Rebecca VanDeMark's Blog, page 3

twenty four years later...remembering september 11

  Picture from Rifle Paper Company World Traveler Map (found HERE)
It has been 24 years since America witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks in our history since Pearl Harbor. As a High School teacher I used to show my students part of a documentary about September 11th (as many of them were exceptionally young or to young to remember that day) as a way to help them understand the tragedy and the bravery of so many on this day. It was a way to not only "pause and remember" but to reflect on the incredible amount of freedom that we experience in America and to remember and pray for those who have given so much for our country in the past and to thank and pray for those who are serving our country today. Pic found HERE

I would also share my personal story of being on the first international flight allowed back into the country (I had been studying abroad during that time), dealing with the horror of lost loved ones and friends (and of friends who lost so many people that day), and of finding so much hope through the kindness of strangers and of a country rallying together.

Eleven years ago I walked back into Newark Airport for the first time in 13 years and was overcome and struck by the differences between the two times. Instead of Air Marshall's guarding our flight and the tension that came with our long international flight and the regulations of being the first flight back into the US, my flight from California was peaceful as many people slept for the duration.

Instead of the stewards and stewardesses crying, they were smiling.

Instead of the passengers singing "God Bless America", we landed silently.

Instead of rows and rows of planes not moving at Newark, planes were steadily taking off the ground.

Instead of being greeted by soldiers from the National Guard lined up at our gate to greet and escort us to immigration lines, I walked off the plane alone.

Instead of Newark being a chaotic scene of red cross workers, rows and rows of cots,  family members and loved ones in tears, and the haunted look of despair, Newark was busy with people excited to get to their destinations.

I paused to look out at the exact place that I stood at 13 years ago and was overcome with emotion. Emotion at the changes. Emotion for those that lost so much that day. Emotion for the way that our country rallied together and responded to the crisis. Emotion for those who continue to grieve their lost loved ones. Emotion for living in a country that fights for freedom despite incredible odds and terror. 
As we stop to remember the loss of loved ones I thank God for living in a country that is free.  A country that though we may not agree with everything and feels completely divided right now and even in the past 24 hours has watched an unbelievable and horrific event occur, has in the past rebuilt after tragedy and holding onto the tenuous hope that this can happen again.
My heart goes out to all who lost a loved one this tragic day 24 years ago. May you feel the comfort and the love of so many around the nation and around the world as we pause to reflect on the bravery of so many not only today, but each day. 
May the legacy that we build from that time help us today. 
I pray that we always remember September 11th and honor those who were lost, encourage the hearts of those who are grieving lost loved ones, and remember the bravery of so many. Pic found HERE
This picture above is of Father Mychal Judge who was killed on September 11th.  The day before he gave his last message and I wanted to share part of it with you today:
"Thank you Lord for life.  Thank you for love.  Thank you for goodness.  Thank you for work.  Thank you for family.  Thank you for friends.  Thank you for every gift because we know that every gift comes from you, and without you, we have and are nothing.  So, as we celebrate this day in thanksgiving to you, keep our hearts and minds open. Let us enjoy each other's company, and most of all, let us be conscious of Your presence in our lives and in a special way in the lives of all those who have gone before us.  And Father we make our prayer, as always, in Jesus' name who lives with You forever and ever.

That's the way it is.  Good days.  And bad days.  Up days.  Down days.  Sad days.  Happy days.  But never a boring day on this job.  You do what God has called you to do.  You show up.  You put one foot in front of another.  You get on the rig and you go out and you do the job - which is a mystery.  And a surprise.  You have no idea when you get on that rig.  No matter how big the call.  No matter how small.  You have no idea what God is calling you to.  But he needs you.  He needs me.  He needs all of us. "
- Father Mychal Judge (September 10th, 2001)-

9 must have experiences aboard the viking delling / my viking story / rhone river cruise

