Life is Short.

Take Time to Travel.

Live vicariously through my travels while you’re in-between yours!

Vacations were a huge part of my childhood and now road trips keep us busy during retirement. We try to make the journeys as exciting as the destinations.

At the end of each trip, I always include a “recap” which includes what we saw, where we stayed, and a link to each post. My hope is to inspire you to use every one of your vacation days. Enjoy!

Our Latest Adventures

Posts from our 2026 road trip – aptly titled "The Spectacular Southwest" – are coming along. Follow my facebook page so you'll know when there's a new one. The "Eight State Getaway" series will continue once these posts are complete.

Please excuse the mess on older posts while I update my site.

  • Exploring Aruba

    Aruba is outside the hurricane belt with excellent weather whenever you visit. If you're coming for relaxation or fun, you'll find it here.

  • barbarakolson.com in Aruba

    Drink, Dine, Relax, Repeat

    Nonstop flights from FLL to Aruba were very reasonable, so why not include two weeks in paradise since we're already here!

  • The City Beautiful

    It was tough to be so close and yet so far away from the Happiest Place on Earth, but we've visited many times so I guess I'll survive.

  • Swan Lake

    Tchaikovsky has nothing to do with today's post, but you'll see why I picked its name as we visit the beautiful Lake Eola Park in Orlando.

  • Between the Greens

    Lu the Hippo, the gators & manatees were a great diversion from all the birdies in our backyard and at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

  • Gardens and Glass

    With great visits at the Sunken Gardens and the Morean Arts Center (home to the Chihuly Collection), downtown St Petersburg is a must-stop!

Life is Short. Take Time to Travel.

Use every one of your vacation days my friends. And consider a journal of your experiences, so you can remember some little detail that will make you smile for years to come.