It’s been a while. My last post here was in April, which tells you a little something about how much bandwidth I’ve had lately. I’m not going to pretend this means I’m suddenly back on a regular publishing schedule, but there’s something happening tomorrow that I really wanted to share with you.

And if you also subscribe to Living Landmarks of Chicago, hello again! You may have already seen my name in your inbox today. Apparently I’m making up for lost time. I promise this is a different story.

Back in the spring of 2020, when the world shut down and my travel-writing business essentially disappeared overnight, I spent a lot of time thinking about why we travel in the first place. I wrote something then that I still believe: people don’t love to travel simply for travel’s sake. We love what travel does for us. Awe. Learning. Connection. Memories. The gift of being completely present in a moment.

Travel has always done that for me. When I’m on the road, I pay attention. I notice the landscape outside the windshield and the way someone pronounces the name of their hometown. I read historical markers, talk to strangers, eat things I’ve never tried, take entirely too many pictures, and experience time differently. An afternoon can feel like a week because I’m actually in it.

The world had already turned upside down. Then, on August 18, 2020, mine did too: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Over the months that followed, that idea of being present stopped being something I associated primarily with travel. It became something I thought about constantly. I didn’t know what treatment would look like, how I would feel from one week to the next, or when I’d be able to travel again. At one point, while waiting to find out what treatment came next, Jim and I drove to Oregon, Illinois, because I’d always wanted to see Lorado Taft’s The Eternal Indian.

That little road trip led me to write: “Don’t wait. Eat the cake. Call the friend. See the statue.”

Six years later, I’m still working on that.

Tomorrow, August 18, on the sixth anniversary of my diagnosis, I’m launching a Kickstarter for my memoir, Diary of a Cockeyed Optimist. It grew out of the journals I kept and the essays I wrote throughout that year. Yes, cancer is in it because cancer is what happened, but the larger story is about the choices I made because of it, including the decision to stop treating the things I wanted to do as “someday” projects.

That decision changed my life in some pretty significant ways. Among other things, I finally wrote a novel, something I’d wanted to do since I could read books without pictures. Then I wrote another. And another. Turns out “someday” had been taking up a lot of space.

I’m also doing something during the 28-day Kickstarter campaign that feels especially appropriate for The Local Tourist. From August 18 through September 15, I’m hosting 28 Days of Joy. Every day, I’ll send one short email with a simple prompt designed to help you notice, create, remember, or share a little more joy.

It’s not about pretending everything is wonderful. I certainly didn’t spend cancer treatment floating around in a cloud of gratitude and positive thinking. I was scared. I got angry. I cried. Sometimes I was all of those things and happy at the same time.

But I also learned how much joy can exist in very small moments when you actually notice them. Travel makes that easy because everything around us is new. 28 Days of Joy is an experiment in bringing some of that same attention to ordinary life.

And you do not have to pledge to my Kickstarter to participate. I’m sending 28 Days of Joy to anyone who follows the campaign and signs up. Following is free. If you don’t want or need the memoir, that’s completely fine. Come along for the joy.

Follow Diary of a Cockeyed Optimist on Kickstarter

Whether you’ve been reading The Local Tourist for twenty years or found me somewhere along the road, thank you for being here. I’ve spent most of my career telling people where to go. Six years ago, I started thinking a lot more seriously about why we should go in the first place.

Thank you!

Theresa L. Goodrich
The Local Tourist

Business or Pleasure?

That’s one of those FAQs when you’re booking travel. Is this trip for Business or Pleasure?

Since I started travel writing, nearly every trip I’ve taken has been for Business. Even when it’s for fun–and all of them have been fun–I’ve focused on the business aspect. That’s the downside of being a travel writer. Every trip was work.

I’d almost always contact destinations to see if we could work together. We’d discuss my travel dates, my audience, and they’d arrange hotels, restaurants, and attractions. This enabled me to visit places I couldn’t have afforded otherwise, and the VIP treatment was stellar. (Our stay at Canoe Bay Resort, for example.) It got to the point where I knew as soon as I entered my room there’d be gifts waiting for me, usually swag from the destination and often, a bottle of wine.

Yep. I’ve been spoiled rotten. It’s the best job in the world.

But lately things have shifted. As I’ve leaned into writing fiction and have taken on both editing and ghostwriting freelance clients, I’ve stopped going on press trips. I’ve stopped contacting those destinations.

It’s tempting, though. Next month we’re going to England to celebrate our birthdays. We’ll be in London for mine and at the Goodrich Castle for my husband’s, and yes, it’s in his lineage.

This trip is the first time since our one-year-anniversary that is solely for us. Not for work. Not for family. For us.

For pleasure.

I had a tiny moment when I considered reaching out to my contacts about different activities. I’m an affiliate with CityPass, Plannin, etc. This trip is an investment and I could defray a considerable amount of the cost by working with them.

But here’s the thing: I am then obligated to “create content.” We wouldn’t be able to just hop on a bus or a boat and take in the experience. I’d have to ensure I took lots of photos and videos so I could share them on social media and my sites. I’d have to write about it.

Our trip, our very personal vacation, would become work.

Am I going to write about it? Yes. But I’m writing about it because it brings me joy, because I want to, not because I have to.

For two weeks, I’m going to explore another country with my husband like a normal person instead of someone looking for the best story angle or feeling like she’s got to see and do everything so she can write the best ever Top Things To Do In London listicle (which would be impossible when we’re only there for five days, but that’s what travel writers often do–including myself).

Ironically, this is going to make what I do write even better and more useful. And definitely more entertaining. It’s storytelling, the style I used when I began writing about travel beyond Chicago in 2017, and which became my first and second books.

I’ve missed it, and I simply couldn’t (can’t) write another prescriptive piece focused on SEO and meant for algorithms. And now that I’m writing novels, I can never go back.

Some of my longtime readers might have noticed my dearth of posts. Last year I published all of three new articles. I used to post weekly, at a minimum. In 2026, I didn’t write my first travel article until last week.

After twenty-four years, during which we dealt with cancer and a pandemic at the same time, followed by Google’s “helpful” updates that destroyed my website traffic, I was completely burned out.

In January of this year I thought I was ready. I even wrote a “remember me” newsletter announcing my return. And then, nothing except for a couple emails about my Travel and Adventure Show appearances.

