorer again! So I’ve decided to start a new series that catalogs tips I learned during my travels and how much it cost. Continue reading “Singapore: A Travel Blog”
It was -13 degrees and understandably I was freezing. There was snow covering the hills of upstate New York. It was time to say goodbye to my partner’s family for the Christmas season and head home in the most indirect way possible 🙂 . Continue reading “NYC: My Old Stomping Ground”
My Mom texted me the other day asking if I had already bought my tickets to work from her house for 2 weeks this summer. I replied that it’s only 6 months away so of course I have 🙂 . She said that she’d like to treat me to a long spa weekend in Phoenix during my time there. Continue reading “Turning Down A Free Vacation”
We recently added a new hobby to our permanent repertoire. The stereotype of a Seattleite is a crunchy, liberal, outdoors person…and I must admit that’s pretty much accurate 🙂 . In Manhattan weekend activities included going to bars, going to bottomless mimosa brunch and complaining about your week. It was a bit of culture shock when we moved to Seattle because weekends are completely different. Continue reading “Frugal Mini Travel: Camping”