Laura May, Author at Pure Wander

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How The Travel Industry Is Combating The Paradox Of Choice

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🌍Profesh traveling hot mess for 20 yrs! 💅🏼
🌎Travel tips with family & friends✨
🌎Different destinations beyond basics 🛩️
🌏Inspo, guides, & deals 🖊️

Here’s a mini holiday early evening itinerary in

Here’s a mini holiday early evening itinerary in Boston’s North End!

❄️ Grab several fresh pizzas at the OG @pizzeriaregina with a hearty glass of wine. Go early: at 4PM we had our pick of seats
❄️ Have the kids frolic down Hanover Street in the snow, stopping by @modernpastry for some cannoli to-go!
❄️ Stop in Caffé Vittoria for a cocktail, espresso, dessert, or all three! The fruit tart and lobster tails were show stoppers. PS, they’re cash only.
❄️Pop into a shop nearby before closing like @loftandvine
❄️ Be an old lady and be back in bed by nine!

We’re making a night with the littles in Boston’s Little Italy a new holiday tradition with the grandparents. Tell me about yours!

#travellocal #travelwithkidstips #bostonnorthend

this time of year, I feel like I don’t have a se

this time of year, I feel like I don’t have a second to care for myself. But I shoved in some space for my own sanity and did something I’ve always wanted to do! 👩‍🎤

@overtonecolor sent a fun package full of hair dye opportunities. I’ve NEVER dyed my hair at home, but while I’m home for the holidays I thought it could be fun to give this a whirl!

It’s a semi-permanent conditioning hair dye that smells great and goes on very easily. What a simple way to brighten up a look around the holidays. I’m kind of obsessed with how it looks and might need to get a bit more to keep the color shining for a long time!

#overtonerosegold #overtonerosegoldforbrownhair #selfcaresis #pinkhairinspo

Stay diligent out there, ladies. You never know wh

Stay diligent out there, ladies. You never know who’s crowding your shot and invading your space while you’re trying to relax on your trip.

You especially have to watch out for those husbands of 10 years who are really good sports.

Hi, I’m Eileen, and I don’t take myself too seriously while traveling almost 40 countries. Come on in, the water’s fine.

I’m truly optimistic about the use of AI and tra

I’m truly optimistic about the use of AI and travel. There will be bumps in the road, but wonderful companies like @catalinaquest.ai are changing the game when it comes to utilizing this technology and personal expertise to craft incredible trip experiences. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒➡️🛫

You can have a peek at their quiz for free to see how AI can inspire you on your next vacation and take care of all the details!

#aitravel #traveladvisorsmakeithappen #familytravel #london🇬🇧

800+ sous chefs, pastry chefs in training, and shi

800+ sous chefs, pastry chefs in training, and shining bartenders competed throughout Latin American and the Caribbean for "Masters of the Craft". The finals were held in Mexico City at the @thewestinsantafe - I had a front row seat!

Obviously watching these talented people compete was a highlight, but we also hung out with everyone while we had some fun cocktail hours at the beautiful hotel and visted some agritourism spots just outside the city. Many of the nine finalists had not left thier home country before and this was a huge, honking deal. Marriott rolled out the red carpet for everyone. It was such a treat to learn about so many incredible culinary stories, flavors, and traditions in one place.

We had a blast in CDMX eating all the things and cramming in as much fun as you can in four days - I can't wait to share the adventure more. Thanks to Marriot Bonvoy for putting on such a thrilling event. -Eileen

#MexicoCityEats #mexicocityfood #cdmxfoodie #cdmxparatodos #femaletraveler #femaletravelbloggers #purewander #mastersofthecraft

I used to collect magnets but I need to up my trav

I used to collect magnets but I need to up my travel ornament 🎄 game! Of course we have all the standards and classics too, but I’m starting to look for a trinkets we can put on the tree when we travel. Here’s what I have so far:

Pawleys Island, South Carolina: oyster shell
London, England: fabric double decker
Kyoto, Japan: wooden temple
Edinburgh, Scotland: Tartan pattern
Provincetown, Massachusetts: Hot gay Irish mermaid

My mermaid leprechaun is my favorite 😂

Show & tell your favorite ornament !