(I have been writing at The Joyful Storyteller. Just not here.)

So is that going to change?

Yes! Because planning this trip with the love of my life is joyful. It’s fun. It’s a reminder of what most people feel when they travel. Yes, I have the best job in the world. And, AND, after so many years of every trip being tied to income and obligations, that job began to feel like a, well, job.

Now? I get to write what I want without any expectations from clients or partners. I get to approach this adventure with the wide-eyed fascination of someone with wanderlust in her bones.

And I am going to share this with you.

I’ve got a whooooole list of topics. Just the planning part has been an education. (Did you know you have to get an ETA to visit the UK? One of the things I’ve learned and I’ll tell you all about it, and warn you against the mistake I made.)

Will I write while we’re on the trip?

Maybe. I’ll journal, but I’m not committing to publishing while I’m away. If I do, it’ll be because I feel called to do so.

So this time, when someone asks, “Business or pleasure?” I’m finally going to smile and say, “Pleasure.” And I have a feeling that’s going to make all the difference—for the trip, for the writing, and for me.

Now I want to hear from you. What should I write about first?

1. The Must-Have Checklist Before Visiting England (for USA visitors)

2. How I accidentally booked a Michelin-rated hotel

3. Learning to drive in England before boarding the plane

I’m excited to see what piques your interest! Until then,

Love and wanderlust,

Theresa

Business or Pleasure originally published on The Local Tourist

We arrived yesterday in the late morning. It had been years since we’d flown Alaska Airlines, and now I’m wondering why. What a delightful experience. First, a baggage handler met us at the door, brought our bag to the kiosk, then brought it to the agent.

What?!

Once on board, our seats - basic economy seats, mind you - were surprisingly spacious. Which means our noses were not in our knees. In fact, I could actually cross my legs. Spacious, I tell you!

If we’d chosen, we could have pre-ordered a freshly prepared meal for our flight. We didn’t, so our options included a variety of themed boxes. During beverage service, the cups informed us they’re the first airline to completely eliminate plastic cups, bottles, and stir sticks.

Bravo, Alaska!

We’re here because I’m speaking at the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show this Saturday. Usually I also exhibit, but this year I’ve decided to skip that so we can spend more time with my in-laws. While I’ll miss seeing the people I’ve met over the years and meeting new readers, this is the right decision.

We usually take it easy during our visits, seeing a few things but prioritizing simply spending time together. Today we plan to visit the Flower Fields and will swing by the beach for my obligatory toes-in-sand treat. The rest of our visit? We’ll see where the days take us. Maybe the only place is from the living room to the family room to their patio oasis, and that sounds exactly like what we need.

I hope you’re able to do exactly what you need this weekend, and if you’re in the area, please come see me! I’m speaking at 11:15am Saturday on Planning Your Perfect Road Trip (and I’ve got a bunch of new tips this year!). Click here for details.

Happy traveling,

Theresa

Alex pressed on the accelerator, her speed increasing rapidly as she pulled out of the curve only to slow down again for the next one. She headed straight for a canopy. Under it, a photographer pointed a long lens at her, panning as she followed the contours of the barely-two lane road and passed within inches of the man. A large banner advertised a website where drivers could find pictures of themselves conquering the Tail of the Dragon. The scenic drive included 318 curves over a mere eleven miles, making the mountain passage from Tennessee to North Carolina the windiest in the United States.

The first paragraph of Ruin on the River was written from Alex Paige’s perspective, but it could have been mine.

In fact, it was mine. I’d driven Tail of the Dragon in the fall of 2023, and a few months later, that experience inspired the opening of my fourth novel.

Every book in the Travel is Murder mystery series was inspired by places I’ve visited during my travels, and I’ve decided to do something I’ve never done before:

I’m hosting a LIVE virtual presentation where I take you behind the scenes of these books, sharing the real places, local secrets, and stories that inspired all six—plus travel tips if you want to visit these destinations yourself.

Here’s where we’re going:

🗺️ Door County, Wisconsin – Where it all began

🏔️ Colorado Springs, Colorado – Drama in the Rockies

🏖️ Gulf Shores, Alabama – Sun, sand, and secrets

🍺 Asheville, North Carolina – Craft beer and bitter rivalries

🦬 Southeast Montana – Lewis & Clark country

⚓ Sheboygan, Wisconsin – The marina that inspired the mayhem

We’ll wrap up with Q&A so you can ask me anything about the books, the locations, or the writing life.

A few images from these delightful destinations:

Why am I doing this?

One, because I think it’ll be a blast, and two, because I’m launching my second Kickstarter campaign for this series!

It launches on Wednesday, January 21. Travel is Murder, Volumes 1 & 2, will feature gorgeous special edition hardcovers collecting six books in two volumes.

The LIVE event is my way of saying thank you to everyone who helps bring this project to life.

We’ll do this in February or March, so if these destinations excite you, you’ll have time to plan your travels.

Want to sign up?

1. Follow the Kickstarter campaign – Be notified the moment it launches Wednesday (and help me hit my pre-launch goal of 50 followers!).

2. Sign up for the LIVE event – I’ll send you the date, time, and link once it’s set.

3. Spread the word – Know someone who loves travel and/or cozy mysteries? Send them this post!

I can’t wait to share these places with you.

Happy travels,

Theresa

Also - if you’re in Chicago, definitely scroll to the p.s. for info on how to get your f-r-e-e ticket to this year’s Travel and Adventure Show.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t remember me. Unless you’re subscribed to one of my other newsletters, it’s been awhile since I’ve contacted you.

August 12, 2025, to be exact.

It’s not like I haven’t been traveling. It was another year I thought I hadn’t been gone much. Turns out I was. 92 days, to be exact. Three months.

But my travel in 2025 was different. Slower. More intentional. LOTS more visits to friends. I spent so much time in Sheboygan, Google Photos thought I lived there.

I spent several days in Chicago, one and two at a time, going on artist dates with friends to the Art Institute of Chicago and Printers Row Lit Fest.

Jim and I took a few adventures. I also went on writing retreats, including a transformative weekend in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, another weekend communing with Mother Nature, and another while housesitting for a friend who lives a mile from Lake Michigan.

