FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Exploring the world with roots in the Midwest

Rocky mountain range with jagged peaks against a clear blue sky, forested slopes, and patches of red rock, creating a serene landscape.

Steakhouses, Slot Machines & Stunning Scenery: How We Turned a Vegas Vacation into a Zion Adventure

How we turned a Las Vegas getaway into a Las Vegas and National Parks side trip with steakhouses, slot machines, and stunning Zion scenery.

Amanda Davis

5 hours ago7 min read

Casino interior with rows of colorful slot machines and empty chairs on a patterned carpet. Illuminated screens show game graphics and text.

How Casino Cruise Offers Can Get You Free or Deeply Discounted Cruises

Casino cruise offers can unlock free or deeply discounted cruises if you know how the system works and when the deals are worth it.

Amanda Davis

May 166 min read

Red cruise ship docked at port, showing "Virgin" and "Scarlet Lady" text. Blue sky and ocean in background. Balcony decks visible.

Who is Virgin Voyages Really For? A First-Timer’s Honest Review

An honest Virgin Voyages review of our Caribbean cruise experience, from food and vibe to who this adults-only cruise line is really for.

Amanda Davis

May 86 min read

How to Plan Trips Around Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Highlights

Discover how to plan trips around events, festivals, and seasonal highlights for unforgettable travel experiences.

Amanda Davis

Apr 164 min read

Travel Planning for Couples: Balancing Different Styles

Travel planning for couples is all about balance. Learn how to blend styles, share responsibilities, and plan trips you both enjoy.

Amanda Davis

Apr 84 min read

Flexible Itineraries: How to Plan Without Overplanning

Build flexible itineraries that balance structure with spontaneity for stress-free, enjoyable travel.

Amanda Davis

Mar 164 min read

Creating a Travel Budget from Scratch (and Sticking to It)

Build a realistic travel budget that works. Learn how to plan, estimate, and stick to costs without losing experiences.

Amanda Davis

Mar 84 min read

How to Build a Destination Shortlist That Actually Works

Discover how to create a destination shortlist that makes travel planning easier and keeps your trips focused.

Amanda Davis

Feb 164 min read

How I Use Trello to Plan a Year of Travel

Trello is my favorite tool for planning a year of travel. Here’s how I use it to organize multiple trips and keep everything in one place.

Amanda Davis

Feb 84 min read

How to Save Money on Cruises Without Missing Out on Perks

Our best tips for saving money on cruises without missing out on the perks that make them so memorable.

Amanda Davis

Jan 194 min read

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Vegas meets the great outdoors! We spent spring break dining at Lotus of Siam, steakhouse-hopping downtown, and exploring the National Atomic Testing Museum before taking a quick trip to Zion and Valley of Fire. Here’s how easy it is to turn a Vegas vacation into a nature-filled side trip.

Link in Bio.

One of the best ways to experience Auckland is through its food, and the Flavours of Our City tour delivered. 🍽️

We explored the city with The Big Foody Food Tours, tasting everything from handcrafted cheeses and fresh seafood to boutique coffee, seasonal specialties, and incredible desserts.

Beyond the food, we loved learning about Auckland’s multicultural influences and hearing the stories behind the chefs, producers, and local spots that make the city’s food scene so unique.

Great pacing, fantastic bites, and a perfect introduction to Auckland.

Cabin 13820 on Norwegian Joy is a Club Balcony Suite that comfortably sleeps three. 🚢

You get a spacious layout, a comfortable bed, a pull out couch, and a private balcony that makes mornings at sea even better. The bathroom includes double sinks and a glass door shower, which is always a nice upgrade from standard cabins.

There is also plenty of storage throughout the cabin, making it easy to settle in for a longer sailing. A great option if you want extra space without jumping all the way up to a full suite.

Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty delivered such a perfect mix of scenery, culture, and local flavor.

We started along the harbor with views of Mauao, then made our way to the beaches of Mount Maunganui where the coastline seems to stretch forever.

