FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Exploring the world with roots in the Midwest

Vibrant casino interior with rows of slot machines and red-lit ceiling. Empty chairs line the aisles, creating an inviting, lively atmosphere.

Using Junket Hosts and Offer Matching Services: A Deeper Look at Casino Cruise Offers

Junket hosts can unlock casino cruise offers, but only if you understand what they can and cannot do.

Amanda Davis

Aug 165 min read

Cruise ship sails in a fjord surrounded by green mountains under a clear blue sky. Small village visible by the water's edge. Peaceful scene.

Glaciers, Gold & Giggles: Cruising Alaska with a Preteen (Alaska Family Cruise Guide)

We cruised Alaska with our nephew and friends. Here's the honest version of what worked, what to book, and why kids love it too.

Amanda Davis

Aug 88 min read

Slot machine reels with red sevens and BAR symbols, glowing in casino light, create an exciting, suspenseful mood.

Annual Casino Tier Status and Cruise Benefits: A Smarter Way to Use Casino Cruise Offers

Casino tier status can unlock cruise benefits, but only if the math and your travel goals actually line up.

Amanda Davis

Jul 165 min read

Red structure with large illuminated "Virgin" sign against dark sky. Neon glow highlights sleek lines, creating a vibrant, modern feel.

Tips for First-Time Virgin Voyages Sailors: What I Wish I Knew Before Boarding

Essential Virgin Voyages tips for first-time sailors, from booking dining and packing smart to making the most of Scarlet Night and the Beach Club.

Amanda Davis

Jul 85 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

How I Plan a Year of Travel: Tips, Tools, and Strategies to Maximize Time and Money

My exact process for planning a year’s worth of travel while saving money and making the most of every trip.

Amanda Davis

Jan 86 min read

What is a Repositioning Cruise? Everything You Need to Know Before Booking

A repositioning cruise offers lower fares, unique ports, and plenty of sea days. Here’s what to expect before booking.

Amanda Davis

Nov 20, 20254 min read

Peace of Mind on the Road: The Importance of Travel Insurance

From trip cancellations to ER visits abroad, travel insurance saved us. Here’s how to choose the right plan for peace of mind.

Amanda Davis

Sep 4, 20256 min read

Norwegian Cruise Line: Small Ship vs. Big Ship Experience

We compare Norwegian Cruise Line small ship vs big ship experiences, with insights from sailing both styles, to help you choose the right fit.

Amanda Davis

Aug 20, 20254 min read

We did a shore excursion from Tortola out to the Baths at Virgin Gorda and it turned into one of the more memorable port days we've had in the Caribbean.

We took a ferry over from Tortola, hopped on an open-air shuttle to the national park, and then made our way down to the bay and through the caves to the Baths themselves. The rock formations are massive and the way the light comes through the caves and pools is something you can't really capture in a photo. It's one of those places that's genuinely better in person.

If you're docked in Tortola and the Baths are an option, make it happen. The logistics are straightforward and the payoff is worth every transfer. 🌊

#VirginGorda #TheBaths #Tortola #BritishVirginIslands #CaribbeanTravel #ShoreExcursion #CruiseLife #TravelReels

🏜️✨ We left the neon lights of Vegas behind for towering red rocks and sunrise views! This Zion and Bryce Canyon road trip from Las Vegas was the perfect mix of luxury and nature. From scenic drives to peaceful parks, it is easier than you might think. 🌅 Link in bio.

We spent a day circling the island of Oahu with friends and it reminded us all over again why this island stays at the top of our list.

We hit beautiful beaches, watched the blowholes do their thing, took in views that stretched as far as we could see, and drove through stretches of green that don't look real until you're standing in them. Oahu has a way of delivering something different every few miles, and a full loop around the island is one of the best ways to experience that.

We've been to Oahu more times than we can count and it never gets old. If you haven't done a full island drive, put it on the list. 🌺

#Oahu #Hawaii #OahuHawaii #HawaiiTravel #IslandDrive #NorthShore #Blowhole #TravelReels

We stayed in the Makai Penthouse at Wayfinder Waikiki in Honolulu, and this room is genuinely one of the more memorable we've had in Hawaii.

The lanai is the star of the show, it's massive, and the corner balcony pulls in views of Diamond Head, the Waikiki skyline, and the canal all at once. There's also a record player in the room, which fits the vibe of the property perfectly. The hotel sits just a couple blocks from Waikiki Beach, so you get the location without being right in the middle of the chaos.