Those are stories I’d love to share, and there are many, many more, including car camping in Death Valley and nearly picking up a burro who tried to hitchhike with me in Arizona.

And I will. Just summarizing those adventures makes me twitchy with desire to tell you all about it, so I’ll be resuming regular emails.

There’ve been other changes. In August, I renamed my personal publication to The Joyful Storyteller. Behind the scenes, I’ve been ghostwriting (two full novels and a novella last year) and editing. This freelance work has dramatically changed my life in more ways than I care to share (but ALL good).

With all of that, plus multiple speaking engagements (including the 2025 Mensa Annual Gathering and Author Nation in front of 1200 people!), I needed to take a step back and look at my whole creative life.

And I realized that The Local Tourist doesn’t contain it anymore. I explain in more detail here, but in a nutshell, I’ve launched a new company.

Introducing Pollinate Ink

Pollinate Ink is my creative garden where travel stories, fiction, memoir, and more all grow together. The unifying thread? Seeding joy through story.

That includes TLT, and in 2026, it’ll be better than ever. Forget listicles and “things to do in x” articles. (They’ll make appearances here and there, but won’t be the focus.) Instead, expect stories that bring places to life, tales that make you want to plan your own trip or feel like you’ve been there if you can’t.

The most exciting part of this is my new community, and this is your official invitation to join!

The Pollinators

Who are Pollinators? They’re you, if you light up when you read a good story, whether it’s a real life adventure or an imaginary escape. If you see the good in the world, or want to, and you believe that most people are kind. If you’re curious, you love discovery, and you believe joy matters.

I’m still figuring out the details, but I know this: you’ll get special perks and behind-the-scenes glimpses of where I’m going and what I’m writing. Think of it as the VIP section of my creative world - and it’s completely free.

Want to be a Pollinator? Sign up here and let’s have some fun!

Be a Pollinator!

Thanks so much for being part of my joyful world!

Theresa

p.s. This one’s for my Chicago friends! I’m speaking and exhibiting again at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show and as one of my “Local Tourists,” you can get a complimentary ticket! Click here for the details and to sign up for yours.

p.p.s. If you’re in Southern California, I’m speaking at the LA show, too. I’ll have details for that soon.

I followed Jim’s voice to the dining room. He reached for my hand, inviting me to step through the open glass doors to the expansive deck.

And there, I was greeted by magic.

Thousands of fireflies danced in the dusk, winking in and out, off and on, like disconnected Christmas lights. I stared in wonder, then stepped on the wide rim of a stone planter so I could get a better look.

Fireflies have decorated my life for as long as I can remember. During my Indiana childhood, they were a seasonal treat that never failed to ignite my imagination. Like most Midwest kids growing up in the '70s (at least, I imagine most kids did the same), my brother and I would capture a few in a glass jar–with holes in the lid, of course–trying to bring some of that magic inside.

Jim and I watched these fireflies from a cottage in the Northwoods. “Cottage” is misleading. Instead of a simple cabin, our temporary home was a two-bedroom masterpiece designed by John Rattenbury, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright.

It was our first night in Canoe Bay Resort, a Relais and Chateaux property in Chetek, Wisconsin. Designed for couples, it’s a quintessential romantic getaway that also appeals to friends planning retreats and to individuals looking for privacy in a pastoral setting.

Click here to read all about magic and luxury in the Northwoods.

In other news, my Travel is Murder Kickstarter not only funded in less than 12 hours, they chose it as a Project We Love!

AND, we’ve already reached a stretch goal: every backer will get a trio of digital postcards, signed by Alex herself, and a trio of printable bookmarks.

Once we reach our next stretch goal, every backer gets a bonus epilogue for each of the three books in the omnibus.

👉 CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

Thanks for reading! Until next time,

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa L. Goodrich

For WEEKS—okay, months—I’ve been talking about launching a Kickstarter for my cozy travel mystery series, Travel is Murder.

And now… it’s LIVE!

This campaign brings together the first three books in the series in one beautiful collection—each one inspired by a real destination I visited as a travel writer: Door County, Colorado Springs, and Gulf Shores.

The stories follow Alex Paige, a journalist-turned-travel writer who seems to find trouble wherever she goes (but don’t worry, there’s always time for cocktails and local cuisine along the way). She’s joined by her irrepressible friend William and a cast of characters that you’ll want to call friends.

And the bad guys? In these books, they always get what’s coming to them.

Be sure to check it out today, because I’ve got some early bird specials that only last 24 hours!

👉 CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

I’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow with Wanderlust Weekly. Until then,

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa L. Goodrich

Me, once this Kickstarter funds:

Yes, I know that’s not how the song goes. I spent most of my formative years in Indiana, after all*.

*Fun fact: when I was an Indianapolis 500 Princess, I saw Jim Nabors tooling around in a golf cart. For years, he opened the ceremonies with his classic ode to the Hoosier State.”

I’ve spent a portion of each of the last six weeks in Wisconsin. This wasn’t planned, until it was. One trip was for a writing weekend in the Northwoods, followed by a visit with my friend in Sheboygan. The next trip involved another writing retreat, this one centered around nature journaling and included a sunrise over Lake Michigan.

A week after I returned home I was back in the Northwoods, this time to stay at a remote resort in a “cottage” designed by a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright. (More on that divine place coming soon.)

Then finally, last weekend I taught a self-publishing workshop at WordHaven, one of my favorite bookstores, and since I was in Sheboygan, naturally I had to see my friends again.

Now I’m home until November, and it feels…weird. It also feels good, and I’m excited to be stationary for a bit.

I do have some upcoming appearances. If you’re in the western Chicago suburbs, I’m speaking about Self-Publishing at the Elmhurst Public Library on August 13, and I’ll be back at the library on the 23rd for their book fair. The next day, I’ll be at the Kenosha Book Fair. Then on September 4, you can catch me at Wilmette Public Library where I’ll be highlighting unique things to do in Montana.

Speaking of Montana, on Monday I chatted with patrons of Winnetka Public Library about the Amtrak Empire Builder. During my time on that epic train trip, we got stuck just inside the Big Sky state for over four hours! You can read all about that over on The Local Tourist.

Alex Paige, my intrepid travel writing protagonist, informed me that she had a similar experience and I needed to tell you about it. I informed her I would (and that will be her 7th book!), but first I’m offering a special edition of her first three books. I’m combining these fun escapes into one volume, complete with photos of the real-life destinations that inspired her adventures.

