FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Exploring the world with roots in the Midwest

Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget: Luxury Travel on a Budget

Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget: How to travel luxuriously without emptying your wallet.

Amanda Davis

Jan 28, 20256 min read

Beyond the Blackjack: Unveiling Las Vegas' Hidden Gems

Escape the casino crowds & discover the hidden gems of Las Vegas! Mouthwatering eats, immersive art, & breathtaking hikes beyond the Strip.

Amanda Davis

Feb 4, 20243 min read

Coasting into Concrete Jungles: A Savannah to New York City Road Trip Adventure

Breathe in salty air, savor Southern charm, and conquer iconic cityscapes on this 10-day coastal road trip from Savannah to New York City.

Amanda Davis

Dec 19, 20234 min read

Kauai Travel Guide: The Garden Isle's Enchanting Charms

Explore the enchanting beauty of Kauai - The Garden Isle! From NaPali coast tours to burgers at Kenji Burger, this travel guide has it all!

Amanda Davis

Nov 1, 20233 min read

Unearthing Lawrence, Kansas: Discovering Hidden Gems

Uncover the secrets of Lawrence, Kansas! From hidden museums to mouthwatering eats, our guide will help you explore the city's hidden gems.

Amanda Davis

Oct 15, 20236 min read

Millennials Ahoy: A Guide to Ocean Cruising for the Next Generation

Cruising isn't just for Baby Boomers – it's an exciting and dynamic way for us millennials to explore the world.

Amanda Davis

Oct 1, 20233 min read

Travel Planning Tips: Stress-Free Vacations Made Easy

Plan your dream vacation stress-free with these travel tips.

Amanda Davis

Sep 15, 202311 min read

Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Island of Hawai'i: Travel Guide

Discover Big Island's beauty, beaches, and restaurants in our ultimate travel guide. Be a responsible traveler and protect the reefs!

Amanda Davis

Sep 2, 20237 min read

What Not to Miss: Maui Travel Tips

Finding recommendations for Maui can be tough. Read my recommendations on lodging, dining, and activities.

Amanda Davis

May 3, 20229 min read

What not to miss: Kansas I-70 Road Trip

Discover the best of Kansas on an epic I-70 road trip! From giant sunflowers to historic sites, explore it all. #KansasRoadTrip

Amanda Davis

Jan 28, 202215 min read

Planning a road trip during a pandemic

Need to scratch the travel itch, but concerned about traveling during a pandemic? Read how I planned a COVID-safe road trip.

Amanda Davis

Aug 25, 20208 min read

What to expect on your first cruise

Cruising for the first time can be a pretty intimidating process. I’m here to help let you know what to expect.

Amanda Davis

Jan 13, 202018 min read

What Not to Miss: Shanghai

Discover the vibrant city of Shanghai with our guide on what not to miss in Shanghai. Explore top attractions, cultural spots, and local cuisine.

Amanda Davis

Apr 16, 201914 min read

Alaska Cruise Advice

Looking for Alaska cruise advice? There are lots of things to think about when booking a cruise to Alaska. I’ll help compare some of the...

Amanda Davis

Jan 13, 20197 min read

My 9 Favorite Travel Vlogs

In case you haven’t noticed through my previous posts, I have a bad case of wanderlust, and after Josh and I cut cable TV out of our...

Amanda Davis

Sep 14, 20187 min read

What Not to Miss: Lawrence, Kansas

While Lawrence, Kansas is likely not at the top of many travel bucket lists, occasionally, the opportunity arises to head to the heart of...

Amanda Davis

Aug 3, 201812 min read

What Not to Miss: Vancouver, BC

We’re often asked for recommendations about places we’ve traveled and I’ve never written specifically here about one of our favorite...

Amanda Davis

Mar 28, 201810 min read

What Not to Miss: Austin

Austin is a city that gets talked about a lot. Everybody knows somebody who knows something about Austin. They’ve embraced the mantra...

Amanda Davis

Feb 15, 20185 min read

2017 Year in Review

As the year draws to a close, I always like to take a few moments to reflect on all my experiences over the past 12 months. As with most...

Amanda Davis

Dec 30, 20178 min read

Banning Airbnb in Lawrence, Kansas???

Tomorrow evening, the City Commission of Lawrence, Kansas will discuss short term rentals in the city. I have some very strong feelings...

Amanda Davis

Nov 14, 20173 min read

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.

Touring the inside of the Sydney Opera House was even more fascinating than I expected.

We visited the Symphony Theatre and learned about the architectural details that make this building such an icon. From the sail inspired exterior to the warm wood tones and acoustics inside, every space felt intentional and thoughtfully designed.

It is one thing to admire it from the harbor. It is another to step inside and understand the vision behind it.

If you are visiting Sydney, I highly recommend taking the guided tour.

Kansas City ➡️ Sydney

A lot of jet bridges. A lot of boarding passes. A lot of walking toward something exciting.

There is something about stepping onto a plane that never gets old. Each one gets you a little closer to somewhere new.

This time, all those steps ended with that view of the Sydney Opera House. And it was worth every mile.

We stayed in Terrace Studio 5186 in the Boulevard Tower at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and this one will always be special.

The terrace gave us an incredible view over the south end of the Strip, and it turned out to be the perfect spot to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks light up Las Vegas. 🎆✨

Between the private terrace, the view, and the location right in the heart of the Strip, this room is a classic for a reason.

🗺️ Overplanning makes travel stressful. That’s why I now create flexible itineraries… structured enough to keep us organized, open enough for surprises.

📍 Learn how to do the same. Link in bio!

We stayed in balcony cabin 13214 on @norwegiancruiseline's Aqua and this one surprised us in a good way.

Yes, it is a bit smaller than a Club Balcony Suite, but the location right by the elevator is incredibly convenient. And the view? You get a front row seat to the dry slide, which turns out to be unintentionally hilarious when people get stuck and have to fish-wiggle their way down.

Not the biggest cabin, but definitely one of the more entertaining balconies we have had at sea.

We stayed in a Loft Suite on the 56th floor of @vdaralasvegas and it truly feels like a private oasis floating above the Strip.

This is room 56-019 on the very top floor, with incredible views of the airport, the south Strip, and the surrounding mountains. Vdara is a non smoking, non gaming property, which makes it feel calm and quiet even though you are right in the middle of everything.

You can walk indoors to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Bellagio, and it is just a quick outdoor path to ARIA Resort & Casino. Close to the action, but far above the noise.

This suite is something special.

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FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget: Luxury Travel on a Budget

Beyond the Blackjack: Unveiling Las Vegas' Hidden Gems

Coasting into Concrete Jungles: A Savannah to New York City Road Trip Adventure

Kauai Travel Guide: The Garden Isle's Enchanting Charms

Unearthing Lawrence, Kansas: Discovering Hidden Gems

Millennials Ahoy: A Guide to Ocean Cruising for the Next Generation

Travel Planning Tips: Stress-Free Vacations Made Easy

Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Island of Hawai'i: Travel Guide

What Not to Miss: Maui Travel Tips

What not to miss: Kansas I-70 Road Trip

Planning a road trip during a pandemic

What to expect on your first cruise

What Not to Miss: Shanghai

Alaska Cruise Advice

My 9 Favorite Travel Vlogs

What Not to Miss: Lawrence, Kansas

What Not to Miss: Vancouver, BC

What Not to Miss: Austin

2017 Year in Review

Banning Airbnb in Lawrence, Kansas???

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