What a year you were. It was not a crazy travel year, but 2024 was fun-filled and enriching. It also began with my first published magazine article. During the year, I met some wonderful people, which is why travel is valuable to me. I enjoy sharing stories and hearing theirs.
Places to visit in 2024
I was in Gulf Shores, AL, in late February for the Southern Travelers Explore conference. This is one I try not to miss. I love the people and destinations who attend this yearly conference. The location was easy, just about an hour from the doorstep. The time of year is perfect; it is not cold, and it is certainly not hot. I had wanted to stay at the Lodge since it opened, so here I was, overlooking the white sand beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama Beaches have much to offer. The two and half days go like a whirlwind with tours, talk, and food. I have learned a lot from my connections here and am thankful to be a part of the group. I look forward to South Carolina in 2025!
Spring, 2024
In March, I attended the Travel and Adventure Show in Atlanta. My friend and author, Theresa Goodrich, needed some assistance manning her booth, so I volunteered. It was a fun couple of days meeting Theresa’s Mom, who had never heard Theresa speak. I didn’t realize how busy her booth would be, but I prevailed during her speaking time. It was also an opportunity to engage with bigger destinations for future travel.
On April 7, I flew to Irving, TX, for the Solar Eclipse. I am so grateful for Visit Iving’s generosity during the hosted stay. It was a fantastic day and a half of food, fun, and laughter—not to mention a once-in-a-lifetime event.
I headed back to OWA in South Alabama for a day trip in April. It was exciting to see the new water park and restaurants. It’s a fun place in the summertime!
In late April, I was on an Alabama road trip to the middle of my state. I visited Demopolis, Greensboro, Aliceville, and Tuscaloosa. I realized that I had not spent any real time in T’town since I attended the university in the 1980s. Things have changed. The University has expanded dramatically. It was fun exploring stuff I had never done as a student. The generosity of Visit Tuscaloosa for the hosted visit was terrific. I found so much to explore in Sweet Home Alabama.
I flew to Richmond, Virginia, in May to learn more about presidential history. It was an enlightening visit, but it was also hot. However, I did get to see the presidential heads, which is an unusual artifact.
In June, it was time for another road trip. I was off to Indiana for the Midwest Travel Network Conference in Shipshewana, IN. It was quite a trip through Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. While the conference was the destination, I incorporated several destinations into the journey because of my connections made at the conference. Lafayette was filled with history, Shipshewana was a lovely Amish town, Pennsylvania was beautiful, Gettysburg was poignant, and discovering more presidential history was fun. Driving 3200 miles was worth it.
Fall, 2024
After a break at home for the hot summer months, I headed to Kansas in September to explore the Gunsmoke Trail. The people you meet make travel worth it, and Kansas did not disappoint.
I added the Midwest Writer Workshop in Sheboygan, WI, in early October at the last minute. I was so impressed with the workshop with my friend Theresa Goodrich. While she previously inspired me, I know I have actionable ideas to continue my writing journey. Sheboygan was beautiful, and the destination treated us well. Okay, it was way better than that because, somehow, the Northern Lights appeared over Lake Michigan. How awesome to see that!
I attended the Rual AL, MS, and TN Travel Conference in Union City, TN, in late October. During the conference, I reconnected with some other travel writer friends. What a good time we had. The destination was beautiful. (I still need to write this one up)
I embarked on my second Viking River cruise in Paris in early November. Paris never disappoints. We had a macaron-making class, sailed to historic small towns, and visited the Normandy beaches on Armistice Day. It was a remarkable week. I am working on a post about it.
I concluded my travel year on a Caribbean cruise on the Azamara Onward for eleven days. It’s a smaller ship and provides excellent service. I was impressed with the ship, crew, and locations. Solo travel on a ship is fun, and again, it’s all about the people you meet. I am working on a post about this journey.
Onward to 2025
What will 2025 bring? STE and MTN conferences are in the book. Plans for a road trip in the Midwest are in place. Two cruises are planned toward the end of the year, one to England and Canada and one back on the rivers of Europe. I am sure there will be some other trips that present themselves. There are also two book projects in the works. I will continue to write about my journeys. My friend Theresa said her word for 2025 is ‘create.’ It’s an excellent choice!
Hello 2025, what’s it gonna be?
A fun read, as always!
We’ve been back to Tuscaloosa recently for the first time in a long time. It is amazing how much it has changed over the years. But “Roll Tide” will never change!