If you're headed to Honolulu and want something with personality and a great view, Wayfinder Waikiki is worth a serious look. 🌺

#WayfinderWaikiki #Waikiki #Honolulu #HawaiiTravel #DiamondHead #WaikikiHotel #HotelRoom #TravelReels

Moving to Lawrence, Kansas? 🌻 I wrote the guide I wish someone had handed my friends years ago 🏠 Real restaurant picks, bars to skip, driving rules for game days 🚗, favorite local shops 🛍️, Final Fridays, and where to plug in and give back 🙌 Link in Bio for the full Lawrence townie's guide! #LawrenceKS #Jayhawknation #Kansas #lfk

We stayed in Room 648 at the Vanderpump Hotel in Las Vegas, and if you've been watching this property come together, it lives up to the anticipation.

The standard king room features a completely fresh design with Vanderpump touches throughout that feel intentional rather than overdone. Everything is new, the finishes are clean, and the overall vibe is distinct enough to stand apart from anything else on the Strip. It's a smaller, more boutique feel compared to the larger Caesars properties, and that's actually part of the appeal.

We might have a new favorite Caesars property in Las Vegas. Solid stay from start to finish. 🌸

#VanderpumpHotel #LasVegas #VegasHotels #CaesarsEntertainment #LasVegasTravel #NewHotel #HotelRoom #TravelReels

We stayed in an Augustus Tower Fountain View King room at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and it's a solid pick if you want a classic Vegas hotel experience with a view worth waking up for.

The Augustus Tower rooms are well laid out, comfortable, and the fountain view does exactly what you'd hope. Watching the Bellagio fountains from your room never really gets old. The tower itself has a more traditional Caesars feel compared to some of the newer additions on property, which we actually appreciate.

If you're booking Caesars and can swing the fountain view upgrade, it's worth it. 🎰

#CaesarsPalace #LasVegas #VegasHotels #AugustusTower #BellagioFountains #LasVegasTravel #HotelRoom #TravelReels

We explored the eastern side of Kauai for a day and it gave us exactly what we were hoping for from Hawaii.

We caught waterfalls, stopped at a lighthouse with views that go on forever, and spent some time on one of those beaches that makes you understand why people keep coming back to Kauai. The eastern coastline moves at a slower pace than you might expect, and that's a good thing.

If you're mapping out your time on the island, don't sleep on the east side. It's scenic, accessible, and a lot less crowded than some of the more famous spots. 🌊

#Kauai #HawaiiTravel #KauaiHawaii #EastKauai #KauaiWaterfalls #KauaiBeach #Lighthouse #TravelReels

Alaska with a preteen hit different. 🌊🏔️ Gold panning in Skagway, glacier watching at Hubbard, whale watching at Icy Strait Point, and a kid who now says Alaska is his favorite place on earth. We sailed on Norwegian Joy with friends and our nephew, and every single port delivered. Full trip recap is on the blog, including what excursions are worth booking, what the Norwegian Joy is actually like, and how we extended the trip in Seattle. 🐻🚂✨ Link in bio!

We walked through the Summer 2026 display at the Bellagio Conservatory and the jungle theme might be the best execution we've seen from this space in a while.

The botanical arrangements are built around wildlife and movement, and the design team clearly committed to the concept. The animal installations feel layered into the scenery rather than just placed on top of it, which makes the whole thing feel more immersive than a typical seasonal display. It's the kind of setup where you keep finding details the longer you stand there.

Free, open daily, and genuinely worth slowing down for if you're on the Strip this summer. 🌿

#BellagioConservatory #BellagioBotanical #LasVegasTravel #VegasSummer #JungleTheme #BellagioLasVegas #TravelReels #LasVegas

We spent a day at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near Hilo, and even without an active eruption, it was one of the more otherworldly places we've visited.

Kilauea wasn't erupting during our visit, but the park made it clear something is always happening beneath the surface. We walked the crater rim, watched steam pour out of the vents, and saw enough smoke and sulfur activity to understand why this place commands respect. The landscape itself, all hardened lava fields and volcanic rock, does a lot of the storytelling on its own.