From there, we explored the city of Tauranga before heading into the hills for panoramic views and a stop at McLaren Falls Park. The waterfall and surrounding bush were such a peaceful contrast to the coastline.

Along the way we sampled local treats, including kiwifruit, Manuka honey, coffee, and ice cream, which made the whole day feel even more like a true taste of the region.

Such a well rounded and memorable stop.

The Resort King Mountain View room at @durangoresort is a calm retreat away from the Strip. 🏜️

Warm neutral tones, organic textures, and floor to ceiling windows make the space feel relaxed and comfortable. The mountain views are a nice change of pace from typical Vegas skyline rooms, and the spa style bathroom with high end amenities adds to the overall feel.

There is also a comfortable seating corner and a large 65 inch TV, making this an easy place to unwind after a long day. Durango really nails the modern desert vibe.

Napier and the Hawke’s Bay region might be one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets.

We drove through rolling farmland filled with sheep, cattle, orchards, and vineyards before heading up to Te Mata Peak for sweeping views over the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke’s Bay. The scenery alone made the trip worth it.

The tour also explored the Art Deco charm of Napier, rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake. Today, the city is filled with beautifully preserved 1930s architecture that gives it a completely unique feel.

Great scenery, fascinating history, and one of the most distinctive towns we visited in New Zealand.

We stayed in a 2 Bedroom Hospitality Suite on the 47th floor of @vdaralasvegas and this one is all about space and comfort. ✨

With two bedrooms, a full living area, and plenty of room to spread out, it really does feel like a luxury apartment in the sky. These suites sit high above the Strip on floors 42 through 48, so the views are just as impressive as the layout.

Vdara is non smoking and non gaming, which makes it feel calm and quiet, but you are still steps away from the energy of the Strip. It is a great balance of convenience and a true place to unwind.

Cruising through Queen Charlotte Sound felt peaceful, scenic, and completely unforgettable.

We explored the calm waters by catamaran, surrounded by steep hills, lush forests, and rugged shoreline that has barely changed since Captain James Cook sheltered here in the 1770s. Small settlements dot the coastline, many only accessible by boat, which makes the whole experience feel remote and untouched.

One of the highlights was stopping in Double Cove to feed the fish. Herring, mullet, and cod swirled around the boat, while king shags swooped in from above.

Beautiful scenery, calm water, and a relaxing way to experience the Marlborough Sounds.

The Go Premium King Room at the @Flamingovegas is a great center Strip option. 🎰

At about 550 square feet, the room feels spacious and comfortable with a king bed and dedicated workspace. The marble bathroom vanity, walk in shower, and updated finishes give it a clean, modern feel while still keeping the classic Flamingo vibe.

And the location is hard to beat. You are right in the middle of everything on the Strip.

Cruising for free sounds fake, right? 🚢🎰

I’m kicking off a new series explaining how casino cruise offers really work and how regular travelers use them to save thousands.

Link in Bio.

This might have been one of the most fun things we did in New Zealand.

We went out with @alpinejetthrills and sped across the turquoise waters of the Waimakariri River, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and the incredible landscape of the Southern Alps.

It is the perfect mix of scenic beauty and adrenaline. One minute you are taking in the views, the next you are spinning across the water and holding on for dear life.

Highly recommend if you are anywhere near Christchurch or Springfield.

Corner Suite views at W Las Vegas never get old. ✨

This 741 square foot King Corner Suite is all about the windows. Sweeping city views, soft window sheers, crisp white linens, and a dramatic oversized tufted headboard give the space a clean, modern feel.

It is a quiet, stylish retreat that still puts you right on the south end of the Strip.

✨ Our first Virgin Voyages cruise was unlike any other! Incredible food, no kids, amazing vibes, and a private beach in Bimini made it unforgettable. 🚢💃 Here’s my honest Virgin Voyages review and who I think this cruise line is perfect for.