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope you are having a wonderful week so far! Today I wanted to share 9 Must Have Experiences aboard the Viking Delling that you have to do on your Rhône River Cruise with Viking Cruise Line! There are obviously so many more things I could add to this, but these are my top 9 recommendations! 
I also created a reel about this so if you would like to see the reel simply click HERE ! 
Here are my top 9 recommendations: 1. Eat in the Aquavit Terrace Once. The beauty surrounding you is incredible and it truly is a memorable experience that you don’t want to miss! 2. Attend Evening Port Talks with Nuno, the Program Director. While you have the option to view these in your room, the experience of joining with fellow passengers and connecting more is a truly special time. Nuno did an amazing job of providing information we would need about the port we would be at the following day, helpful tips for our excursions and also gave a cultural component related to where we were at and shared an art piece each night. His engaging personality drew everyone in and I highly recommend attending these! 3. Learn about the locks. On this cruise you will go through 13 different locks and to be honest, I didn’t know that much about them before this cruise. After learning about it I honestly have to say that I was impressed and it was fascinating to understand this part of River Cruising. 4. Get to Know Your Fellow Guests. The people with us on our cruise were fascinating, inspiring, and so interesting! 5. Attend the Taste of Provenance Dinner. This was a special night and truly the crew did an amazing job of putting on such a special evening dinner menu. I heard several people say they weren’t going to attend and I felt sad that they missed out on such an amazing event. Do not miss this!
Want to hear all about my food and dining review on the Delling including a special part about the Taste of Provenance Dinner? Watch this reel by clicking HERE ! 6. Participate in the Evening Music/Events. Each night there were different things happening in the lounge and each was unique. One very fun night was the Music trivia night and Nuno did a great job of getting everyone involved- and there was just a lot of laughter and opportunity to get to know other guests! 7. Get to Know the Delling Crew. If you have been around Caravan Sonnet for the past 13 years then you are well aware that I have done multiple cruises. The Delling crew is unparalleled to anything I have seen. The leadership of Captain Francois and Hotel Manager Daniel is a combination that is unique and provides a truly exceptional experience for not only the crew but the guests. Simply put the crew is amazing and getting to know the incredible people will make your trip all that more special.
If you want to hear more about the incredible crew of the Delling and how this makes this trip so unique, watch this reel by clicking HERE ! 8. Visit the Wheelhouse. On the 5th day of the cruise Captain Francois and First Officer Francisco open up the wheelhouse for a couple of hours where guests can go and visit, ask questions, and learn more about the Delling and the Rhône River. This was truly an amazing experience and I can’t recommend this enough!
If you want to hear more about the incredible leadership on the Delling and how this makes this trip so wonderful, watch this reel by clicking HERE ! 9. Visit the Sun Deck for an Evening Sunset. This was one of my favorite things that I did…. If it wasn’t dinner time where I felt rude leaving my mom and the guests at the table I probably would have sat up there for hours. Now I am not suggesting leaving… haha well I guess I am but it is worth it friends. Trust me. You will love it.
If you want to hear see more of my love of the sunsets aboard the Delling , watch this reel by clicking HERE !
I know that with money so tight right now everyone is looking for ways to save money- especially if you want to go on a trip like this. Here are two reels with a little description below that I created that share lots of money saving tips: 
Money Saving Tips for a Rhône River Cruise on the Delling All the money saving tips for taking a priceless Rhône River Cruise on the Viking Delling
All your Viking Rhône River Cruise Money Questions Answered This reel answered a lot of questions I have received about costs/ money related to our Viking Rhône River Cruise that we took in the Spring! There were a lot of questions that I didn’t get to answer so if you have questions please feel free to leave a comment or send a message and I will try to answer them! The Rhône River cruise on the Viking Delling was incredible and I could not recommend it enough. It truly was an amazing experience that leaves a legacy on your life and was absolutely priceless.

Do you have any "must have experiences" from a Viking River Cruise? Please share them in the comments below! I would love to hear them! 
Happy Tuesday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day! As always, please let me know if you have any questions!