Worth the drive from wherever you're staying on the Big Island. Give yourself a full day. 🌋

#HawaiiVolcanoesNationalPark #Kilauea #BigIslandHawaii #Hilo #VolcanoNationalPark #HawaiiTravel #NationalParks #TravelReels

We did a 4x4 tour through the interior of Moorea and it gave us a completely different side of French Polynesia than the beaches and lagoons.

We fed eels in a river, stopped at a pineapple farm, sampled tropical jams and fresh smoothies, and took in some of the best elevated views of the island we could have asked for. The interior of Moorea is lush and dramatic in a way that surprises you if you only came expecting turquoise water.

If you're spending time on Moorea, get off the coast for at least a day. The 4x4 tour is one of the best ways to do it. 🍍

#Moorea #FrenchPolynesia #Moorea4x4 #MooreaTravel #PineappleFarm #FrenchPolynesiaTravel #TravelReels #PacificIslands

We stayed in a Grand King Room at The Grand by SkyCity and it was a bright, comfortable home base for exploring the city.

The room blends natural textures and soft tones inspired by the Auckland landscape, with a spacious layout and thoughtful touches throughout. Highlights included the Nespresso machine, oversized rain head shower, and a large 55" smart TV with Chromecast.

Comfortable, modern, and easy to settle into after long days exploring Auckland.

We spent a morning on an outrigger canoe on the river in Raiatea, and it turned out to be one of the quietest, most beautiful things we did in French Polynesia.
The rain came down pretty steadily the whole time, but the water was completely glassy and the jungle on both sides was that deep, saturated green you only get when everything is wet. Honestly, the rain made it better. No crowds, no noise, just the river and the scenery.
Raiatea doesn't get the attention Bora Bora does, but days like this are exactly why it's worth the stop. 🌿
#Raiatea #FrenchPolynesia #OutriggerCanoe #RaiatéaIsland #FrenchPolynesiaTravel #JungleRiver #TravelReels #PacificIslands

We stayed in a Sir King Boutique Room at Sir Victor Hotel and loved the calm, modern feel.

The space is bright and thoughtfully designed with warm wood details, cozy textures, and local art. The room includes a comfortable king bed, a large bathroom, and some rooms feature a private balcony overlooking either a tree lined street or the interior garden.

It is a peaceful place to recharge after a full day exploring Barcelona.

We spent a day on Bora Bora and it delivered everything the photos promise, and then some.

We took an outrigger boat around the island, swam with sharks and stingrays in the lagoon, and got an up-close look at the famous overwater bungalows from the water. Our guide serenaded us at one point, which sounds a little on the nose but was genuinely one of those moments you don't forget. The lagoon color is real, by the way. It actually looks like that.

If you make it to French Polynesia, a full day on the water in Bora Bora is non-negotiable. 🌊

#BoraBora #FrenchPolynesia #BoraBoraTavel #OutriggerBoat #SwimWithSharks #StingRays #OverwaterBungalow #TravelReels

We stayed in forward-facing Club Balcony Suite 13106 on Norwegian Prima and this one definitely comes with a pro tip. 🚢

The balcony is huge and the forward-facing views are incredible when you are sailing into ports. It feels completely different from a standard side balcony.

But… if you are cruising in colder weather, it is very windy and not very usable. On a warm weather itinerary though, this would be an amazing spot to spend time outside.

Great cabin, just make sure it matches your itinerary.

Not all free cruises come from mailers 🚢🎰

Casino tier status can unlock cruise benefits, but only if you use it intentionally.
Part 3 is live. Link in Bio.

We stayed in a One Bedroom Terrace Suite at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and the terrace completely steals the show. ✨

The expansive private balcony overlooks the heart of the Strip with panoramic skyline views and front row seats to the dancing fountains. Watching the show from your own terrace never gets old.

Inside, the suite gives you separate living and sleeping spaces, making it feel more like an apartment in the middle of Las Vegas. Between the layout and the view, this is one of our favorite room types at the Cosmopolitan.

We spent a day driving around the island of Tahiti and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.

We made stops at waterfalls, ancient marae religious sites, sea grottos, and a few beaches along the way. The island is bigger than it looks on a map, and every 20 minutes the scenery shifts into something completely different. The marae sites especially were worth slowing down for.