Head over to Kickstarter and click on “Notify me on launch” to get first dibs! Not familiar with Kickstarter? Here’s a quick run-down. TL;DR: it’s a platform that helps people like you support creators like me bring awesome stuff into the world.

That’s it for this week. Until next,

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa L. Goodrich

Last week, I found myself standing in a boathouse in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, staring at a row of kayaks. I'd looked forward to that moment for months—imagining the quiet, the rhythm of the paddle, the sparkle of the water. But when it finally arrived, something unexpected happened.

I froze.

What followed was less about kayaking and more about everything I’ve learned since my cancer diagnosis in 2020. About fear, resilience, and the joy that comes when we say yes—even when it's hard.

This piece is one of the most personal things I’ve written in a while. I hope you’ll take a moment to read it. It’s on The Local Tourist, or if you’d like to read it without ads, it’s below under the paywall.

And if you’ve ever stood on the edge of something you wanted but weren’t sure you could face, I hope it reminds you: you’re stronger than you think.

Before I go, one quick thing—my next big adventure is launching a Kickstarter for Travel is Murder, the first three Alex Paige cozy travel mysteries. If you’ve enjoyed my writing, I’d love your support. I only need 19 more followers to reach my goal of 50 before launching next Tuesday. Just following the campaign helps more people discover it. It’s free and there’s no commitment!

Follow the Kickstarter here

More details soon—but for now, thank you for being here.

Love and wanderlust,

Theresa L. Goodrich

p.s. Your turn - have you ever faced a moment where fear almost won, but you said yes anyway? I’d love to hear your story. Just hit reply or leave a comment. I read every message.

Read more

Before you go, ask yourself:

👥 Who’s going, and what are their expectations?
⏰ How much time do you have?
🗺️ What’s your road trip style?
💸 What’s your budget?
🌄 What are you hoping to experience?
🛣️ How far do you want to drive each day?
🛟 Do you have a backup plan?
💭 What’s this trip really about?

The answers will make your adventure even better! What’s the first question you’d answer?👇 #RoadTripReady #PlanYourAdventure

Want more? Check out these 8 Essential Road Trip Questions on The Local Tourist.

But first…

National Road Trip Day Weekend Fireworks Sale!

Today you can save 25%. Today through Monday, save 20% on these amazing road trip books!

• Planning Your Perfect Road Trip

• Midwest Road Trip Adventures

• Midwest State Park Adventures

• Show Me Shipshewana

• Discover Geary County

• Printable Road Trip Planner

And if you get the bundles, you’ll save even more!

Use code ROADTRIP20 today. ←—

And you can add on a road trip journal for only $5.99 (use code RTJ599 - minimum $20 purchase).

If you loved these tips, you’ll love Planning Your Perfect Road Trip! Save 20% through Monday, May 26 with code ROADTRIP20. And don’t forget to add-on your road trip journal (minimum $20 purchase) for only $5.99 with code RTJ599.

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

Today’s one of my favorite holidays:

National Road Trip Day!

Always the Friday before Memorial Day, this day is all about celebrating the freedom of the open road.

I’m an inveterate road tripper, with a fondness for the two-lanes and a wanderlust that fuels my soul. This passion has inspired me to write a few books about America’s favorite mobile pastime (no insult to baseball, but I think this qualifies, too).

To celebrate, I’m having a fire sale - a fireworks sale, that is!

The sale’s happening all weekend, but if you hit the pedal to the metal today, you’ll save even more.

Scroll down to skip to the road trip tips

Today you can save 25%. Tomorrow through Monday, you can save 20% (so act now!).

• Planning Your Perfect Road Trip

• Midwest Road Trip Adventures

• Midwest State Park Adventures

• Show Me Shipshewana

• Discover Geary County

• Printable Road Trip Planner

And if you get the bundles, you’ll save even more!

Use code ROADTRIP20 today. ←—

And you can add on a road trip journal for only $5.99 (use code RTJ599 - minimum $20 purchase).

That’s it for the sales pitch. On to the tips!

Top Tips for a Great Road Trip

When you’re thinking of going on a road trip, it can be tempting to imagine simply jumping in the car and hittin’ the road. There’s a romanticized vision: the windows are down, the radio’s up, and you shout “see ya’ when I see ya’” to the neighbors as you head off towards the horizon, not a care in the world.

But then you realize you don’t have any idea where you’re going, you’re thirsty with nothing to drink, the battery on your phone dies, the radio station plays nothing but static, there's no room at the inn, and you’ve got piles of trash at your feet, so you turn around and head back home with your taillights between your legs.

When you’re planning a road trip, planning is the operative word, but you also want to have fun. That’s the main reason for a vacation, after all. These tips can help ensure your road trip is an adventure you’ll enjoy and one you’ll remember—for the right reasons.

Don’t over plan

If you know me, stop laughing—I can hear you. I am the poster child of trying to do too much. As my husband says, my travel eyes are bigger than my travel stomach.

Wanting to do all the things is one of the biggest challenges of road tripping. This is especially true if you’re far from home and in a place where you’re unlikely to return.

It’s impossible to do everything. Plan for the things that you really, really want to do and always allow more time than you think you’ll need.

Make alternative planning easy

Stuff happens. Maybe it rains the afternoon you planned to visit the Botanic Gardens. But guess what: you don’t have to soldier through just because it’s on the itinerary. You can do something else, like go to a museum. Have a collection of rainy day activities and you’ll have built-in flexibility.

If you add hours of operation for attractions and restaurants to your itinerary or your Master Travel Doc (there’s more on that in the Getting Organized section of Planning Your Perfect Road Trip), you can quickly see what’s open and adjust your plans.

And if it’s supposed to rain the whole time you’re there? That’s ok. That’s why you packed ponchos and umbrellas. (You did pack ponchos and umbrellas, right? Make sure you don’t forget with these printable planning pages.)

Face your fears

Road trips often provide opportunities to try something new that might also be scary. Zip lining, for example. The first time I stepped off a platform, I was terrified and practically had to be pushed. By the last platform, I was leaping and squealing into the wind.