#holidaytravels #holidaytraveling #travelornaments #happyholidayseason #homeforchristmas

I ate as many Mexican dishes as I could in three d

I ate as many Mexican dishes as I could in three days. We covered tiny taquerias, carts full of carnitas, even a taco stand with a Michelin star. 🌮✨

But I want to offer a nod to the @thewestinsantafe first in Mexico City, because they have paid homeage to so many Mexican culinary traditions. I was there for a food competition (more later on that), but also had a chance to enjoy the restaurants.

At the Market I indulged some local fish ceviche and duck confit tacos to start out my CDMX adventure. The truffles in the Westin Club were so rich and wonderful, as was the flan and chocolate mousse cake. Then we enjoyed a dinner at K-ntina, where we sampled a traditional Mexican Christmas eve dinner. Mole, bacalao fish, sweet potato puree and steak all went down great with margaritas and Mexican wine.

Sure, I could have had a pizza or pancakes anytime too, but I was glad I didn't have to roam far to have some tasty local dishes right at the hotel. -Eileen

#IFWTWA #westinsantafe #foodietraveler #tacosmexicanos #travelforthefood #MastersoftheCraft

✨Pure Wander’s Annual Travel Holiday Giveaways

✨Pure Wander’s Annual Travel Holiday Giveaways: Prize Bundle #2! ✨

My boots from indigenous-owned Manitobah are the only pair that have ever kept my toesies warm all winter in New England.

I’m thrilled to partner with @manitobah and @nosopatches to choose two lucky winners for prize is valued at more than $395!

If you travel near or far this winter, these will be essential for your next trip. Two winners will each be chosen to win either an incredible prize bundle from Manitobah featuring their waterproof snowy owl mukluk boots, hat, and mittens. Or, a $75 gift card to NoSo patches for sustainable outerwear repair without ironing or sewing.

You can read the full review of these gifts and many others on our gift guide series at the Pure Wander site. We curated things that support marginalized communities, offer sustainable solutions, and are unique choices for the holiday season!

TO ENTER:

✨FOLLOW @pure_wander, @manitobah and @nosopatches

✨LIKE and SAVE this post

✨TAG friends who like to live a little more sustainably, or who will need to keep warm this winter!

For BONUS entries, visit the Pure Wander blog giveaway page for lots more chances to win! -Eileen

Giveaway ends December 20 at 11:59 EST. We will notify the winner via Instagram, DM or email.

Entrants must be 18+ and be residents of the US or Canada.

I am not finding a healthy balance. Is anyone else

I am not finding a healthy balance. Is anyone else struggling with that? 🧘🏽‍♀️🙃

Sometimes it feels like everyone’s figured out some Zen middle where they consume things about the world burning and still find peace and meditation and the present and this that the other thing. I’m lucky I have tools too cope fairly well, but still.

I took a second this last week to spend way less time online because not only was news making me feel bananas, I started getting down a hole of comparison. This is my slowest year of travel ever I think and although I know deep down it’s OK, it still makes me feel a little melancholy to see everybody else flying around the world. Or at least it feels that way.

With that said, I am getting on a plane in two days so I need to just be grateful for the opportunities I have because they are wonderful and I’ve done so much in the past too. But I really do think I need to get out and touch grass more. 😅

The only clothes I wear now when I'm far away from

The only clothes I wear now when I'm far away from my kids yogurt-covered hands is @unboundmerino. These basics are so soft, almost wrinkle-free, and stay clean for days/weeks with an odorless wool fabric. It's magic apparel for traveling moms (and dads!) like me. Their long-sleeve shirt worked great for casual hiking in Bryce Canyon, and the basic white t-shirt is my go-to for remote working.⌨

They are investment pieces because they're made to last a long time, but once a year they go on sale at 40% off tanks, shirts, pants, and more. It's well worth browsing to see if you'd like to update and streamline your travel and liesure wordrobe. My traveling friends have worn Unbound on safari, while biking in Italy: almost everywhere. Have a peek and shop sustainably this year!