If you're in Tahiti and only have one full day to explore, a full island loop is the move. Rent a car, start early, and just drive. 🌿

#Tahiti #FrenchPolynesia #TahitiTravel #IslandDrive #FrenchPolynesiaTravel #Waterfall #TravelReels #PacificIslands

🌴 Thinking about sailing with Virgin Voyages? Before you board, check out my top Virgin Voyages tips for first-timers! From dining secrets to Scarlet Night and the Beach Club in Bimini, these are the things I wish I knew before we sailed. 🚢🍹

Link in Bio.

We stayed in Terrace Cabin 14094Z on Scarlet Lady and this is one of the most unique balcony cabins at sea. 🚢

The layout is modern and flexible, with smart lighting, efficient storage, and a comfortable sleeping setup that converts between sofa and bed. The terrace includes Virgin Voyages’ signature red hammock, which quickly became our favorite place to relax and watch the ocean.

Compact, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, this cabin feels very different from traditional cruise balcony rooms.

One, two, three, viva l'Algérie! Bringing my Lawrence love of Algeria all the way to Vegas for today's match. 🇩🇿⚽🇩🇿

#worldcup #algeria #unmistakablylawrence #lawrence #lawrenceks

We stayed at Helani's Cottage on the island of Tahiti, and this VRBO checked every box we didn't even know we had.

Two bedrooms, space for six guests, an indoor/outdoor kitchen that actually makes you want to cook, and a pool that's hard to walk past without stopping. The views are the real story though. Mountains, water, and that Tahiti light that looks unreal in person.

If you're planning a trip to French Polynesia and want something that feels like a home instead of a hotel, this one is worth a serious look. 🌺

#Tahiti #FrenchPolynesia #VRBO #VacationRental #TahitiTravel #IslandLife #TravelReels #PoolView

We stayed in a Giverny Suite at Paris Las Vegas and it is a great mix of classic style and extra space.

At over 700 square feet, the suite includes a plush king bed, a separate living area with seating and a wet bar, and a bright marble bathroom with a spa tub. There are also thoughtful touches like dual sinks, a private dressing area, and plenty of room to spread out.

If you want a suite feel without going over the top, this is a really solid option right in the center of the Strip.

This 1 King Suite at Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square is a great option if you want extra space in downtown Seattle.

The suite includes a separate bedroom, living area with a queen size sofa bed, and a convenient kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. There are also two TVs, a workspace, and downtown views from the room.

The made to order breakfast and evening reception are a nice bonus, making this an easy and comfortable home base while exploring Seattle.

We stayed in a King Room in the new tower at Caesars New Orleans and it feels like a fresh take on a classic destination.

At 402 square feet, the room is bright and modern with floor to ceiling windows, cool ocean blue tones, and gold accents throughout. It includes a comfortable king bed, workspace, and all the essentials, along with a sleek stone and glass bathroom with an illuminated mirror and walk in shower.

If you want something updated right in the heart of New Orleans, this is a great option.

Staying at Cable Mountain Lodge just outside Zion National Park is hard to beat. 🏜️

The Luxury Suite gives you plenty of space to relax after exploring the park, with a separate bedroom and living area, a king bed, and a sofa that converts into additional sleeping space. The kitchenette is perfect for quick meals, and the balcony or patio makes it easy to take in the surroundings.

With park, pool, or courtyard views and the entrance to Zion just steps away, this is one of the most convenient places to stay for visiting the park.

This one might be the most unique suite we have stayed in in Las Vegas.

Executive Hospitality Suite 20-249 at ARIA Resort & Casino is a 2,000 square foot space that includes its own private board room for up to 12 people. Yes, an actual conference room inside the suite.

After meetings, the suite shifts into full relaxation mode with a wet bar, pool views, and a custom Sealy bed that makes it easy to forget you were ever working.

Business or pleasure, this one covers both.

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FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Using Junket Hosts and Offer Matching Services: A Deeper Look at Casino Cruise Offers

Glaciers, Gold & Giggles: Cruising Alaska with a Preteen (Alaska Family Cruise Guide)

Annual Casino Tier Status and Cruise Benefits: A Smarter Way to Use Casino Cruise Offers

Tips for First-Time Virgin Voyages Sailors: What I Wish I Knew Before Boarding

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

How I Plan a Year of Travel: Tips, Tools, and Strategies to Maximize Time and Money

What is a Repositioning Cruise? Everything You Need to Know Before Booking

Peace of Mind on the Road: The Importance of Travel Insurance

Norwegian Cruise Line: Small Ship vs. Big Ship Experience

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