Travel

In November, I visited Denver for the first time. When I was in 6th grade, I traveled to Boulder, so I have experienced Colorado before. However, my memories of the state were foggy, at best. I remember the drive up to Pike’s Peak and was in awe of the beauty of the mountains.

If you had told me that in 2020 I’d go to Sitka Alaska, I would have said, “where?” Prior to July, I had never even heard of Sitka. One night, my dear friend called me and told me she and her family were considering moving to Sitka Alaska. I pictured giant glaciers and her family living in an igloo. Ok, not quite, but I definitely didn’t know what to expect. The moment my friend decided to move to Sitka, I told her I was coming to visit.

For my birthday this year, I wanted to do something big. Last year, I traveled to Scottsdale to visit my friend. We had an amazing time, but Scottsdale is almost like a second home. I lived there for 9 years, so I wanted to really shake it up this year. Puerto Vallarta immediately came to mind because it is a really short flight from LA. Yet, it feels like you’re in a completely different world when you get there. Plus, I had the most amazing time in Puerto Vallarta when I visited in 2019.

This was my first trip to Denver. I visited Boulder when I was a child, but that was a long time ago. When my friend XOXO Terri told me she was heading to Denver, I asked her if I could meet her there. Our friend, the Travel Mom, suggested we stay at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. Thankfully, the Gaylord Rockies in Denver agreed to host us.

One of the coolest things about visiting Sitka Alaska was getting to learn the history of this tiny island. Prior to arriving, I didn’t do much research on the place. I’ve always been a fan of history. When I travel, one of my goals is to really learn about the place and it’s culture. Sitka has a really interesting story, so I was excited to get to learn more about it while visiting the Sitka National Historical Park – also known as Totem Park.

If you had told me that in 2020 I’d do Sitka Alaska whale watching in September, I would have said, “huh, where?” Prior to July, I had never even heard of Sitka. One night, my dear friend called me and told me she and her family were considering moving to Sitka Alaska. I pictured giant glaciers and her family living in an igloo. Ok, not quite, but I definitely didn’t know what to expect. The moment my friend decided to move to Sitka, I told her I was coming to visit.

Is flying safe during COVID? I don’t have a crystal clear answer for you – it’s more nuanced than that. But I can tell you that there are ways to be safer than not, so I wanted to share my experience with you.

If there is one thing I miss because of COVID, besides seeing my family, it is traveling. I had many trips planned for this past spring and summer that I canceled. Although travel is allowed, I’m trying to limit my travel because I think it is the best decision for public health and my family’s health. I have done a few local/regional trips around Southern California, however.

I’ve gotten super spoiled. Prior to 2019, I had only been to Disneyland 1 time when I was six. Then, I moved to LA and last and prior to COVID, I think I’ve been about 10 times. I LOVE Disneyland. It really is a magical place. I feel like a kid every time I get to go and experience the fun through my children’s eyes. Just one week before COVID quarantine started, I was able to attend the Disney Food and Wine Festival with my sister, who was visiting.