Category Archives: Leaps (travel-related stories)

Post-trip Packing Post: Spain 2 Weeks

by Wendy
Follow me on Twitter @wendylooksleaps

You know we love posts about packing on Looks and Leaps. We’ve written about the summer capsule wadrobe, spring transition, and packing for a ski trip, to name just a few. My recent challenge was two weeks in Europe (mostly Spain but also 2 days in France) with carry-on only. My husband Jack and I each took a carry-on suitcase and figured we could do laundry at some point. My goals were to 1) bring clothes that I really liked wearing, 2) mix and match items for a variety of outfits and 3) avoid any fashion fails. Continue reading →

Moonbow Madness

by April and Sunny

follow Sunny on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

Take a full moon on a clear night and a waterfall in Corbin, Kentucky and you will get a rare natural phenomenon known as a moonbow. One of only two places in the world to view a moonbow on a monthly basis, Cumberland Falls is the most recent state park visited by the Looks and Leaps family. Take into account that we were also going to be there on the night of a blue moon (the second full moon of a calendar month) and you have some serious moonbow madness going on!

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End of Summer To-do List

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter @wendylooksleaps

Walk around during your lunch break and enjoy the last few weeks of jacket-free weather

Binge on baseball games. Consider listening to one on the radio, old school. Baseball is classic summer.

If your garden is overrun with tomatoes, try roasting some in the oven with olive oil, oregano and garlic Continue reading →

Pack Quick (and get out of Dodge)

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Jack and I take a lot of weekend trips – sometimes only for one night. I used to feel like I needed adequate notice to plan, organize and pack. Now I can be ready in a few minutes’ notice. Part of this is due to practice, but I think part of it is frame of mind. If you’re going away for 1-2 days, you really don’t need much. You can do this without a checklist, and if you forget something it usually is not a big deal. Of course, the situation probably changes if there are kids involved, but you can still pull your stuff together faster. This is how I pack quick. Continue reading →

What to Expect When You’re Nonreving

by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @Sunnylooksleaps

New to the airline industry? Have an immediate relative that’s an airline employee? Received a buddy pass for airline travel? Congratulations! The world awaits! Where to go first? The possibilities are endless and enough to make you giddy. There’s one catch: your flight privileges are designated as “nonrevenue passenger.” This means you will be flying stand-by, also known as nonrev. You can fly any where, any time….as long as there are empty seats on the flight. This can be tricky, but it is far from impossible. The most important thing is to know what to expect when you’re nonreving.

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Pro or Converse

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Do you have trouble letting go of a favorite pair of shoes? I bought a pair of Converse in 2012 that are definitely in my footwear hall of fame.

Every year I bring my Converse on trips, thinking I’ll leave them behind at some point and free up more room in my suitcase. They’ve been to places like Spain, England, Denmark, New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Massachusetts, California, Utah, Puerto Rico. They’ve hung out at beaches, mountains, restaurants, bars, cities, casinos, hospitals, baseball games, family parties, museums, bookstores, churches, concerts, backyards, hotels, airports, train stations. They’ve been very loyal. They’re practically charms. Continue reading →

The City that Never Sleeps for the Family that Never Sleeps In

by Sunny and Jimmy

I love reading Wendy’s NYC Valentine and living vicariously through her late-night adventures in the Big Apple. I, too, love NYC but have grown to love the early mornings there. You see, I have an early-rising daughter and an early bird husband as well. What’s a girl to do but learn to roll with it?! Here are a few of our early morning memories of New York City
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Talking Baseball with Jack, Jimmy, and Joe

by Jack, Jimmy, and Joe

follow Jack on Twitter @jacklhalsey and Jimmy @jimmybowen32

With baseball season in full swing, what better time to ask our family panel of baseball experts about their favorite ballpark experiences? Jack, Jimmy, and Joe all weigh in on their favorite parks, most memorable games, and of course, unforgettable ballpark food!

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10 Tips for College Students Traveling to Europe

by Wendy
Follow me on twitter@wendylooksleaps

Traveling overseas for two months right after my graduation from college was one of the most influential experiences of my life. My sister April and I visited 5 countries and had an amazing time. It definitely broadened my perspective, increased my appreciation for other cultures, and made me feel more independent and capable of dealing with various situations. l fell more in love with travel and the happiness I felt visiting new places on this beautiful planet. As a rule, I don’t have regrets – but if I was suddenly undergrad Wendy again, I would try and find ways to go abroad more often*. Students have unique opportunities and access to a range of programs and resources to work, volunteer or study in another country. For any students considering or preparing for a trip, here are a few tips I learned from traveling to Europe as a college student. Continue reading →