Link in Bio

Sailing through Fiordland National Park was one of the most breathtaking days of our trip.

We cruised through Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound, surrounded by towering mountains, countless waterfalls, and scenery that almost did not look real.

Every turn brought another dramatic view. Misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and quiet stretches of water that made it easy to just stop and take it all in.

This is the kind of day that reminds you how incredible New Zealand really is.

This Terrace Suite Fountain View at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas might be one of the best views on the Strip. ✨

Room 2533 features sliding glass doors that open to an oversized private terrace overlooking the famous fountain show. Watching the water, lights, and music from your own balcony never gets old.

Inside, the suite is spacious with two large bathrooms and a bubbler tub in the primary bath. It is the kind of room that makes you want to slow down and actually spend time enjoying the space.

Fresh air, sunlight, and front row seats to the fountains. Hard to beat.

We walked through the Spring 2026 Bellagio Conservatory display and it did not disappoint. "Springtime Symphony: Music In Motion" is on display through June 6, and it's one of the more creative themes they've done in a while.

The botanical arrangements are built around a music and movement concept, with instruments, florals, and design elements that all work together without feeling overdone. The detail work up close is worth slowing down for.

If you're on the Strip this spring, it's free, it's beautiful, and it takes maybe 20 minutes. Easy stop. 🌸

#BellagioConservatory #BellagioBotanical #LasVegasTravel #VegasSpring #SpringtimeSymphony #StripLife #LasVegas #TravelReels

The Great Barrier Reef has been on my bucket list for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. 🌊🐠

We went out with @reefmagiccairns and it was a 10 out of 10 experience. Even though we did not film while snorkeling, the glass bottom boat and underwater observatory gave us incredible views of coral, fish, and marine life up close.

If you are debating whether it is worth flying from Sydney to Cairns for the Reef, the answer is yes. Without hesitation. Yes.

Truly one of the most unforgettable experiences we have ever had.

We ate our way through the laneways of Melbourne with @secretfoodtours and it was one of the best ways to experience the city. 🍽️

This tour weaves through Melbourne’s iconic and hidden laneways, sampling everything from street food to wine, cheese, and chocolate. Along the way we tried a mix of multicultural flavors, including unique local meats, focaccia, Chinese street food, and handcrafted sweets.

It felt like discovering Melbourne through its food, with stops we never would have found on our own. By the end, we had a long list of places we wanted to come back to.

We stayed in Balcony Cabin 10026 on Norwegian Spirit and it was a solid, comfortable home base at sea. 🚢

The layout is efficient, with a cozy bed, good storage, and a private balcony that makes all the difference. There is nothing better than starting the day with coffee outside and ending it with ocean views.

Not the biggest cabin on the ship, but a great option if you want your own outdoor space without upgrading to a suite.

Exploring Twofold Bay and the stunning coastline around Eden was such a peaceful stop.

We cruised through Twofold Bay surrounded by dramatic scenery, spotted seabirds along the cliffs, and even saw a seal in the water. The water, the quiet, and the views made this one of those unexpectedly memorable moments.

Sometimes the simple wildlife sightings and scenery end up being the highlight.

We stayed in a Partial Marina View King Room at Shangri-La The Marina Cairns and it was a great home base for exploring Cairns.

The room was spacious and comfortable, with views over the marina and easy access to everything along the waterfront. The location really stands out. You are just steps from restaurants, the Esplanade, and the departure point for Great Barrier Reef tours.

If you are heading out to the reef, this is about as convenient as it gets.

🎉 Festivals. 🌸 Cherry blossoms. 🍁 Fall foliage. Some of the best trips are built around special events or seasonal highlights. In this post, I share how to plan trips around events without stress.

📍 Read the full post. Link in bio!

