“We may place blame, give reasons, and even have excuses; but in the end, it’s an act of cowardice to not live your dreams.” – Dr. Steve Maraboli
Where will you wander dear reader? – Wanderology Girl
travel tips
If You Ever Meet a Pelican….
One of my favorite parts of visiting the Gulf of Mexico towns, are these amazing creatures. I just stopped and watches a pelican, flap his enormous wings through the air, over the shimmering water, and soared down into a graceful landing, to glide upon the water near the sponge dock, where I was standing. You have to really experience an up close, and personal encounter, to feel you have been truly, and formally introduced and amazed by this enormous bird. More Tarpon Spring’s adventures on the way! -Wanderogy Girl
Beach Town Packing List
Going on a beach town tour has its obstacles. Packing the right amount, and the essentials needed, is the goal. When chosing your wardrobe for the trip, think simple, interchangeable, and multi purpose. I like to start with a color scheme, It makes putting outfits together much easier. My next tip is to try to pack 14 wardrobe items or less. Light weight wrinkle free fabrics are best. The only exception to the rule is that I bring my favorite linen beach pants… I just fold them neatly and hope for the best.
Always bring a super strong sunscreen, a floppy hat, sunglasses, flip flops, sandles, travel size skin care, make-up and toiletries. I bring very simple jewelry because you may pick up some cute beachy little bracelets or necklaces in the boardwalk shops. Below are pictures of my 14 items for my next road trip this week and a picture of my Eddie Bauer Boundary 24 liter backpack which I love for week long trips and it’s guaranteed for life.
I cherry picked things that can fit easily in my backpack. 2 neutral colored T-shirts, 1 graphic T-shirt, 2 tanks for the beach and for layering, 1 pair of denim shorts, 1 lightweight hoody sweatshirt for breezy nights, 1 swimsuit with swim trunks, 1 sundress, 1 light weight button up cardigan, 1 pair of trendy leggings for lounging or layering, 1 black maxi skirt that can be dressed up or down as needed, my favorite pair of striped, seaside, comfy, linen pants, and a light mango and white, chevron striped tunic. Hello! Beach Towns ……. here she comes!
Happy Travels!
-Wanderology Girl
10 Tips for Exploring a Beach Town
Hello World! Are you ready to follow Wanderology Girl on her Florida Beach Tour. Here is 10 fabulous tips for exploring new beach towns. Whether your visiting for a day, a weekend, or longer, these tips can make the most memorable, fantastic, wandering experience. Below are some pretty awesome ideas how to be a nomad, beach bum, or at least a relaxed beach drifter.
#1Pack Light
Take a minimal amount of travel essentials to truly be free to wander. Don’t be tied down to all your belongings. Think nomad, drifter, simple, and essential. It doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable….the idea is comfortable. It’s about being a being a savvy packer. I will be posting my (packing like a wanderer) list soon.
#2 Backpack It My Friend
Find a great backpack and you’re set. You will find it difficult walking down cobblestone streets or wandering through beach shops, or skimming through sandy shores, with a giant tote bag or even dragging suitcases around.
#3 Find a Host
Getting to know the culture and learning more about a town can be greatly accomplished by staying with a host family at the beach. You will make new friends and learn much more about relationships in this enviorment. You may not always feel comfortable, but from this experience you will always feel grateful.
#4 Keep a Travel Diary
It may seem obvious how meaninful this tip is, but you would be suprised those who miss out on this. Even if you only keep track of places, visited, feelings felt, people you meet…your favorite discoveries, that will suffice. It will be a treasure to you for years to come.
#5 Explore Farmer Markets and Local Cuisine
Some beach towns have delectable cuisine. Find fun, trendy places to eat. Explore Farmer or Fresh Markets for a taste of local delight and to find recipes to try back home.
#6 Meet the Locals
Don’t be afraid to make conversation and ask locals questions. You will be suprised who you can spark up a new friendship with and get great tips for interesting thing’s to do in the area. The locals are at the heart of a beach town.
#7 Take a Class
Many little towns have classes on local gardening, preservation, cooking, or customs. On weekends some shops even host how to classes in art or crafts. Find something new to learn during your breeze through beachy towns.
#8 Check Out Calendar Events
Most little towns will post current events on a monthly calandar. You can usually get this information by just searching the towns current events. You might be there the perfect time for a parade, arbor tree planting, a festival. Check it out!
#9 Go Shelling
Some Florida beaches are known for shelling. You can kick your toes through salty water and sugary sand to find some great little shells to bring home. This is so relaxing with waves breaking and the ocean breeze in your face. It’s a form of meditation for me.
#10 Explore Like a Nomad Not a Tourist
Don’t just stick with trip advisor or tourist books. Let your soul wander shops and local little hidden gems. Remember not all treasures are easy to see or publicized…some treasure is buried. Your job is that of an explorer….now go discover something special for yourself.
My last and very important tip is always bring strong sunscreen. Florida will be friend or foe to you depending on this cruicial essential. She can help you unwind or scorch you.
Happy Travels!
-Wanderology Girl
If You’re Lucky Enough to be at the Beach…..
If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach….you’re lucky enough. Wanderology Girl starts her tour of some fabulous Florida beaches, and amazing towns to visit this week. Make sure to follow where she is wandering, on her blog @ Wanderogygirl.com
The Pampered Travel Essentials….
Some of my favorite travel essentials I can carry in a purse. Cute hairbands from @Goodie,
Small bag of @Clinique makeup, lipstick,compact,moisture surge thirst relief for skin (a flight attendant’s best friend)
hand sanitizer@bathandbody,
sunglasses,
natural Glee gum with no artificial sweetner, (so my ears don’t pop on the plane),
granola bar for non-meal flights ,
note pad & pen @Brighton,
phone with earphones,
On Guard@doterra spray (for spraying dirty table tops and hands in public),
eyecream@cindycrawford(meaingfulbeauty) for long red eye flights,
hand lotion,
pill box with Ibruprophen for headaches & motion sickness pills,
of coarse a passport (One of the best souvenirs). Happy Travels……. -Wanderologygirl
WANDEROLOGY GIRL 