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Travel + Parenthood Profesh traveling hot mess for 20 yrs Travel tips with fam & friends
Boston, New England, & the world
Travel guides

No gatekeeping here

I have no course to sel

No gatekeeping here⬇️

I have no course to sell.

No tours to book.

I just have 20 years of travel experience I want to share with you. My goal is to find ways to expand minds through travel, have people enjoy worldwide connections with each other.

traveling the world has afforded me so many positive things in my life. I want to make it as accessible as possible. I’m on a mission too help people find ways to do it too, despite fears or budgets or anything stopping you.

Or simply, give you permission to relax, go on vacation, unplug, and take of yourself. I offer stories, guides, tips and tricks to do just that.

Hey, I’m Eileen! I’ve been a professional travel journalist, blogger and content creator for more than 15 years. I travel alone, with friends, with my husband, and my two young daughters. I can help you travel, there’s so many ways! DM me anytime, or comment ‘wander’ for links to my blog with more than 500 articles, guides & stories.

SAVE this for three last-minute winter travel

🎿 SAVE this for three last-minute winter travel destination ideas!

I’m not skiing for the Olympics anytime soon. Perfect conditions for winter travel is not on my radar. I like a little bit of sun, a little bit of slopes and lots apres ski options. 🥂

It’s not too late to ski this season! Here’s a few options in the US and worldwide if you’re looking for some last-minute winter travel tips and ideas:

🚠Park City, Utah: I skied at Deer Valley in April and still managed a lovely day. You can’t beat hitting the slopes in a T-shirt! There’s a few resorts available in the area and some even offer discount tickets for early spring.

⛷️Vermont: I grew up being a New England skier so Vermont is one of my top picks. Again you’re not gonna get a lot of powder in March or April but especially if you’re bringing the family or having a casual weekend with friends it’s the perfect time to go. Smugglers Notch, Jay’s peak, and Killington (among others) are having fun end of the season festivals to check out this month.

🏔️Chamonix, France: the Alps always have a touch of snow on them so usually you can find some good runs later in the season. This ski town specifically has lots of great bars and fondue to enjoy afterwards with your group.

Are you holding onto winter sports and winter travel a few more weeks? Or are you ready for the snow to melt? ⛄️

SAVE THIS POST for your next Montana adventur

🔥 SAVE THIS POST for your next Montana adventure! 🚒

One evening at Flathead Lake Lodge (@flatheadlakelodge) in Montana, we were privileged to take the horses deep into the forest on lodge-owned property to be greeted with a fun outdoor steakfry. There were steaks provided over an open flame, cooked to order, with an array of sides and sauces. Beer and wine flowed while we were serenaded by traditional cowboy songs on acoustic guitar. 🎶

The best part? We didn’t have to saddle up again full of food! There were two vintage fire trucks waiting to provide a lift back. It was a blast to see the trees whip by and ride of these red beauties. 🚒 -Eileen

Read the full Montana road trip travel guide on PureWander.com - Just search Montana!

#visitmontana #flatheadlakelodge #firetruckfriday #traveldiaries #ifwtwa #usaroadtrips

SAVE this post for the next time you go int

🏔️SAVE this post for the next time you go into the mountains!

Woo boy I can’t believe how hard this hit me on my recent trip to Utah! But don’t worry it was short-lived and I still had an amazing time. I flew straight from Massachusetts and got in a van to Bryce Canyon National Park. I felt OK for a while but as time went on:

🏥 Had a tough time catching breath, like there was a brick on my chest
🏥 I felt really nauseous and couldn’t keep food down
🏥 I lost my appetite and generally felt gross

It got worse when I returned to Salt Lake City, and took several days to acclimate! It was still well worth the trip, but I wish I prepared better. There’s three mistakes I made: you can avoid these next time you take a trip to the mountains! 🏔️

📍Hydrate, hydrate hydrate! I hear I need to drink at least what I usually do at home. That made the symptoms worse.
📍 Should’ve stuck to simple food at first, rich food made me extra queasy.
📍 And maybe this is common sense, but I felt a little better and had a beer. Nope. It’s worth avoiding alcohol altogether! I think that exacerbated the issue as well.