Maybe you want to try kayaking or white-water rafting. Get out of your comfort zone and you just might have an unforgettable experience. (I mean that in a good way, not the “why did I ever think that was a good idea" way.)

Know your limits

It’s important to know what you can and cannot do. Two months after radiation treatment, I kayaked in Lake Michigan to Cave Point in Door County, Wisconsin. There’s a spot where you can paddle your kayak onto rocks, climb to the top of Cave Point, and jump into Lake Michigan.

I wanted to do that so badly, and while I knew I could handle the climbing and the jumping parts, the swimming back to my kayak part would do me in. So, I watched and vicariously enjoyed the laughter of those who could.

Likewise, I’d love to hike Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. Not gonna happen. (At least, not until I get into much, much better shape.)

When you see a chance, take it

Whether it’s emptying your tank or filling your vehicle’s, never pass up a good opportunity. Like mom always said, go to the bathroom before you leave, and go before you’re doing the dance. (She didn’t say that last part. That’s all me.)

Likewise, don’t let your gas tank run low. I did that once in southern South Dakota and it was one of the most nerve-wracking road trip experiences I’ve ever had. Especially if you’re driving in sparsely populated parts of the country, like Montana and Nevada, it’s important to fill up when you can.

Book in advance

Sometimes you want to see where the road takes you, but depending on where you’re going and what time of year it is, that may not be realistic. This is especially true with national parks, whose popularity has increased exponentially.

If you’re going to a popular place during its busy season, book your accommodations and activities in advance. Likewise, if you know there’s a hot restaurant you want to try, make reservations.

Don’t rely on cell service

I don’t care what those cell coverage maps say; they’re WRONG. I’ve checked them (various carriers) several times before road trips and there has never been a time when the coverage they claim has been accurate.

Cell phones are great, but plan on losing your connection. Count on it. Take paper maps, know where you’re going, and print out anything you might need, like addresses and phone and confirmation numbers.

Avoid rush hour

Take it from someone who’s lived in the Chicago area for over two decades: if you’re driving near, around, into, or through an urban area, avoid rush hour. There’s little more frustrating than being stuck in traffic when you’re on a road trip.

Rush hours vary widely depending on where you are. In Chicago, it’s between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sometimes. Sometimes rush hour starts earlier and ends later. In some places, the only time it isn’t rush hour is between 2:15 and 2:18 a.m.

If you can’t avoid rush hour, or if traffic in general is bad, try not to let it get to you. There’s nothing you can do about it and getting upset will only put a bad spin on your trip. Play an audio book, listen to a podcast, or croon to your favorite tunes and know that eventually you’ll get through.

Give Mother Nature a break

Granted, a road trip is inherently bad for the environment because of all that gas required to get you there (unless you’re driving an EV or hybrid, which each comes with its own set of challenges). However, there are other ways you can make less of an environmental impact. Fortunately, most of those are also going to save you money. If you skip fast food, you won’t use single‐use papers and containers. Same with using refillable water bottles, reusable utensils and plates, and avoiding leftovers and food waste.

Use technology as a tool (not the other way around)

The wonders of technology can greatly enhance your experience. Say you saw a geological term on a wayside exhibit and wanted to find out its meaning; you can look it up. Or maybe a local suggested their favorite restaurant and you want to see the menu. You can also use apps to show you what’s nearby and get enough information to decide whether it’s worth the detour. (Most of the time, it is.)

But also unplug

You can stare at your phone at home. When you’re on the road, or any vacation, step away from the digital distractions. Believe me; they’ll be waiting for you when you get back.

Record your experiences

Cell phones and digital cameras make it even easier to bore entertain friends and family after your trip. Get a big enough SD card and you can literally take thousands of photos and videos. It’s great to have a comprehensive record of your travels when you get home.

If you can’t add additional storage to your device, which is often the case, you can back up your images using a service like Google Photos or Amazon Prime. You can then delete them to free more space.

After, of course, you’ve confirmed at least twelve times they’ve been backed up.

Be present

However, the last thing you want to do is get home, see a picture, and not remember taking it because all you did was take pictures. Shoot the photo, shoot the video, then put the phone or camera down. Make sure you’re experiencing with all your senses, and not just looking through a lens or at a screen.

When you’re at dinner, ignore your phone. If you like taking pictures of your food, go for it, but then put the device away. Likewise, when you’re hiking, take the picture and then put the camera back in your pocket.

You only get to experience this specific trip this one time. Be present and your memories will include what you did and how you felt, not just what you saw.

Write it down

I know what you’re thinking: I’m a writer, so of course I’m going to recommend keeping a journal. You don’t have to write a book, though. The simple act of jotting a few notes at the beginning or end of each day will help you remember your experiences.

Be flexible and HAVE FUN!

Road trips are like a wedding. Something is going to go wrong. What makes or breaks either of those is how you react. By being flexible, you can adapt to any situation, whether it’s dealing with inclement weather, or stumbling upon an amazing roadside attraction that might interrupt your schedule but will create lifelong memories.

Being flexible is the most important tip of all, and will keep you planning—and loving—road trips for years to come.

If you loved these tips, you’ll love Planning Your Perfect Road Trip! Save 20% through Monday, May 26 with code ROADTRIP20. And don’t forget to add-on your road trip journal (minimum $20 purchase) for only $5.99 with code RTJ599.

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

So what? you ask.

My hotel room was on the 23rd floor of the AC Marriott in downtown Los Angeles. I’ve stayed in my share of accommodations that require shower shoes, and let me tell you, this definitely was not one of them.

The AC was a block from the LA Convention Center, where the Travel and Adventure Show was held a couple of weeks ago. Parking in that area is not cheap. In fact, valet at the hotel was something like $60 a night.

That vehicle circled in red was our rental (which we got for $155 for 8 days). We parked in that spot from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening for $34.20.

Yes. Thirty-four dollars and twenty cents.

HOW? you ask.

A lovely service called Way.com. I originally found them when looking for parking at O’Hare. Now I check them anytime I need to park.

In addition to parking, they also help you find EV charging stations (wish I’d known about that last year), offer discounts on gas and insurance, provide auto refinancing, and help you keep your car clean.

Use my link and you could get $100 reward! And yep, I’ll get one, too. (Which will really come in handy next time I need to fly.)