We ate very well on Norwegian Spirit. 🍽️

Between the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, there was a great variety of options throughout the cruise. We especially enjoyed meals from:
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Le Bistro
• Silk
• Teppanyaki
• Onda by Scarpetta

From steaks and seafood to pasta, Asian dishes, and classic cruise favorites, everything felt elevated for a smaller ship. Norwegian Spirit may be one of the older ships in the fleet, but the dining definitely delivers.

We stayed in a Harbour View King Room at Shangri-La Sydney and the view alone made it worth it.

Waking up to the Sydney Opera House right outside your window is hard to beat. Add in a fantastic breakfast buffet and a central location in the CBD, and it is a great home base for exploring the city.

Fair warning, it does sit up on a hill, so there is a bit of a climb at the end of the day. But the view at the top makes it feel worth it every time.

Sailing away from Sydney Harbour on Norwegian Spirit was unforgettable.

Passing the Sydney Opera House, gliding under the Harbour Bridge, watching the skyline fade, and then heading out past the cliffs as the sun set. It is one of those sail aways that feels special from start to finish.

Sydney Harbour really knows how to deliver a send off.

💑 Do you and your partner have different travel styles? That doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. In this post, I’m sharing how we balance our approaches and plan trips that work for both of us.

📍 Read the full post. Link in bio!

We stayed in a King Runway View Room at Grand Hyatt at SFO and this one is a dream if you love planes. ✈️

The view overlooks the international terminal gates, so you can watch widebody aircraft come and go all day. Add in thoughtful amenities and one of the most comfortable hotel beds we have had in a while, and it is hard to beat for an airport stay.

Direct access to the terminal and AirTrain makes it incredibly convenient, but honestly, I could have stayed in the room just watching planes.

We stayed in the Salon Suite at @durangoresort in Las Vegas, and 1,235 square feet goes a long way when the layout actually makes sense.

The suite has a separate living area, a well-appointed bedroom, and the kind of bathroom that makes you want to take your time in the morning. Lots of natural light, clean modern design, and a great view depending on your floor.

If you're looking for a comfortable base in the southwest valley, this is a solid option. Durango is still relatively new, so the rooms are fresh and the finishes show it. 🃏

#DurangoCasino #DurangoResort #LasVegasHotels #LasVegasSuite #VegasTravel #HotelRoom #SinCityStay #TravelReels

Our day trip to Kuranda in Tropical North Queensland was everything I hoped it would be. 🌿🐨

We took the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up above the canopy, stopped to see waterfalls along the way, and then rode the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway back down to Cairns. The views alone would have made the day worth it.

But we also:
• Walked through the rainforest
• Visited a koala sanctuary
• Explored Rainforestation Wildlife Park
• Saw crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, cassowaries and more
• Took an Army Duck ride through the rainforest
• Watched didgeridoo demonstrations
• Learned spear throwing and tried our hand at boomerangs

It felt like packing a week of Australia into one unforgettable day.

We ate our way through Surrey Hills with @secretfoodtours in Sydney and it was one of the highlights of our trip. 🍽️

Mortadella. Arancini. Fresh oysters. Zucchini blossoms. Greek pastries. A crème brûlée tart. And a lemon lime bitters that I am still thinking about.

Every stop was fantastic, and our guide Eric made the whole afternoon feel like exploring the neighborhood with a very knowledgeable friend.

If you love understanding a city through its food, this is such a fun way to do it.

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FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Steakhouses, Slot Machines & Stunning Scenery: How We Turned a Vegas Vacation into a Zion Adventure

How Casino Cruise Offers Can Get You Free or Deeply Discounted Cruises

Who is Virgin Voyages Really For? A First-Timer’s Honest Review

How to Plan Trips Around Events, Festivals, and Seasonal Highlights

Travel Planning for Couples: Balancing Different Styles

Flexible Itineraries: How to Plan Without Overplanning

Creating a Travel Budget from Scratch (and Sticking to It)

How to Build a Destination Shortlist That Actually Works

How I Use Trello to Plan a Year of Travel

How to Save Money on Cruises Without Missing Out on Perks

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