Have you ever had altitude sickness? Let me know what tips you have too!

Save + share for your next trip to Boston!

Save + share for your next trip to Boston! ✨

HOPEFULLY the snow is behind us and there's only a bit of mud ahead before spring is into full gear. But here's some indoor things to do in Boston and nearby while we wait for warmer skies!

📌See a Show at Roadrunner: New-ish venue with crystal clear sound and great headlining bands year-round
📌Be a kid at the Science Muesum @museumofscience : Rotating exhibits and classics from childhood!
📌Have treats at Cafe Vittoria: My fave spot in the North End with creamy cocktails and desserts
📌Find local coffee like Ula Cafe @ulacafe : This friendly, inclusive spot is found in Jamaica Plain. Use the Boston Cafe Passport to find more too @thecafepassport
📌Head south and visit Scituate's salt cave @scituatesaltcave
📌Go a little farther south for French pastries at Keegan Kreations In Kingston and Plymouth @keegan_kreations

Do you prefer to sightsee indoors or outdoors?

SAVE For your next Newport, Rhode Island tr

⚓️ SAVE For your next Newport, Rhode Island trip with the girls! 👯‍♀️

We only had 24 hours to find the best things to do in Newport, Rhode Island for an off-season staycation. Here’s the highlights!

First we dug into the raw bar and lobster roll at The Reef with water views. Don’t miss the igloos if you have a group. 🦞

We then dropped bags at the adorable @wayfindernewport Hotel, paying homage to lots of local artists and businesses through decor and amenities. 🧖‍♀️

We had a quick cocktail and mocktail for my pregnant friend at Guisto from the very knowledge bartenders on the water before heading to The Gardiner House for dinner. 🍽️

There restaurant Flora is a sophisticated delight day or night.

The next morning we did a little local shopping before visiting the iconic Breakers Mansion to marvel at the Gilded Age opulence. ⚜️

And the best part? There were no crowds anywhere and we still enjoyed all the best views, food and attractions! 😍

Have you snuck away for a staycation this winter? Tell me where you went, or where you want to travel!

Thanks to @discovernewport and The Wayfinder for hosting!

For real thoughhhh. I’m fully engaged, I swear!

For real thoughhhh. I’m fully engaged, I swear!

I’m trying my best not to just wait for my turn to talk, but really listen. I love your travel stories. All your trip memories. I promise. Let’s swap adventure tales!

Tell me your favorite travel story below, and I won’t even be able to interrupt. It’ll be perfect. 😂

SEND this to someone who needs a WINK WINK NU

😆 SEND this to someone who needs a WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE 🤞

My husband’s British, so we got UK passports for both our daughters as soon as we could. Hopefully it means extra opportunities for traveling, education, and who knows what else in the future. We brought my first girl over to meet her great granddad, cousins, and aunties when she was year and a half. It’s the baby’s turn!

The family is mostly in South Wales, but I really hope to do London this time, I live there for a few years and miss it so much. Fingers crossed!

Do you have any international family? Have you visited them or brought your kids traveling?

#travelwithbabies #babytravelling

No but for real go to therapy. All of a sudden, i

No but for real go to therapy.

All of a sudden, in the middle of my travel writing career, I became absolutely terrified of getting on planes. It took a lot of therapy, some medication, body movement, meditation, and all the bells and whistles to get my shit together again.

I’m so thankful I prioritized my mental health because it allowed me to stay on the road and keep experiencing some pretty amazing things. I still do regular checkins with my therapist, and take antianxiety medication - this has possibly saved my life.

But I totally get it. I’ve definitely gotten on a plane and peaced out instead of dealing with my ✨issues✨ at least once, lol. We are all allowed an escape once in a while.

#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #travelismytherapy✈🚞🚢🌎 #travelismytherapy #millenialtravelers #purewander #visituk #pompeii #japan #thailand🇹🇭 #travelblogger #traveljournalist #ifwtwa #femaletravel #travelstoke #travelwriterscafe #traveldeeper #selfienation

SAVE + SHARE to see Newport this off-season!