Another parking discount app I use and recommend is SpotHero. It’s particularly good for large cities, and I use it all the time in Chicago. Last December, I found a spot in a garage next to the ACME hotel for $12/night.

If you use this link, I’ll get a small commission at no additional cost to you. I’ve been a partner since they launched in 2011 and founder Mark Lawrence wrote articles - about parking in downtown Chicago, of course - for The Local Tourist. Fourteen years later and I’m still a fan.

Here are those links again:

• Way

• Spothero

Hope they help you find super cheap parking, too!

Until next week…

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

Originally published on The Local Tourist.

It’s been planned for months, but for weeks we weren’t sure if we’d be going. Beginning January 7, 359 fires burned nearly 60,000 acres and destroyed over 16,000 structures. Twenty-nine people died.

Fortunately, the fires have stopped, but the recovery is of such a scale I can’t wrap my mind around it. Can anyone?

It feels… conflicting to be speaking at a show in the midst of this devastation. However, an email from the producers have said they’re expecting record attendance. This tells me Angelenos are ready for escapes, to think about things that are fun and not life-threatening.

I, for one, am going to be darn glad to hug my in-laws. Fires encroached to within thirty miles of their home, and while they insisted they weren’t in danger, when you’re watching from across the country it’s hard not to feel anxious. My parents finally have their house back in one piece after Hurricane Helene. I’m just glad his parents don’t have to go through their own version of that.

This uncertainty is why I didn’t book a rental car until Friday. (That, and I’ve been busy with two other shows and publishing a new book.) I was afraid rates would be astronomical.

I found one for $155. Yes, a mid-size (Toyota Corolla or similar) for eight days in Los Angeles for $155.

My travel booking engine of choice is Expedia. Since the pandemic, I’ve booked nearly all my travel through the aggregator. Their package deals are fantastic. They even allow you book a hotel for a portion of your trip instead of the entire stay. This comes in handy when we go to California for the show since we only need a room in LA for two nights.

I booked roundtrip nonstop flights for two with a hotel next door to the convention center (a nice hotel, not a sketchy one) for $678.87. Friday I searched for a rental car, and because I’d already booked the flight and hotel, received a significant discount. It’s with Midway Car Rental. Their LAX location has a 4.5-star rating with 10,287 Google reviews.

$155. For EIGHT DAYS!

Part of the reason I got such a discount is because I’ve booked enough that I get a discount. Plus, I can use all my rewards programs for my flights, hotels, and rental cars and I still earn points as well as get cash back from Expedia.

One of these days, I’ll write a whole guide.

If you’re planning any travel, I highly recommend checking Expedia first. You might be surprised.

And if you’re in Southern California and are able and interested, you can get a free ticket to the LA Travel and Adventure Show. Click here for details.

Until next week…

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

This show was particularly fun because I got to spend time with Lori and another travel writing friend, Veronica Bareman. The three of us have a special bond after road tripping to Kansas City together in 2023. Coincidentally, Veronica stayed in the same hotel Lori and I were at in Rosemont, so Saturday night we got comfy and solved the world’s problems.

It was great to talk with people who know what’s happening in the travel writing industry. Honestly, it’s become increasingly difficult. Google made some algorithmic changes beginning in fall 2023, unironically called the “Helpful Content Update.” This update was anything but, bringing Quora and Reddit results from 2012 to the first page and burying sites like ours. Now that ChatGPT searches the web and every single platform is using AI, it’s harder and harder to reach an audience. And forget about actually making a living.

We all love this industry. We love finding cool places to visit and sharing them. We’re just doing it a little differently now.

Fortunately, we three had already been making changes. From the time we went to KC to now, Veronica’s published her second book, Lori’s published her third and fourth, and I’ve published six more for a total of fourteen. I’m speaking more, with 32 engagements in 2024 and several, including the Mensa Annual Gathering, scheduled for this year. Veronica’s photography and videography skills make her a whiz with social media, and Lori’s going gangbusters promoting solo travel for mature women.

Personally, I won’t be writing any more of those “things to do in {insert destination}” articles. I’ve written my share, and I tried to make them entertaining as well as useful, but I’ve never loved that style.

I’m a storyteller. I want to tell stories, and writing “listicles” is about as much fun as copying entries in a phone book.

I almost said copying entries in a dictionary, but that truly is a lot of fun for this word nerd. Etymological rabbit holes, anyone?

One of my goals for 2025 is to write my third travel memoir. This will be about a three-week solo trip I took in 2022, an experience that was truly transformative. To celebrate that, I’ll be re-releasing the first two Two Lane Gems books, and I’ll probably share excerpts from those here.

I’ve also got about a gazillion other places I want to tell you about. Frankly, I barely wrote any travel stuff last year (except for my book project with Geary County, KS) because I was figuring out how I was going to move forward. I wasn’t quite paralyzed, and my fiction is proof of that, but I found myself struggling to figure out what to write. Every time I’d think about writing another “10 Things To Do” or “Best Places to Eat” I’d freeze and feel a little sick to my stomach.

So, no more of that. Writing is my happy place. It brings me joy. So why would I sacrifice that joy for something that literally makes me want to vomit?

It feels like we’re living in a dystopian thriller, and I refuse to contribute to that feeling of helplessness by doing things that aren’t authentic, and just making that decision lifts me up.

So I guess it’s true: my voice has definitely returned.

Until next week…

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

One of those is, of course, the Travel & Adventure Show. 2025 is my 11th year exhibiting and my 7th year speaking. I’ve met so many of you at those shows, and that’s my favorite part! As an attendee, I love them because you get to meet the people from the destinations you’d like to visit, and it’s fun to find new and exciting places to visit.

They’ve also got fantastic speakers like Andrew McCarthy, Pauline Frommer, Rick Steves, and me! Each speaker has a different area of expertise and the webinars provide a wealth of information.

If you’re coming to the Chicago show, say hello! I’ll be at Booth 1134 (with candy!) and will be speaking both days about Road Trips from Chicago.

Another favorite real world resource for travel planning is libraries. Not only can you check out every single book on a destination if you want (ask me how I know), they also often have speakers. I’ve spoken at multiple libraries in the Chicago area over the last several years, and it’s fun to introduce their patrons to my favorite places, like the Malibu of the Midwest (featured in my 6th novel), and to take them on a virtual tour of five national parks.

