I’d genuinely Love to know.
Somewhere between traveling, hosting our very first Tuscany tour, visiting my mom, planning my niece’s bridal shower, and hopping between Seattle and California, my monthly newsletter somehow turned into a six-month recap!
Apparently, life doesn’t slow down just because we’re getting older.
Honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s catch up.
Everywhere I look, someone is posting photos from Europe—and everyone seems to be saying the same thing:
“It’s crowded!”
And yes…it probably is.
As many of you know, I generally recommend avoiding Europe during the hottest summer months if you have the flexibility. But I also know real life doesn’t always work that way. School schedules, work calendars, and Family commitments often determine when we Travel.
My advice?
Go when you can.
Just pack your patience—and maybe a portable fan!
This year has already been filled with unforgettable adventures.
We kicked things off with a journey to one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever visited—Chiloé Island, located at the southern tip of Chile. It was unlike anywhere we’ve traveled before, and has been a dream destination for ten years! You can also hear all about the adventure A Ten Year Travel Dream Come True: Chiloe Island, Chile on Travel Connections.
We squeezed in a quick getaway to Arizona to cheer on our beloved Dodgers during Spring Training.
But without question…
Our very first Travel Connections Tour in Tuscany.
I honestly don’t know if I have the words.
Together with my wonderful partners, Tim and Jan Rawlinson of iCastagni, we created exactly the kind of experience I had dreamed about for years—an authentic, relaxed, joyful week that celebrated everything I love about Tuscany.
Was it magical?
Absolutely.
Am I a little biased?
Probably.
But don’t take my word for it.
Ask any of our guests.
In fact, I recently updated our Tuscany tour page with their comments and many of the beautiful photos from the trip.
One of my favorite moments afterward was interviewing two of our guests, Kimi Mendenhall and Erin Talafus, on Travel Connections. Hearing what impacted them most reminded me exactly why I wanted to create these tours in the first place.
During one unforgettable week, we:
And the food?
Let’s just say I’m still dreaming about it.
People often ask me what I enjoy most.
The answer is simple.
Watching someone fall in love with Tuscany.
Whether it’s their first visit or their fifth, something special happens when they experience my Tuscany—the villages I’ve returned to for decades, the friendships I’ve built, the hidden corners most visitors never discover.
Every trip feels different.
Every season reveals something new.
And seeing that joy reflected in our guests is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
Since this newsletter covers half a year, we still have a few more adventures ahead!
Here’s what’s on our summer calendar.
For the third year in a row, we’re escaping to a tiny waterfront cottage just an hour north of Seattle.
No agenda.
No sightseeing.
Just barbecues, long walks, good books, and spectacular sunsets.
Sometimes doing absolutely nothing is exactly what we need. I wrote about it on Substack.
We’re turning my niece’s wedding into the ultimate American road trip.
We’ll begin in Jackson Hole, explore Yellowstone National Park, continue north through Montana, and celebrate her wedding in Bozeman.
I am really excited about this trip!
One of the happiest moments of the summer will be celebrating our grandson Clark’s first birthday.
There is simply nothing better than gathering with family and spending time with dear friends back in Southern California.
We’re also heading back to one of my favorite landscapes on earth.
Red rocks.
Big skies.
The Grand Canyon.
And this time we’re trying a spectacular new hotel that I’m excited to tell you about after we return.
Looking at this list, I know some people may think it sounds ambitious.
Maybe it is.
But when I started Adventures of Empty Nesters back in 2013, my mission was simple: encourage people navigating life’s next chapter to rediscover themselves through adventure.
That mission hasn’t changed.
If anything, it has become even stronger.
Travel has given me purpose, perspective, lifelong friendships, and now the opportunity to introduce others to places that have completely captured my heart.
Life is short.
Take the trip.
Book the ticket.
Spend time with the people you love.
Create the memories.
Because those memories are what stay with us long after we’ve unpacked our suitcase.
Where are you traveling this summer?
I’d truly love to hear.
Reply to this newsletter or leave a comment and tell me where you’re headed. You just might inspire my next adventure.
The post Summer Travel Plans, Tuscany Memories & What’s Next appeared first on Adventures of Empty Nesters.