my new favorite travel charger i have ever used

Y'all - I have to tell you about one of my favorite finds from my trip to France in August - this Go Travel Worldwide USB A & USB C Charger+ . This dual USB Charger  is now one of my favorite travel items and it is amazing. 
This is in no way a sponsored post- just something that I came across by accident and it was an incredible find. Basically the background story is that when I arrived in Montreal for my flight to Paris I was given the option of checking my bag for free and I was so thankful and surprised that I forgot to take out my charger. It wasn't until I reached the gate that I realized that I had accidently left my charger in my suitcase and wanted to have a charger with me for the flight and the wait. This turned out to be one of the best mistakes that I have ever made traveling. I am not even exaggerating. Haha!
I headed into this little store across from the waiting area and was looking at all of the different options for chargers. As I was reading the large wall of what looked like hundreds of chargers, a man came up and picked up two of these Go Travel Worldwide chargers. He saw I was looking at different ones and proceeded to tell me that these were the best for traveling and it was all he now used. At that same time the woman working in the store agreed with him and I thought it was worth a try. I am so glad that I did! Here are five of my favorite things about this amazing charger! First, I would definitely agree with this picture above that it charges faster than any other worldwide charger that I have ever used. This became such a blessing as I used this in so many different places to charge my phone (even in a small town in France) as I was taking so many hundreds of pictures and my phone battery was quickly dying throughout the trip. Within 10 minutes my phone was usually back to a full charge it was AMAZING.  Second, with the dual USBs there are many options for charging and that is incredible also!  Third, this little charger has so many different options for charger heads that are interchangeable and that is so helpful for future trips I have planned! Fourth, I loved how compact that this charger is. It easily fit in my little purse that I was carrying, wasn't bulky like previous chargers I have had, and was incredibly lightweight. It was wonderful!  Fifth, It comes with this wonderful little carry pouch - so if you are traveling to multiple different countries that need different chargers you can carry them all together without losing the pieces. 
It is incredible y'all and it is seriously my new favorite travel charger that I can't recommend it enough! 
You can find it on Amazon HERE or in my Amazon storefront (along with other lists and travel items I love) HERE!
Please let me know if you have any questions! Happy Monday friends! I hope you have a wonderful start to your week!

digital nomad's guide to working remotely in style

As many companies have embraced flexible work , thedigital nomad lifestyle has gained additional appeal. It lets you see the worldwhile you earn, boosting you financially and spiritually. So how can you makethe most of it?
You'll need to combine the right mindset,tools, and habits. Here's how to master remote work in style while stillenjoying your adventures.
Dress for Comfort—and Video CallsWhen you're hopping between time zones andworkspaces, dress codes can be hard to get right. Comfort is key—but so islooking professional when it's time for business.
Opt for fabrics that breathe well and don'twrinkle easily. Think stretchy cotton blends or moisture-wicking materials tokeep you cool and fresh, no matter where you are. If you're heading into avideo call, choose simple, presentable attire like solid-colored tops or ablazer over a T-shirt.
Pack EconomicallyYou can't carry your entire closet on theroad. Smart packing is about choosing versatile, lightweight items that servemore than one purpose. With the right strategy, you can pack light withoutsacrificing style or function.
Here are three beginner's tips:●  Stick with neutral-colored clothing that pairs well witheverything● Roll clothes to maximize space● Pack a small laundry detergent to wash your clothes
Find Your Ideal WorkspaceBeing productive often isn't easy on the move,so choosing ideal settings is crucial. Not all coffee shops or co-workingspaces are equal, for example. Some might offer fast Wi-Fi but uncomfortablechairs, while others might have great vibes but poor connectivity.
If you prefer a more structured environment,consider booking a co-working space with more amenities. You can also set up inplaces like hotel lounges, local libraries, or even parks if the weatherpermits.
Invest in TechIt's worth investing in gadgets you can relyon. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a game-changer when you can't depend on localnetworks. Noise-cancelling headphones are essential for tuning out backgroundnoise, especially in busy workspaces.
A virtual private network (VPN) is anothervaluable tool that keeps your data secure. A VPN protects you on publicnetworks by creating a secure tunnel between your device and a private server. VPNsaren’t legal in some countries due to privacy policies, so checkbefore you travel.
Embrace the Local CultureBeyond your work setup and digital security,one easily overlooked aspect of working remotely is cultural immersion. Insteadof passing through, you've got the opportunity to learn from differentenvironments and communities. Embrace it by exploring new areas, sampling thecuisine, and meeting people outside your usual circles.
New experiences in and out of work hours canbring fresh perspectives to boost your wellbeing. In fact, more US travelersare journeying to increase resilience, purpose, and longevity .
Thrive as a NomadThe once-dreamy nomad lifestyle is becomingmore accessible. By combining these strategies for work and travel, you canmake the most of professional opportunities while exploring the world. 
*contributed post*