I’ve got more planning tools and lots more tips in Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, including how to budget, how to save money, what to do, where to stay, and how not to kill your partner.

OH! Speaking of planning tools. Last week I asked if you wanted me to create a template of my travel planning spreadsheet. 88% said Yes! I’ll be putting that together with an explainer video in the next couple of days and will let you know.

Until next week…

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

“We” was my mom and I. Mom lives in the Asheville area, and this show has become our new annual tradition so we can spend some time together, since I live in northern Illinois.

The shows are fun, but a lot of work, so we usually get food to go and eat it in the room. Thursday night, we found Zubi’s Taco Kitchen, a wonderful taco place with the best chips we’ve ever had (seriously!) and delicious birria tacos. They were so good we wanted to go again Saturday, but opted for wine with friends after that day’s show.

These are friends I only see at the shows. As a travel writer, many of my relationships are long-distance because so many of the people I meet and connect with live across the country, and even in other countries than my own.

A snowstorm on Friday put a wrench in things, but I joked that as a resident of the Chicago area, I felt right at home. One of my favorite experiences was meeting a woman from Belize who set her alarm at 5am so she could see snow fall for the first time in her life. Ah, to have such wonder at something it’s too easy to take for granted, or to complain about! The weather impacted attendance at the show, but those who came were serious about their travel.

One downside was that my books, which I’d ordered weeks prior to the show, didn’t arrive. They were supposed to be at my hotel Wednesday night. I received an email at 5:30pm telling me they’d arrive January 17.

So, I adapted. I created QR codes leading to the books’ pages on my store and I offered free shipping and a $5 discount on my nonfiction books and my Alex Paige bundle. I’m extending that offer to you. Visit theresasbooks.com and use code TASHOW25 for the discount. It’s valid on everything but my individual novels.

Why am I doing this? Because, although I did better than I should have considering attendance, not having those books on hand had a big impact.

Now about that super simple tool for planning a trip with others?

It’s a spreadsheet!

I went to London in December of 2023 with my brother-in-law and my niece. I’d never traveled with either of them and, frankly, didn’t know them well. How would we coordinate visiting this vibrant and historic city that has so much to do? It was also my first time flying internationally, and I wanted to do EVERYTHING.

To make sure we each got to see the things that were most important to us, I created a spreadsheet and shared it with them. Columns included:

• Attraction

• Town/Burrough

• $$$

• Columns for each of us

• Date

• Notes

Under the columns for each of us, I created a dropdown menu so we could choose whether an attraction was a Must-Do, Would Like To Do, or Meh.

As you can see, I used notes for things like hours and descriptions. And I have to say, it worked brilliantly!

Would a template of this spreadsheet be helpful? Answer the poll and if enough people think so, I’ll create one for my Local Tourists (if you’re seeing this in your inbox, you are a Local Tourist!).

That’s it for this week. Don’t forget your special discounts of my travel guides and travel mysteries! (Individual novels excluded.)

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

As an exhibitor, I offer my books to attendees at a special price. Except I have no books.

I ordered books. I ordered them in plenty of time. They were supposed to arrive yesterday. In fact, up until 5:30pm last night, they would be arriving at my hotel in Atlanta by 10pm.

At 5:30pm I received an email telling me my books are delayed. Not by a day. Not by two.

By NINE DAYS.

That’s right. They’ll arrive next Friday, five days after the show ends.

What’s an author to do?

Well, I’m nothing if not resilient, so my loss is your gain: get $5 off all my nonfiction, including the e-books and the bundles.

AND get free shipping!

Save on travel books now!

I’ll offer this discount through the weekend. If it goes well? I may extend it.

You’ll also get Alex Paige Books 1-5 for only $39.99 and the e-books for $9.99.

If you’re attending the show, I’ll have another special bonus for you and I’ll also have signed bookplates. Plus, you won’t have to carry heavy books around. They’ll be shipped directly to your door.

In the Atlanta area and haven’t gotten your ticket yet? I’ve got a code for free tickets for my Local Tourists, a.k.a. subscribers. Click here to get your free ticket to the Atlanta Travel and Adventure Show.

If you come to the show, come see me! I’m at booth 125, right next to the Meet & Greet and across from Costa Rica Tourism. I’ll also be speaking about Planning Your Perfect Road Trip (save on the book! $5 off and free shipping with code TASHOW25) on Sunday at 12:15pm.

Wish me luck, friends.

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

Other times, that distance makes you forget.

This is particularly true when it comes to accomplishments and, often, experiences. For example, a few weeks ago I told my husband I hadn’t traveled as much this year. HA! After I counted, I realized I’d traveled 84 days in 2024. It’s not as much as 2022, when I was on the road for 93 (or something like that), but it’s still a lot.

I also didn’t realize how much I’d spoken. This year, I presented at four Travel and Adventure Shows, spoke on SEO at the Midwest Travel Network annual conference, gave five presentations at libraries, and another twenty-three at retirement facilities. That’s thirty-three speaking engagements in one year and doesn’t include the 15 hours of instruction I provided for my writing workshop in Sheboygan.

Mom always said I like to talk a lot.

Most of my travel was for work, including a ten-day research trip to Geary County, Kansas, but we also celebrated Mom’s 75th birthday in Kentucky and my in-laws’ 70th wedding anniversary in Washington - with a quick jaunt to Canada, because we could.

I took a few local jaunts, to Lake Geneva, to Elgin, and a few to Chicago, and I went on a fun Christkindlventure with two of my favorite people.

One of my biggest adventures was a visit to North Carolina, for two reasons. Hurricane Helene did a number on my parents’ house. I’d always planned to visit them before attending a conference in Chapel Hill in October. That visit became a short getaway with the two of them in Winston-Salem. It was nice for them to escape from the chaos - they wouldn’t have potable water for another couple of weeks, and wouldn’t get a new roof for another month and a half - and it was good for me to see them and hug them and know they were OK. Rattled. Upset. Frankly, traumatized, but OK. So many people weren’t, and I’m thankful every day that the only thing damaged was their home.

The other reason that visit was an adventure was because of the conference. Back in December of 2023, I decided 2024 would be the year I commit to my author career, and part of that was registering for an author conference. As of last December, I’d already published over ten books, but I’d never attended an event just for authors.