SAVE + SHARE to see Newport this off-season! ⚓

My friend @candytravelchica is having a baby soon and we needed to take a break! So we peeled off our young children, made snacks for them and the husbands, then RAN to our cars to escape for the weekend 😆 Newport, Rhode Island is 90 minutes from Boston and feels like a world away for the ideal staycation.

Have 24-48 hours and want a change of scenery? Here's a mini itinerary for Newport you can try:

⚓ Stay at The Wayfinder Hotel (@WayfinderNewport), a wonderfully re-designed property about 10 minutes from the iconic wharfs. It was perfectly cozy and wallet-friendly for a quick trip.

⚓We had some lobster, of course, at @TheReefNewport as soon as we got to town. Super tasty especially for the off-season! I paired it with a couple of local oysters.

⚓We did a little shopping at the boutique stores nearby, including Bellevue Kids and @PrimaveraNewport.

⚓It was chilly, so we ducked into @GiustoNewport for a pick-me-up at the quiet and chic bar. There was only a few hearty souls there in March for the water views!

⚓We went back to The Wayfinder for a rest, then headed to Flora at the Gardiner House for dinner. The Basque cheesecake was a showstopper, as well as the musroom soup. Next time we'll have to shimmy up to the beautiful bar too.

⚓The next day after a little more shop perusing, we headed to iconic The Breakers (@Newport.Mansions) to learn more about Newport and the Vanderbuilts. It's an incredible place! We had the mansion almost to ourselves in the morning to take a self-led audio tour.

Have you been to Newport? Keep an eye out on the Pure Wander blog for the full article soon!

Thanks to The Wayfinder and @discovernewport for hosting!

New England travel tips - Travel blogger tips - travel itineraries - girlfriend getaway inspiration

SEND to a friend who needs a seasonal pep talk. 😭🌷☀️⛱️

We’re so closeeee, New England. Hang in there.

Spring travel • New England travel tips • Massachusetts guide • summer in Cape Cod

SEND to a friend who is starting to lose it a litt

SEND to a friend who is starting to lose it a little bit. 😭🌷We’re so closeeee, New England. Hang in there.

Spring travel • New England travel tips • Massachusetts guide • summer in Cape Cod

SAVE + SHARE your love of Mexican food! 🍋‍🟩 🇲🇽

I went on a journey to uncover the secrets of pozole...and no one would talk to me about it on camera!

Pozole’s exact origins are somewhat of a mystery. Some say it’s from Jalisco or Sinaloa. Others claim it has ancient Aztec roots predating the Spaniards arriving in Mexico.

Wherever it came from, it’s a rich stew made with various meat fillings and hominy, which is a specially treated corn. I had the privilege of trying dozens of varieties at the @bowlofzole from @tequilamachaca festival in Boston, paired with countless varieties of mezcal and tequila. I think the slow cooked pork paired with a cocktail was my favorite.

Other tasty ones:
@dolorespvd
@yellowdoortaco '
@taqueriaelbarrioboston
@locotacoshops
@lolitatqbars

Have YOU tried pozole? Let me know in the comments! 👇 And if you’re in Boston, check out the Bowl of ‘Zole festival next year!

Send this to your mom friend who wants to swap! 👯‍♀️

As a mom of two kids under five, last year I:

✔️Took three solo trips to Utah, Virginia, and Mexico
✔️Took a trip to Hawaii with just my spouse
✔️Did three trip with our kiddos, one internationally

What’s the main reason I made this happen?

➡️ I asked for help. Waaaay before kids even happened, my husband and I had a big chat about how things might look down the road. We were happy to ‘swap’ while they were young so we could both pursue our other passions and interests.

➡️ I’ve talked to other moms and friends. My friends are incredible. When they offer to ‘help’, I offer set dates! One who has nanny experience is flying to Boston to be with my littles for a trip I’m taking this year. I’ve talked with moms from my kid’s preschool about potential overnight swaps so we can all just have a night staycation or quick road trip nearby.

➡️ I moved back from the UK to the US to be closer to family. Many of them are great about helping out with the kids.