ibis budget paris porte d'orleans hotel / paris, france

Happy Thursday friends! Today I am excited to share a bit about my stay at the Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans in Paris, France that I recently stayed at for my speaking engagement in August. I do want to say that this post is in no way sponsored or collaborated at all, but I am hoping that it is helpful for those that might be looking for a great price hotel that is affordable in Paris.  *picture is the property of Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans* 
When searching for a hotel for speaking engagement, I desired to be near the conference location (the Novotel Hotel)and of course I wanted something that was a great price and safe as I was traveling alone. Due to the timing of this conference (August is a very busy time to travel to Paris I learned very quickly) the choices of hotels were limited for what I was looking for and the prices were extremely high. So imagine my excitement when I realized that the Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans was a very fair price, rated as safe by lots and lots of reviews and right next door to the Novotel Hotel!  Lobby and Entrance area- *picture is the property of Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans* 
When you enter the property you will need your room keycard to enter- which adds a layer of security and then you will need that keycard for any other areas to get to the rooms (ie the elevators, etc.). You also enter right into the lobby and the front desk which also adds a layer of security which as a woman traveling alone was nice. 
Originally I was to stay three nights at the hotel, but due to some changes with the conference, I only ended up stay for two nights (Wednesday and Thursday) and for the brief time I was there it definitely fit my needs.  Picture of the type of room I had- *picture is the property of Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans*  I booked a room that was the cheapest- one queen bed and while it was small (see pictures above), the price was so fair that I had absolutely no complaints. It was quiet at night and yes, there was air conditioning which with the high temperatures that spiked while I was in Paris, was a blessing! 
I want to add also that while I typically write about cozy luxury, this situation was a bit different in that I wasn't planning on spending much time in the room at all- between the conference and wanting to explore as much as possible, my needs were different and this was the perfect location and set up and one of the nicer budget friendly hotels I have stayed at! Honestly, I would completely recommend this hotel for the price and location if you are looking to stay in Paris. And I also had an incredible and unexpected view from my hotel room (room 618)... when I got into my room I just stood there for a minute- in shock that there was such a perfect view. As evening fell and before I fell asleep I sat for a long time just looking out at the view...  Overall the staff were incredibly nice and welcoming. The first two ladies I encountered when I arrived at the hotel were incredible. I ended up arriving very early in the morning- at 7:30am and my original plan had been to leave my bags and go out and explore Paris, but I was exhausted when I arrived at the hotel from the overnight flight (and still recovering from my fall hiking) that I knew I just needed to rest for a little bit. The staff I was met with was so incredibly kind. They didn't know anything about what was going on, but immediately went to work to get the room ready and also offered me water and snacks. I saw them go out of the way for people and I was in the room at 9:30am in the morning and was so grateful to be able to lie down and sleep for a couple of hours. During my time I found all of the staff to be extremely kind to people and helpful! After sleeping for a couple of hours I went out to explore a bit and one of the great things about this hotel is also that it is conveniently located to the Metro and Bus lines. It was such an easy way to go to different places in Paris (which I did), travel around and was only about a 5 minute walk to the Metro (haha maybe 10 minutes with luggage * smiles *). 
Overall our stay was great, and I do want to make a couple of notes that I hope will be helpful if you are planning to stay here. 
First, there are several reviews (not the hotel but the reviews) that state that the metro is "next door" to the hotel. That is definitely not true- it is about a 5-7 minute walk (again without luggage) - uphill -so just be aware of that. If you have difficulty walking or need assistance you may want to consider different transportation to the hotel to drop you off right at the hotel. 
Second, there is no restaurant in the hotel, but there are several restaurants within a 2-3 block radius (including at the Novotel Hotel next door).
Third, the hotel was extremely quiet. For being a very budget friendly hotel I was honestly so surprised and it was very restful. 
Fourth, this was the only hotel (in the world that I have traveled) that when I pre-paid for the hotel they did not require a security deposit of any kind nor did they hold my credit card for incidentals. I was a bit shocked by this- so it was interesting to note!
Fifth, from the airport it did take longer than a lot of the reviews discussed. I would say that it was a combination of getting incorrect directions by someone at the airport and the time of day (it was morning work hours) which delayed a few things. It should have taken about 35 minutes by train to the airport, but it ended up taking about an hour and 15 minutes. Again, to me these types of things don't bother me- they are all part of traveling, but I did hear some people in the lobby expressing frustration over a similar experience so I am mentioning it. My number one recommendation is to always be flexible when traveling (especially out of your own country) and to follow the directions from the hotel (or your phone honestly) and be prepared for a bit of delay depending on the time of day you are traveling. I found everyone I encountered to be so incredibly kind and helpful (and very patient) with the train directions and was so grateful! 
So there are just five notes for your stay! Overall the stay for this hotel was great for what I was looking for and needing and would stay there again!
 I hope that y'all have found this review of the Ibis Budget Paris Porte d'Orleans helpful! I honestly can't recommend it enough if you are looking for a great budget friendly hotel while you visit Paris! Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this hotel! I would be happy to answer them! 
*This is not a sponsored post*

5 star rated budget and career unit bundle // caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers

