Category Archives: Leaps (travel-related stories)

How to Spend Quality Time in an Airport

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

I generally like airports. When I walk through the sliding glass doors, I feel energized by the sense of travel possibilities. Time can feel like it has stopped while you’re in this in-between space; you’re on your way but not there yet. Time is also your main focus – how long to get through security, is my flight delayed, can I order another drink before I have to trek to the gate? Airports can also be annoying, but I am determined to keep liking them. Especially after being inspired by Sunny and MJ, whose recent post proves that they really know how to keep their cool in an airport. Even when the wait is long, or the flight is cancelled, and it’s crowded, my sis and niece stay upbeat. My airport attitude is pretty good, but there’s always room for improvement. Here’s how I spend quality time in an airport: Continue reading →

An Off-Season Adventure

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

In our constant attempt to save money and travel as much as possible, we often search for deals during a city’s off season to take advantage of low rates and small crowds.  Of course, sometimes what we expect to be a relaxing weekend trip shapes up to be a real adventure!  Read about our February  trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota and see why the massive Mall of America was one of the sanest parts of the trip!

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Looks and Leaps List: Travel Dining

We are trying a new series on the blog called Looks and Leaps List, where all 9 writers share a brief perspective on a specific topic – similar to the joint post on our vacation in Hilton Head. We will kick things off with: Travel Dining. This is a subject near and dear to our hearts, as we all think delicious food, interesting restaurants, and memorable meals are an important part of travel. We’ve joked that our family crest should be a knife and fork. What have been your favorite travel dining experiences? Read on to find out some of ours:

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Travel and Mom

by Joe

Mom’s birthday would be March 18th. She would have been 95. However, she died a year ago last October ending a wonderful and beautiful life. Mom was a traveler both physically and mentally. She was a reader, of everything. I think that is why she loved to travel. She was an explorer and a searcher for knowledge. She was a prodigious reader and went to so many places in her mind as a young girl that she wanted to see them for herself. She was an only child and through her teenage years, she took several trips around the US with her mom and dad and sometimes with her aunt Doodee. She was fortunate enough to attend and graduate from the University of Wyoming. As an English major with several years of Latin, French and German she explored, lived with, and became part of many cultures through her extensive reading. She was a several books a week kind of reader up until a year before she died at age 93. She had an incredible life. Continue reading →

Past Pictures from Perfect Paris

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

Like many other travelers, I LOVE Paris. I’ve been lucky enough to visit several times, but the last trip was in 2007. Too long ago. I’ve been missing it and spent some time recently looking through old photos.

Paris has been written about so much that many of the descriptions feel cliche, however accurate they may be. I’ve tried to write about my appreciation of France before. For this post, I thought I would write fewer words, and instead share a sample of photos that might reveal a little of the magic of Paris. The beautiful buildings, mysterious Churches, the love of art and beauty (and champagne), the iconic sites and neatly kept parks, the eclectic and stylish neighborhoods, the winding streets leading to your own Paris discoveries. Before you know it, you’re swept off your feet. Continue reading →

Ways I Save Money for Travel

by Wendy
Trying to save more money for travel? I love reading about the different methods people use to budget for vacations and trips, but am surprised by the strident tone some authors take on the subject. Personal finance is…well, personal, and the practicality and importance of travel varies for every person and every budget. Here are a few ways that Jack and I save money for travel – but note that it’s what works for us, personally. We’re a couple with no kids, both working full-time jobs. We agree that travel is a high priority but one that must be balanced with the expense of everyday life in a big city. We splurge on some things, save on others, and try to plan ahead. I’m not being Judge Judgerson if your approach is different. Continue reading →

Weekend R&R (Repairs and Recreation)

by Wendy
We had a great weekend recently, when Dad (Joe) traveled to DC to help us tackle labor-intensive home repairs. It was impressive to see what Jack and Dad accomplished in a matter of days. They’re both hard workers and work well together. Both have a calm presence that is reassuring to me (important when large chunks of your ceiling are suddenly missing). Not only did we save money going the do-it-yourself route, but it was fun! Home repairs can be stressful – but staying relaxed and leaving time for recreation makes all the difference. Continue reading →

Packing for the Caribbean

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

In November, Jimmy and I spent five glorious days in Negril, Jamaica at the Rockhouse Hotel to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary.  As I was looking through our honeymoon photos (also spent in the Caribbean) I laughed at some of my style choices.  Granted, I could get away with a lot more at the age of 23!  I did most of my shopping for our Jamaica trip during the summer sales when swimsuits and sundresses are cheap and plentiful.  Here’s what I packed for our low-key resort stay,

jamaica wardrobe

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Richmond Rundown

by Wendy
follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

We had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights in Richmond, Virginia earlier in the month. Jack had a work event, and I was happy to escape the January doldrums and check out a delightful new city. Here’s a brief rundown of our Richmond weekend. Continue reading →