Self-Publishing Live didn’t teach me tactics and strategies. It taught me mindset. And I made connections with people who also have a drive to string words together. I left invigorated and even more determined to be a successful and joyful author.

This past Sunday, I wrote The End on my sixth novel and my fourteenth book. In the next few weeks, I’m starting a whole new series. I’ve got plans for more nonfiction, too. Yes, I’m still travel writing, but I’m skipping the listicles and the “things to do in…” and focusing on the type of lyrical prose that feeds my soul, and, hopefully, your wanderlust.

I’ll be speaking even more in 2025. I’ve already got more library presentations scheduled by May than I did in all of 2024. I’ll also be at the Travel and Adventure Shows again: Atlanta next week (get your free ticket!), and Chicago and Los Angeles in February.

I’m not sure how much travel I’ll do. I’ve got so many stories waiting I could stay home for five years and not plumb the depths. Of course, we know that’s not going to happen! Travel is in my blood. It fills my well. And since so many of my friends and family are scattered here and there, if I want to see them, travel is a necessity.

Yes. For me, travel is a necessity.

On the 366th day of this year, I’ll also admit it was challenging. In June I received a diabetes diagnosis. We immediately changed our diets and, as of October, I’d already gone back to pre-diabetic. Yay! And, well, November… I’m still in shock and, yes, very concerned, but I’m choosing to focus on what I can do to bring happiness and joy to the world.

It’s only been the last few years that I’ve chosen a word of the year. In 2024, it was Joy, and I experienced more of that emotion, despite the challenges, than at any other time in my life.

In 2025? It’s Create.

Create stories. Create art. Create beauty. Create love. Create connections. And yes, Create joy.

I didn’t think I was creative until recently. And now I know I am, and I’m owning it, and I’m living it intentionally.

I hope that whatever brings you joy, you’re able to celebrate it. And I hope you’re able to Create a life you love.

Thank you for being part of mine.

Until next year…

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

p.s. If you’ve always wanted to publish a book, I’m giving a free webinar this Thursday! I’ll walk you through the steps that take you from words on the screen to book on the shelf. It’s at 1pm CST and there’ll be a replay if you can’t make it.

Register here.

Since you’ve got celebrating to do, I won’t keep you long. I just wanted to say thank you for being a “Local Tourist.” I’m grateful that I can share adventures, inspiration, and tips with you.

Subscribe now

To say thank you, I’ve created a free e-book: Top Tips for a GREAT Road Trip. This quick read includes my favorite tips, and I hope you’ll find them useful.

I hope this little guide comes in handy for any 2025 road trip plans!

I’ve got another surprise for anyone who’s downloaded Peril on the Peninsula directly from me. The first book in my Alex Paige travel mysteries series is free, and for a few days only, you can also get Revenge in the Rockies for free, too!

If you haven’t already downloaded Peril, get it here, then keep an eye on your inbox for details on how to get the second book. This will be valid through the rest of the year.

Thanks, again, for being a Local Tourist!

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich

The three of us decided to go on a little adventure. It began with an overnight in Chicago and a visit to the Christkindlmarket. Now, I’ve been writing about Christmas in Chicago for 22 years, so I was tickled red and green to show the city off in all its finery. We were like a trio of teenagers, giggling over small plates at Quartino, drooling over prosciutto and cheese at Eataly, and sipping on Glühwein in Daley Plaza while a pigeon dined on fried dough.

We gazed at Palmer House Hilton’s gorgeous lobby, and I then took them to Cindy’s Rooftop, where we ordered craft cocktails and drank them on the open patio, marveling at the wonders below us. The holiday tree, the ice skating rink, Cloud Gate, and in the distance, the blue of Lake Michigan after the sun has set.

After a nightcap at Crushed by Giants, we were in our jammies by 7pm and dining on fresh fruit from Jewel and our prosciutto and cheese.

Thirty-one year old me, the one who moved to a high rise in downtown Chicago, would have been aghast that I’d passed by all those wonderful restaurants, even skipping the cocktail bar in our hotel, to retire that early. Fifty-four year old me thought it was perfect.

The next day we drove to Carmel, Indiana. It was another trip down memory lane, of sorts. Carmel has changed so much since I went to high school there, the only thing I recognized was the music store where I used to buy reeds and sheet music. And my brother. He lives there now and met us at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt (no “e”).

We made up for the early night by having a later dinner at HC Tavern and Grille, and it was delicious. Borrowing a page from our small plates lunch at Quartino, we opted to share everything: escargot, shaved brussels sprouts salad, roasted beets, steak Diane, and wild mushroom and truffle oil flatbread. As we dined, we all admitted we preferred Carmel’s market. It was bigger, with an ice skating rink in the middle. It didn’t hurt that the Indianapolis Children’s Choir was performing when we’d arrived.

Although we’d originally planned to come home the next day, we decided that was silly. Instead, we got another room in downtown Chicago and took advantage of a free day at the Art Institute of Chicago. As an Illinois resident, I was able to reserve tickets for the three of us.

It was another early night, this time spent partially at the hotel bar and partially back in the room, once again in our jammies, followed by a wonderful breakfast the next morning at Sunny Side Up. We strolled to the historic Water Tower before checking out and going our separate ways, me to the train station and them to I-90.

The reason it’s hard to believe that it’s already been two weeks is because this experience was so delightful, so filled with love, so embracing and fulfilling that the effects are still with me.

A true Christmas gift.

And speaking of gifts (I know. Rotten segue.)... January begins my favorite season: Travel and Adventure Show season! I’ll be speaking and exhibiting in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and over the next few weeks I’ll have codes for free tickets for my subscribers. I’ll send them via e-mail, and I’ll probably send the Atlanta code by this weekend.

If you’re not subscribed, here’s your chance:

Subscribe now

And while you’re at it, I’m doing something new! I’m now offering a free copy of my book, Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, to paid subscribers. If you become a Founding Member, you’ll get the entire Midwest Adventures bundle in paperback! Plus there will be exclusive content and surprises throughout the year.

Gift memberships are also available.

Give a gift subscription

The next two weeks, Wanderlust Weekly will go out on Tuesdays because of the holidays. After that I’ll be posting every Wednesday with travel stories, tips, and inspiration.

Until then,

Love and Wanderlust,

Theresa Goodrich