Happy Saturday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all the updated  5 STAR RATED Budget and Career Unit Bundle  that is available in the  caravan sonnet shoppe  at teachers pay teachers!  This is a group of incredible no prep resources  that could be used in a personal finance, business, or economics classes or even in a college and career prep class! This is a unit bundle that could be used at a variety of levels but would be perfect for  classes at the high school or college level ! If you would like to go directly to this unit bundle click  HERE ! This unit bundle contains  the following 28 resources:
Equal Pay Day Lesson Plans and Cases  (5 STAR RATED)How to Read Your Paycheck Powerpoint with Guided Notes (4 STAR RATED) Creating a Travel Budget Powerpoint with Guided Notes Comparison of Hourly and Salary Pay Powerpoint with Guided Notes Gross Pay vs Net Pay Powerpoint with Guided Notes Equal Pay Day Powerpoint with Guided Notes Direct and Indirect Forms of Compensation Powerpoint with Guided Notes Salary Based Budget Powerpoint with Guided Notes Hourly Based Budget Powerpoint with Guided Notes Hourly and Salary Pay Word Search and Answer Key Hourly and Salary Pay Word Scramble and Answer Key Hourly and Salary Pay Bingo Card Gross Pay vs. Net Pay Word Search Gross Pay vs. Net Pay Word Scramble Gross Pay vs Net Pay Bingo Card Equal Pay Day Bingo Card Equal Pay Day Word Scramble and Answer Key Equal Pay Day Word Search and Answer Key Cruise Budget Worksheet and Assignment Suggestion Sheet Road Trip Budget Worksheet and Assignment Suggestion Sheet Travel Budget Worksheet and Assignment Suggestion Sheet Ski Trip Budget Worksheet and Assignment Suggestion Sheet Spring Break Budget Worksheet and Assignment Suggestion Sheet Subscription Tracker Worksheet 30 Day $200 Savings Tracker Worksheet Debt Snowball Tracker Worksheet Monthly No Spend Challenge Worksheet Savings Tracker Worksheet If you would like to purchase  this bundle  you can find it  HERE ! 
Thank you so much for all of your support of  the shoppe !
Can I ask a HUGE favor? If you are not already following the shoppe on TPT could you please do so? All you have to do is click the "Follow" button. So simple! Even if you are not a teacher or don't plan to purchase things the number of followers does influence potential buyers and this would show incredible support! THANK YOU! As I have shared in the past I am working hard to make this one of my full-time income streams. This has been an incredible blessing and you are making this possible!! Thank you again friends! 
Happy Monday!

5 star rated payroll and taxes unit bundle // caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers

 Happy Saturday friends! I am so excited to share with y'all the updated 5 STAR RATED  Payroll and Taxes Unit Bundle that is available in the  caravan sonnet shoppe  at teachers pay teachers!  This is a group of incredible no prep resources  that could be used in a personal finance, business, or economics classes or even in a college and career prep class! This is a unit bundle that could be used at a variety of levels but would be perfect for  classes at the high school or college level ! If you would like to go directly to this unit bundle click  HERE ! This unit bundle contains  the following 10 resources:
All About Taxes Powerpoint with Guided Notes (5 STAR RATED) How to Read Your PayCheck Powerpoint with Guided Notes (4 STAR RATED) Gross Pay vs Net Pay Powerpoint with Guided Notes Taxes: Strange But True Historical Trivia Powerpoint with Guided Notes All About Taxes Word Search All About Taxes Word Scramble All About Taxes Bingo Card Gross Pay vs. Net Pay Word Search Gross Pay vs. Net Pay Word Scramble Gross Pay vs Net Pay Bingo Card
If you would like to purchase  this bundle  you can find it  HERE ! 
Thank you so much for all of your support of  the shoppe !
Can I ask a HUGE favor? 
If you are not already following the shoppe could you please do so? Even if you are not a teacher or don't plan to purchase things the number of followers does influence potential buyers and this would show incredible support! 
THANK YOU!
This has been an incredible blessing and you are making this possible!! Thank you again friends! 
Happy Saturday!

