Hello adventurers!
Somehow we've survived the longest January in the history of Januarys. I won't sugar coat it, things are bleak in the United States right now. This is when I lean into travel as a literal and figurative escape.
Do what you need to do to find your peace right now. That can be travel, reading, binging Bravo, etc. Focus on something that makes you happy.
Where in the world is Carli San Diego?
2024 was my busiest travel year EVER. I took 39 flights (one tracked below was cancelled) totallying 77,000 miles, which is the equivalent of traveling the world 3x πππ. That doesn't even include miles earned on travel road trips for work and fun.
I've already kicked off the year with my first international trip... to Vancouver. The benefit of living so close to Canada is you can drive up in 3 hours or less (if you hit the border *just* right. The highlight of the weekend was re-visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park after 15+ years. Definitely worth checking out next time you visit Vancouver.
Next month I'm embarking on a cruise to ANTARCTICA via Argentina. This is not only my first trip to South America, but it will also mark my 6th & 7th continents! Stay tuned for more updates π¦πΆπ§π
Travel Lessons Learned
I made a HUGE mistake when I drove up to Vancouver a few weeks ago. I forgot my Global Entry card (cue crying).
But Carli, if you drove, why would you need that? I'm glad you asked. If you don't live along a border, you may not know that you can use your GE card in the Nexus lane and bypass the traffic. But you have to have it on your person, you can't just go into the lane without your card. Also, every person in your vehicle has to have either GE or Nexus.
Since I forgot my card, I was relegated to the regular line and had to wait an hour to pass through customs rather than the 5 minutes it would have taken in Nexus.
With that, always check you have all your documents and identifications before leaving.
Fun fact: you can enter Canada from the US by car, train or boat without a passport if you have an enhanced driver's license (REAL ID).
Travel Tip: If you live near the border, get Nexus instead of Global Entry. Nexus includes Global Entry AND TSA Pre-Check for the same cost as GE. The challenge is you have to set up an appointment at a border vs. an airport. But if you cross into Canada (or Mexico) even once a year it can be worth it. This is my next step when my GE is set to expire.
How I started a social media war with Australia
While traveling in Australia for the holidays, I found out they have Target in Australia. Amazing, I thought, I love Target (prior to last week).
I went to go see for myself and whew honey was it disappointing. So I made a little TikTok video that quickly got picked up and let me tell you the Aussies were FURIOUS!
How dare an American critique a Target? It's almost as if the store was created in Australia and not Roseville, MN in 1962, less than 20 miles from my childhood home π€.
They were BIG mad in the comments even telling me to "leave the country". Aussies they're just like us. Who knew?
They also said that Kmart is the Australian equivalent to Target. Well I went and that couldn't be further from the truth. It's just a Kmart, but moderately nicer than the ones that used to exist in the US.
If you don't have TikTok, check out the video that started the Target TikTok war on YouTube.
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Recent & Updated Posts
Here are a few of my most newest (and newly updated) blog posts.
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The Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
Best known for its colorful streets and historic buildings, there are many things to do in Antigua Guatemala beyond just the instagram moments.
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How to Spend One Day in Bruges, Belgium
Often referred to as the Amsterdam of Belgium, Bruges is a truly beautiful medieval city built upon canals. If you only have one day in Bruges, this post shares the highlights.
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A Complete Guide to the Cologne Christmas Market
The Cologne Christmas market is a must visit on your winter market tour. From whimsical and festive, to low key and local, this city has a market for everyone to enjoy.
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Travel Must Haves
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Waterproof Sneakers
Back in December I purchased my first pair of Vessi sneakers. So far they've been great, especially since it rained almost a week of my trip to OZ. I even bought a second pair on my last trip up to Vancouver. Click the link for a referral discount.
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Travel Resources
βWhere to Book Your Travel Needsβ
Thanks for supporting me as I embark on my blogging journey. I'm going to try to keep these to monthly emails.
Carli
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