Comment 'Merino" for the sale link or find it in my b!o. I won't be promo-ing too many Black Friday sales, but this one is a goodie.🌳

#unboundmerino #femaletravel #sustainabletraveling #blackfriday2024 #blackfridaydeals #blackfridaysales

Happy "Women-led Wednesday"! Since 2018, this wome

Happy "Women-led Wednesday"! Since 2018, this women-led orginization has encouraged holiday shoppers to consider business owned by women first to help level the playing field and support these great brands. 🌠

Don't you worry: this year I did the leg work for you. Our travel-and-food-themed gift guides are now live on Pure Wander, and more than 90% of the brands I researched and reviewed are from women-owned businesses, sustainable brands, or from marginialized communities (or all three!)

Here's a few:

🎁Melissa Coppel vegan chocolates
🎁In2Green woven blankets
🎁NoSo patches
🎁Chunky Deli foodie onsies and gourmet board books
🎁Busy Baby tethers and bungee travel mat

See the full reviews on the Pure Wander blog with links to special sales too! I keep my gifts to a minimum these days, choosing quality over quanitity and investing in things that leave imapct and last. I hope you find some hidden gems on my lists, curated my me and a few other fellow travelers, to find some amazing brands to support. Happy holidays!

#womenledwednesday #travelgifts #HolidaySavings #familytravel #wlw

SAVE and SHARE this with a hard cider loving frien

SAVE and SHARE this with a hard cider loving friend!🍎🍏

I’m so happy hard cider has found its Renaissance here in the US! CiderFeast by @ciderfeasthq in South Boston welcomes you to try dozens of deliciously dry and wonderfully sweet hard ciders hailing from all over New England, New York, and beyond. We attempted to sample them all, failed miserably, but definitely found a few new favorites. Cider was paired with cider donuts, boozy custom made ice cream from @tipsyscoop and fresh quesadillas from @locotacoshops down the street. 👏

Here’s some of my highlights:

-The hometown fave for me @highlimbcider
-The one we go all the way to Portland Maine for @apresdrinks
-Even though I rep Boston @hudsonnorthcider makes some solid ciders!
-The beautiful English-style @edenciders
-The ones that are always in my fridge @stormalongcider
-The elevated and tasty @birddogcider
- Another slew of classics from @artifactcider
-The OG @woodchuckcider!

Our VIP tickets came with unlimited cider samples and this exclusive t-shirt made by @misterreusch. I wish we could have made it to the after party!

Follow @ciderfeasthq to keep an eye out for the next event. They happen in Mass, Maine, and New York during the fall. Don’t miss the sister events too like @bowlofzole - it happens in the same place in Southie and is just as fun!

Are you into hard cider?

It’s tiiiiiiime! If you love giveaways and prize

It’s tiiiiiiime! If you love giveaways and prizes, share this with a friend to get ready! 🎁

This is the 11th year in a row we’ve done travel gift guides and they’re better than ever. I tried to make sure this year that we uplifted the voices of women owned businesses, indigenous businesses, sustainable brands, and everyone else working to create an inclusive, wonderful space for gifts and traveling.

This year there is more than $500 worth of prizes up for grabs and I can’t wait to officially debut them this month!

These are just a few teasers, including a warm weather bundle from @manitobah, apparel repair patches from @nosopatches, and beautiful baby books to inspire a worldwide love of global cuisine from @chunkydelishop.

We will be launching our annual giveaways in the next couple couple weeks here, on other social platforms, and on the blog. Make sure you have your notifications on!

Or DM me ‘holiday’ and I’ll send you a link to sign up for our newsletter so you’ll be the very first to know when we go live.

These giveaways are in no way affiliated with Instagram and a separate entity of Pure Wander. Must giveaways will be open to US residents only with a few exceptions internationally. Good luck 🍀 and I can’t wait to show you what’s next!

#holidaygiveaway #familytraveltips #supportsmallbusiness #supportartists #prizepack

Whoever their future partners are have big shoes t

Whoever their future partners are have big shoes to fill. & not just partners: anyone that they spend time with!

We’re taking things slow, but so far my girls have been to eight states and four countries collectively. We hope to knock off a few more in 2025.

I’m working hard to find a balance between curiosity and staying humble while traveling, but definitely indulging in some of the finer things too. There’s so many lessons to learn on the road. And I hope their future loved ones have the same values too.

what do you hope traveling teaches your kids?