➡️ I budgeted hiring childcare over other comforts and conveniences. We have a few wonderfully trustworthy helpers in our ‘village’.

NONE of this would have happened if I didn’t voice my desires and need for support. No one knows what you want, you have to ask. You have to plan. And you have to make priorities.

And with all these trips and moving parts, I still take care of my children the vast majority of the time. They love traveling too.

🩷 Of course, I know all of this is a privileged take. Big time. Especially now. Too many moms and parents don’t have a village these days. It breaks my heart. I do hope for those that feel traveling is impossible that they’ll find a pocket somewhere in the future. 🩷

Send this to your mom friend who wants to swap! 👯‍♀️

As a mom of two kids under five, last year I:

✔️Took three solo trips to Utah, Virginia, and Mexico
✔️Took a trip to Hawaii with just my spouse
✔️Did three trips with our kiddos, one internationally

HOW did I made this happen?

➡️ I asked for help. Waaaay before kids even happened, my husband and I had a big chat about how things might look down the road. We were happy to ‘swap’ solo parenting while they were young so we could both pursue our other passions and interests.

➡️ I’ve talked to other moms and friends. My friends are incredible. When they offer to ‘help’, I offer set dates! One who has nanny experience is flying to Boston to be with my littles for a trip I’m taking this year. I’ve talked with moms from my kid’s preschool about potential overnight swaps so we can all just have a night staycation or quick road trip nearby.

➡️ I moved back from the UK to the US to be closer to family. Many of them are great about helping out with the kids.

➡️ I budgeted hiring childcare over other comforts and conveniences. We have a few wonderfully trustworthy helpers in our ‘village’.

NONE of this would have happened if I didn’t voice my desires and need for support. No one knows what you want, you have to ask. You have to plan. And you have to make priorities.

And with all these trips and moving parts, I still take care of my children the vast majority of the time. They love traveling too.

Here’s a challenge💪🏼: if you have support of family/friends and/or a budget, ASK! Make it happen! Baby steps!

✨Of course, I know all of this is a privileged take. Big time. Especially now. Too many moms and parents don’t have a village these days. It breaks my heart. I do hope for those that feel traveling is impossible that they’ll find a pocket somewhere in the future. 🩷

Send this to your friend as a little hint f

➡️ Send this to your friend as a little hint for a little trip treat. 💅🏼✈️

The biiiig 4-0 is upon us 1985 babies. Are we ready? Are we celebrating?! I’m coping with getting trendy Gen Z nails and dying my hair pink. Plus fluctuating between a fall trip to South America or Jamaica. It’s fine, it’s fine. Everything‘s fine.

#travelwriterslife #1985baby #birthdaytrip2025

Send this to your green flag emergency contact 😂 ✈️

I’m actually really glad he’s around for ‘emergencies’ when we travel: like my cocktail is getting a bit low, or there’s a diaper blow out I don’t want to deal with, or I can’t stomach singing itsy-bitsy spider one more time so he has to take over. What a guy. 👍🏼

He definitely exudes a lot more grumpy and goofy off camera. But I’ve made a point of respecting his Internet boundaries. So all you’re going get are mostly cute clips with our kids.

Send this to your mom friend who really could use

Send this to your mom friend who really could use a break 😂

It’s good, I have some solo trips and girlfriend getaways coming up soon. I justhave to hang in there. 🙃

It was nice for the few seconds it lasted

It was nice for the few seconds it lasted 😂

#familytravel #familytravelgoals #purewander

SSRIs gave me the ability to not waste time in my

SSRIs gave me the ability to not waste time in my one and precious life worrying as much.

I’ve now flown hundreds of times, sans panic attacks. I love traveling again. I love the body I live in and the mind I have, even if it runs rampant sometimes. I’ve been a MUCH more patient and understanding mother after climbing out of that darkness before having children.

I have a strong empathy for others facing anxiety and depression. I know I won’t feel as hopeless knowing there’s medical options if depression rears its ugly head again in my life.

Anyone who says SSRIs are nothing short of a miracle can go kick rocks.

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