FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

Exploring the world with roots in the Midwest

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 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

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

Shoulder Season Travel: Why It’s My Favorite Way to See the World

Lower prices, smaller crowds, and great weather — here’s why shoulder season travel is my favorite way to see the world.

Amanda Davis

Dec 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

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

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.

A perfect day on Great Stirrup Cay 🌴

@norwegiancruiseline’s private island is easygoing, beautiful, and exactly what a sea day should feel like.

From the calm waters of Great Life Lagoon to beach walks, lighthouse views, and quiet paths around the island, this was the kind of stop that invites you to slow down and just enjoy being outside.

If your cruise itinerary includes Great Stirrup Cay, plan on wandering, swimming, and finding your own favorite spot along the water.

💸 Planning a trip? The secret to traveling more often is having a realistic travel budget. In this post, I share how I break trips into categories, estimate costs, and stick to our budget while still enjoying great experiences.

📍 Read the full post. Link in bio!

We spent a quiet afternoon wandering the cactus garden at @ethelmchocolates Cactus Garden and it was such a peaceful break from the Strip. 🌵☀️

Late winter light, desert air, and rows of cacti in every shape imaginable made this feel like a little hidden oasis.

The garden sits next to the Ethel M Chocolates factory, which was founded in 1981 by Forrest Mars Sr. and named after his mother, Ethel Mars. Forrest Mars was also behind the creation of the Mars Company, one of the most well known candy companies in the world. Ethel M was created as a return to small batch, handcrafted chocolate making, using traditional techniques and fresh ingredients.

Even if you skip the chocolate entirely, the cactus garden alone is worth the visit.

A drive through Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is one of the best ways to experience the desert just outside Las Vegas. 🌄

These dramatic red sandstone cliffs were formed more than 180 million years ago and later uplifted by tectonic forces along the Keystone Thrust Fault. Long before Las Vegas existed, this area was home to Native peoples who left behind petroglyphs that can still be seen today.

Things to do at Red Rock Canyon:
• Drive the 13 mile scenic loop
• Stop at overlooks for photos and short walks
• Visit the visitor center to learn about geology and history
• Explore petroglyph sites
• Hike trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs
• Go rock climbing if you are experienced

It is hard to believe this peaceful, otherworldly landscape is less than 30 minutes from the Strip.

We spent a few hours at Springs Preserve and it was exactly what we needed.

A peaceful break from the Strip, beautiful desert scenery, and perfect February weather. 🌵☀️

Things to do at Springs Preserve:
• Walk desert botanical gardens and scenic trails
• Explore interactive museum exhibits about Las Vegas history
• Visit historic structures relocated and preserved on site
• See seasonal displays and rotating exhibits
• Relax and enjoy wide open space and quiet views

Springs Preserve sits on the original water source that made Las Vegas possible. These natural springs supported Native peoples for thousands of years and later became essential to early settlers. Today, the Preserve protects that history while showcasing desert conservation and sustainability.

If you want a slower, more local Vegas experience, this is a hidden gem worth visiting.

The Bellagio Conservatory never disappoints. 🧧🔥

The 2026 Lunar New Year display celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse is vibrant, detailed, and beautifully done.

My favorites were the little girl and the pandas. I kept going back to them every time. 🐼❤️

If you are in Las Vegas right now, this is absolutely worth seeing in person.

We stayed in a Flat Suite at M Resort in Las Vegas and I honestly could not stop staring out the windows.

Nearly 360 degree views of the Strip and the desert, a huge living space, an incredible soaking tub, and a seriously comfortable king bed. This room surprised me in the best way.

#MResort #LasVegasStay #VegasSuite #HotelRoomTour #VegasViews #LuxuryVegas #OffStripVegas #TravelReels

We stayed at Arlo Wynwood in Miami and loved how walkable and lively the neighborhood is.

This is Room 847, a King Balcony Room with modern design and a great spot to relax after a day exploring Wynwood’s art and food scene 🌴🎨

#ArloWynwood #WynwoodMiami #MiamiTrip #HotelRoomTour #BoutiqueHotel #MiamiTravel #TravelReels

🌍 Too many places, not enough time? That’s why I use a destination shortlist. It's a simple way to capture ideas, narrow them down, and turn them into real trips.

📍 Learn how to make one that actually works. Link in bio!

Cabin tour time 🚢

This is Cabin 12182, an oceanview balcony cabin on Symphony of the Seas, and it marked our first Royal Caribbean cruise in over a decade.

🛏️ Comfortable bed with plenty of storage
🚿 Well designed bathroom with smart use of space
🌊 Private balcony with open ocean views
📺 TV, desk, and all the cruise cabin essentials

It was fun to step back on a Royal Caribbean ship and see how things have evolved over the years. A great cabin for soaking in sea days and sailaways.

📍 Symphony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean

#SymphonyOfTheSeas #RoyalCaribbean #CruiseCabin #BalconyCabin #CruiseLife #TravelCouple #CruiseVacation

Dinner. Champagne. Chaos. 🎭🥂

The Party at Superfrico is not just a show. It is an adult only immersive experience that starts with a fabulous prix fixe meal at Superfrico inside The Cosmopolitan and quickly turns into something completely unexpected.

🛁 A bathtub overflowing with champagne
🍽️ A decadent multi course dinner
🚪 A hidden door
🎭 And the most spectacular kind of controlled chaos you can imagine

This is part dinner, part performance, part fever dream and 100 percent unforgettable. If you like your Vegas nights bold, weird, and wildly entertaining, this one is a must.

📍 Superfrico | The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas

#Superfrico #ThePartyAtSuperfrico #TheCosmopolitan #VegasShows #VegasNightlife #AdultOnly #VegasExperiences #TravelCouple

Step inside Club Balcony Suite 11276 on Norwegian Aqua, the newest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.

This cabin offers a noticeable upgrade from a standard balcony and works especially well for longer sailings.

✨ What makes this suite stand out:
🌊 A larger balcony with more space to relax
📐 Extra square footage inside the cabin
🧺 One bag of laundry included
🤫 A quieter, more secluded location above Indulge Food Hall

If you like a little more room and fewer crowds, this is a great cabin choice on Aqua.

📍 Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Cruise Line

#NorwegianAqua #NorwegianCruiseLine #CruiseCabin #ClubBalconySuite #CruiseLife #TravelCouple #CruiseTips

📌🌍 Trello is my secret weapon for travel planning. It helps me organize multiple trips, keep all my confirmations in one place, and see my whole year of travel at a glance.

📍 Link in Bio

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FROM LAWRENCE, WITH LOVE

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

How to Save Money on Cruises Without Missing Out on Perks

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

Shoulder Season Travel: Why It’s My Favorite Way to See the World

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

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

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