#familytravelling #noscrubs #luxurytrips #travelwritersofinstagram

Grappling with a surreal and heartbreaking week. I

Grappling with a surreal and heartbreaking week. I have a longer version elsewhere, but this is how I plan to handle what’s going on best I can. I see you and I’m here for you. Let’s keep traveling for good.

I will never ever tolerate any hate, bigotry, or bullying here. Take those vibes elsewhere. 💅🏼✈️

A love letter to my travel buddies near and far. 💌

Some I’ve known for 30 years. Others, we connected for a week on a trip, and then we never saw each other again. Some trips have been amazing, others challenging, and many just excuses to see each other.

My friends have grown alongside me and now embrace my children and my family in ways I never dreamed. I’m taking less trips with my friends these days, but I know that will pivot again someday and I can’t wait.

They live in the UK, Liberia, France, St. Thomas, the U.S. and beyond. I value friends and family that have become friends as much as my kids and partner. I hope I’m fortunate enough to take many more adventures with everyone and continue to meet amazing connections on the road.

I’m one of the few to offer you an exclusive loo

I’m one of the few to offer you an exclusive look into the Daily Drop Pro points, miles and deals search tool launching officially TODAY! ✈️

Comment ‘drop’ and I’ll send you a link good for membership discounts for LIFE. You can also give it a try for free!

I’ve spent more time on this tool in the last week than anything else and I can’t wait to lock in some exciting trips for 2025. This is a game changer.

Just search from your home airport to fly anywhere in the world. Use the search to see values in cost, points and fees for whatever dates you wish to travel. You can see results from multiple airlines and hotel brands all in one space.

Search flights and hotels with ease and also take advantage of having everything in your strategy all in one space. You can set up alerts for future deals, add your current credit cards to your wallet and even input your points totals to see in real time how to cover your award flight or stay.

There’s integrated tips on how to transfer your points if needed and even if the deal is a good idea in terms of value. There’s also a VIP pro lounge where you can ask travel experts like me if we’ve found any sweet spots, or simply what to do when you get to your destination!

Tell me what you think and if you give it a try too. Say hi in the VIP lounge!

#dailydroppro #travelhacking101 #travelhacking101 #traveltipsandtricks #familytravelbloggers

I thought all month oh, I really need to get up to

I thought all month oh, I really need to get up to New Hampshire or Vermont or something and fight the crowds and see the leaves and enjoy the fall. 🍂

That’s ridiculous. I live a few minutes south of Boston and there’s absolutely spectacular leaf peeping right here! You can fly into Boston and not travel too far if you don’t want to while still being rewarded with absolutely gorgeous autumn landscapes.

This is the Norris Reservation in a small town called Norwell, that offers a pretty trail to the North River where you can see plenty of trees in all colors. ❤️🧡💛

Tell me where you think the best leaf changing destinations are I need to make a list!

#autumntravel #VisitMa #newenglandfallfoliage #northriver #norwellma #travellocal #leaf🍁

Peak season for fall foiliage is over but there's

Peak season for fall foiliage is over but there's something magic about empty trails and quiet forests. I'm so lucky to live in an area with beautiful leaves. 🍂

I met upwith an old childhood friend @popcircumstance (who also happens to take beautiful photos like these!) to soak up the unusually warm weather and get some fresh air. I had a million things on my to-do list but sometimes I need to just unplug. Catch up. Be present.

I miss being on the road as often as I used to be. But I'm trying to be cool with this current season of slowing down and being grateful for my own beautiful surroundings at home. I'll be back traveling again soon, I just have to be patient.

What are you up to this fall? Are you home? Are you traveling?

PS: Our gift guides are going live on Pure Wander in a few weeks, featuring some of these wonderfully soft and cozy items from @onequince that are sustainable too - I can't wait to share.

#travellocal #visitmassachusetts #visitMA #getoutside #optoutside

If you don’t look rough on your return flight, a

If you don’t look rough on your return flight, are you even traveling? 💅🏼

#travelanxiety #mindfultraveler #funny #travelwritingwomen #traveltherapyadventures

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About Us
Travel Tips
Destinations
- North America
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- Caribbean
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- Africa
- Oceania
Letters To The Editor

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