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  • Spanish Wells from Above
    The Bahamas

    Guide to Spanish Wells in the Bahamas

    Soft powdery sands. Pristine pool-like waters. Idyllic shores that consistently rank among the best in the world.   Welcome to the Bahamas: an unparalleled destination for beach-lovers. The jewel-like Bahamas caters to honeymooners, cruise-ship tourists, and sailing-enthusiasts. The country consists of…

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  • United States of America

    Discovering the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges

    The Klamath Basin covers a large swath of northern California and southern Oregon. A relatively undiscovered area, it is among the best birding destinations in the United States. Or so I’m told.  I’m not a birder. Nor do I pretend…

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  • Cape Kiwanda, Oregon
    United States of America

    The Three Capes Scenic Loop in Oregon

    Oregon’s Highway 101 is among the most unforgettable road trip destinations in North America. As it hugs the Pacific coastline, the route showcases soaring cliffs, windswept beaches, and charming seaside towns. But between Tillamook and Lincoln City, the famous coastal…

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  • Columbia River Gorge
    United States of America

    The Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes and Viewpoints

    The Columbia River Gorge divides Oregon and Washington in spectacular fashion. A national scenic area and magnet for recreation enthusiasts, it encapsulates much of what makes the Pacific Northwest so special. The gorge is a microcosm of many of the…

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  • Birds in Ocean Shores
    United States of America

    Day Trip to Ocean Shores and Seabrook

    The Washington Coast is rugged, wild, and often forgotten. Unlike the renowned stretches of Pacific shoreline in Oregon and California, the Washington beaches can feel like a bit of an afterthought.  Geographical and logistical barriers divide Washington’s coastline into three…

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  • Port Townsend--Cutest Town in Washington
    United States of America

    10 Adorable Small Towns in Washington

    Washington may be best known for its eye-popping scenery, but the state’s beauty isn’t only relegated to nature. Throughout Washington, quaint population centers support fishing, agriculture and tourism industries. They are home to historic downtowns, tasty eateries, and vibrant festivals.…

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“Traveling with kids is just parenting in anothe “Traveling with kids is just parenting in another location.” 

if I could get a dollar every time I heard someone say those words, I would probably be able to fund my next vacation. 
 
And I kind of get it, though I don’t really agree. 

Vacations aren’t really the same once you have little kids. You can’t just laze by the pool for hours and doze off with a book in hand.  Parenting duties don’t magically disappear when you buy a plane ticket. You still have to navigate sleep schedules, deal with tantrums, lug around an obscene amount of bags, and ensure bellies are full of snacks. 

So no, traveling with the kids does not magically make me feel more rested and relaxed. But it does fill my cup in so many other ways.

-It allows me to slow down and watch the kids interact with the world 
-It gives me a break from cooking and household chores
-It helps me feel like I haven’t fully abandoned the Erika that I was pre-kids
-It fills me with my happiest parenting memories 

And I think that it is great for the kids too. 

-It exposes them to other ways of living and helps them understand our shared humanity 
-It teaches them flexibility, adaptability, and patience 
-It ignites their curiosity about anything and everything 

This last trip of to Costa Rica was our first time traveling with two kids. It was sometimes stressful, sometimes difficult, always exhausting, rarely relaxing.

If you think that relaxation is necessary for a successful vacation, then you’ll probably agree that traveling with kids is just parenting with a different backdrop.

But if you travel for the thrill of new experiences, the break from routine, or the enjoyment of seeing new places, then traveling with kids is no obstacle. 

In some ways, bringing them along for the ride makes the experience even better.
Four days into our trip to Costa Rica, I left my c Four days into our trip to Costa Rica, I left my camera at our hotel near Rincon de la Vieja. I only realized my mistake once I arrived at the Monteverde Cloud Forest. And by that point, it was too late to turn around without disrupting our plans for the following day. 

Luckily, I was able to retrieve my camera en route to the airport, prior to returning home. 

I’m so happy I was reunited with my camera, but incredibly disappointed that I don’t have better quality pictures from the second part of our trip. 

Here are a few snapshots of the wildlife from the first three days.
2024. Another year come and gone. Wishing time wou 2024. Another year come and gone. Wishing time would slow down, but grateful for the memories made.
Happy due date to our sweet Selene! I have so many Happy due date to our sweet Selene! I have so many things to be thankful for this year, but the arrival of our new travel buddy tops the list. 

I can’t wait for this next year of adventure as a family of four!
It’s been a busy summer of travels to the Caribb It’s been a busy summer of travels to the Caribbean, Minnesota, Europe, Seattle and Eugene. And then, just like that, I dropped Elio off to school for the first time. 😭 

Looking forward to a year of growth, new transitions, and expanding friendships. And of course, some new exciting travels whenever we can squeeze them in!
Snapshots of the incredible wildlife on South Geor Snapshots of the incredible wildlife on South Georgia Island 🐧 🦭
The White Continent. #antarctica #7thcontinent # The White Continent. 

#antarctica #7thcontinent #atlasoceanvoyages #whitecontinent #instatravel #erikastravels
Loving summer ☀️ Loving summer ☀️
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