friday favorites- august 29

Happy Friday friends!! I hope that you have had a lovely and wonderful week! I am so grateful to spend time with each of you in this sweet space every single day. 
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for the last couple of weeks as I spoke at a conference in France and then traveled for a few days. I have started to share here on the blog, but if you haven't already been  following along on instagram  for so many beautiful reels and pictures to bring a smile to your face (you can connect  HERE ). 
Here are some of my favorite things from this past week:Travel in France (August 2025)...Jardins de L'abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville / Normandie, France (Blog Post)
Rhone River Cruise with Viking River Cruises...In the coming weeks I will be starting to share all about the trip in detail on the blog and so excited for you to read more behind the scenes details than a simple social media post could provide! 
Personal Thoughts...A Beautiful August Weekend (Blog Post) From the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe...
Thank you again for all of your support, for following along in the shop, for your kind reviews, and for purchasing these products! I know I say that all of the time, but you are a blessing! I am so glad you are here! If you are looking to connect more in the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe community on a daily basis click  HERE  to go directly to the Instagram Page!
As always if there is something that I can do to help or answer questions please don't hesitate to reach out! 
Click  HERE  to go directly to the shop!  From the Etsy Store...Fall Journals and Junk Journals 
Holiday Junk Journals will be releasing in September!
Thursday Health Thoughts...7 Health Benefits of Hot Peppers This post was HIGHLY read and I am so thankful it was a help to so many of you! In the coming weeks I want to learn more about the different health benefits and ways to use hot peppers so I will share more as I learn!
I hope that you have a wonderful Friday friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!!
Happy Friday and I hope you have a wonderful long Labor Day weekend!

lessons solo travel can teach you

This article explores how to travel smart while combining style, safety, and practicality tomake the most of every solo trip. While women currently lead solo travel statistics, moremen are embracing independent journeys too—but in truth, the lessons of solo travel areuniversal. dedicated attention.
1. Why Everyone Should Travel Solo at Least Once Solo travel offers unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace withoutcompromising on destinations or activities. It builds confidence, problem-solving skills,and cultural awareness that translate into personal and professional growth. Travellingalone encourages you to listen to your own instincts and discover what truly matters toyou, without group dynamics influencing your choices.
2. Style On the Go: Packing Light, Dressing RightTravelling solo teaches you the value of simplicity. Mastering versatile packing allowsyou to maintain comfort and style while keeping luggage light. A small, coordinatedwardrobe—such as neutral basics with one or two accent colors—means you’re alwaysready for both exploring and evening dining. One excellent pair of walking shoes and aversatile jacket can take you surprisingly far.
3. Digital Essentials: Staying Safe and ConnectedAnother lesson of solo travel is learning to rely on yourself while staying secure.Download offline maps, translation tools, and currency converters in advance, and keepa portable charger handy. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, as networks in airports,hotels, and cafés carry risks. A free VPN for iPhone can help protect your privacy andsensitive information while keeping you connected. Share your itinerary with a trustedcontact, and consider a local SIM card or international plan so you’re always able toreach someone if needed.
4. Dining, Exploring, and Socialising Without the AwkwardnessEating alone or joining activities by yourself can feel daunting at first—but it quicklybecomes natural. Solo travel teaches you to embrace new opportunities for connection:chatting with staff at a restaurant, joining a cooking class, or booking a walking tour. The global solo travel market reached $482.34 billion in 2024 , indicating solo activitiesare becoming common and accepted. Common interests make conversation flow easily,and you’ll often find yourself forming unexpected friendships.
5. Self-Care and Grooming While Travelling AloneMaintaining grooming standards while traveling solo needs great planning and minimal,multipurpose products. Pack a streamlined toiletry kit with quality basics: cleanser,moisturizer with SPF, and styling products. A compact grooming kit with nail clippers,tweezers, and a quality razor maintains appearance between destinations. Chooseaccommodations with reliable bathrooms and laundry facilities, or research locallaundromats and dry cleaning services. Pack wrinkle-release spray for quick clothingrefresh, and consider packing cubes to keep clean and dirty clothes organized.
6. Coming Back Wiser: What Solo Travel Teaches YouAbove all, solo travel transforms how you approach life. It encourages patience,adaptability, and resourcefulness. You learn how to solve problems calmly, communicateacross cultures, and embrace solitude with confidence. Many travellers find that theiroutlook, decision-making, and appreciation for different perspectives grow long afterthey return home.
Solo travel is more than just a holiday—it’s an investment in yourself. The skills,confidence, and insights you gain create a foundation for continued growth andadventure throughout life.
*contributed post*

jardins de l'abbaye saint-georges de boscherville / normandie, france

Sometimes the silence is where the most sacred things are written

Longer post coming of my visit to the delightful Jardins de l'abbaye Saint-Georges de Boscherville, but it was absolutely incredible. I can't wait to share more about this amazing experience with y'all. 
Caravan Sonnet | Seine-Maritime, France | French Abbey