#1 It starts with your mindset

This is the hardest part, and it's step number one.  There is an ideal that as your travel or on vacation you "have" to have certain items, or a number of items that go with you.  In order to do carry-on only effectively, you have to let go of your current image and develop a traveler image.  You will not look, dress, or operate the same way you do at home.  That. Is. Ok.  Being a traveler means that you get to step out of your day to day ordinary life and see the world differently.  Letting go of who you look like at home gives you much more freedom as you travel.  Step one is letting go.  Just let it go.  If you can do that, the rest of the tips here will make sense.

#2 It's Still Nice, Where it Twice

Next step, is to redefine what clean is.  Modern day laundry practices created the ability to have freshly cleaned clothes daily.  While this is a great concept, it really isn't necessary.  Some clothing pieces are built and can withstand multiple days of wear with simple tending.  

This is one of the key components of carry-on.  You have to be ok with wearing something more than once before you have it washed.  Note we said "some clothing" can be worn twice.  T-shirts, underwear, and socks are things we do not put on the wear twice rule. You can bring one of those for each day.  Also, using a fabric spray (like the one we use here - associate link) is also essential for clothes that you'll be re-wearing.  A carry-on TIDE stick also helps!

HELPFUL HINT:  If you're a person who likes to buy  clothing, plan on buying and wearing something there.  For example, we love sweatshirts, so we only bring one and buy another during long trips.

#3 Vacuum Bag It

This is the secret to great carry-on.  Vacuum packing is how to make sure you can take clothes you need.  We have use vacuum bags to be able to take cold weather clothing to places like Iceland and the winter Olympics in Italy.  By strategically vacuum packing clothing, you are able to pack and organize a carry-on bag to meet your needs for every occasion.  ​In Iceland, we traded heavy jackets for heated vests, layers and raingear because it was easier to pack.  We were able to travel comfortably while still having what we needed.

#4 Find a Second Bag and Wear the Things

When traveling with carry-on, you are allowed a second personal bag.  This is where you need to get really creative.   We usually each have a backpack.  Here, you can again vacuum seal other essential clothing items that may not fit, place your toiletries, etc.  Find a book that you can read and leave at your destination for someone else.  You then have the ability to bring home souvenirs.  The art of great carry-on is creative use of space.  

That also means wearing items that take up more room.  We travel in boots or hiking shoes and pack lighter shoes.  We wear jackets or heavier sweatshirts on the planes.  Our travel day clothes underneath are lighter so they take up less room later.  Strategically wearing clothes that pack easier later is part of the carry-on magic.

#5 Have Fun Packing

Carry-on allows you to give yourself permission to simplify and let go.  Do you really need 5 different bathing suits for the beach?  Can you creatively mix and match pants with multiple tops?  Can you learn to live comfortably with what you have?  Carry-on is a great way to really evaluate what you absolutely need.  There is freedom is giving yourself permission to pack light. You have more time to enjoy the adventure and make the most of your time, instead of worrying about what you're going to wear.  This is your chance to make the most of using less.

Amasa is a very small town in the UP, situated just off of US - 2 between Crystal Falls and Iron River.  Walk along the short downtown area and you'll find the Fire House, a few restaurant/bars and the post office.  Amasa also has a beautiful small park with a picnic shelter right downtown, and public access to Gibson Lake isn't too far away.

What makes Amasa unique is it's ability to hold onto it's small town charm throughout history.  We had the chance to visit the Amasa museum while we were there.  Here we learned about those who had built this small town and embraced life in the Upper Peninsula.  Generations of families supported each other in this remote area, helping develop it into a sustainable town for years to come.

Amasa is a great stop if you enjoy snowmobiling in the winter months.  Tall Pines sits as a stop to collect general provisions and gas as you make your travels across the Upper Peninsula.  Stop in for a drink or dinner at one of two different spots downtown, and you'll see the small town connections and friends and family are greeted through the doors. 

Amasa may never be a final destination as you find your way through Michigan and discover all it has to offer, and that's ok.  However, it's a stop worth making to appreciate those who settled the Upper Peninsula and call it home so that we may enjoy our travels there.

First and foremost, learning how Saline was named was a question we did not think we needed an answer for.  However, we were pleasantly surprised by the story.  Built during the time of French settlement, the area held salt in some form.  At one point, there was an attempt to possibly mine salt here.  Saline is the French word for "Salt Marsh", which made so much sense when you think of things like a saline solution.

We made our way downtown and ended up finding a map that detailed a historic district just off of mainstreet.  Intrigued, we began walking.  On the map it looked like it was just over two blocks to a possible museum.  

As we made our way along the streets, we began to see why this area was considered the historic district.  We found the Union School, which had clearly beend used over time.  We also enjoyed various Victorian Era homes with sprawling porches and beautiful stories.  

The museum was at the end of the road, that was well worth the visit.  We will have now started our adventures on finding train depots, and will post about those sson.

Saline provides a variety of outdoor activties.  The downtown is an active city center, with shops and resteraunts to visit.  East of the city, there is another muesum as well, which hosts animals to visit.  It's small and quaint, and easy to spot just off the main road.

Saline also hosts a variety of festivals year round.  Side roads are closed and vistors are welcomed into the streets to participate the in the cities adventures.

Saline's history, which we found in that museum, was intriquing.  Built as a farm town, this bustling city use to be dirt roads and sheep.  As the world around Saline grew, the town become part of the expanding outside world.

Henry Ford made his way to Saline.  Here he opened one of his factories.  Just down the road, across from the dam, was a mill that he used.  This is now an event center with a beautiful park alongside it.  As Ford moved out, the city claimed the areas for future generations.

Saline continues to make it's mark on the map, as innovation continues to attempt to make a path there in the world of AI.  We also learned that the water held back by the damn was up for debate as well.

We do not live in this town, so our opinions or thoughts on these matters do not have any place.  However, after spending and afternoon exploring Saline and her sites, we can honestly say we are excited to see how this small town continues to push forward with strength and determination.  

Thanks Saline!  

Interested in more Michigan small towns?  Follow along as we highlight spots we love along the way!

It's also a season of rest and hibernation.  The winter months tend to drive more people indoors, animals curl up and sleep, and the world becomes more still.  It's a season for calm, peace and a little reflection.

So we followed winter's lead.  We took a step back from the website and made more focused efforts on Tik Tok and Facebook.  We spent time learning what it is that people are looking for, and we spent a lot of time traveling and finding winter fun.

While we aren't yet at the spot to redo the website, we will be hosting a variety of different series.  We are going to share different travel plans, and teach about new and exciting places.  We're going to share as we continue to travel and see the world.

So welcome to a new season this spring.  The world is about to become new again, and we are excited to start sharing our next great adventures.  It's going to be wonderful!

Sometimes, you get opportunities that happen once in a lifetime, or are too good to be true, or just suddenly come up.  While ours happened to be the Winter Olympics, you truly never know when the occasion may arise that you are going to be able to plan an incredible trip quickly.  

Here are the three things you MUST have in order to be able to be on the move very quickly.

Number 1:  A Passport

At this point, if you are interested in traveling at all, a passport is a non-negotiable.  Not only do they make documentation easier, you have the ability to go anywhere at any time.  The process to get a passport can feel overwhelming.  Click the button below if you need a little help.

Number 2: Transportation 

Finding the right flight is essential.  It's extremely important to us to budget accordingly.  And this is what makes the once in a lifetime trip worth it.  Someone is going to say that they found a flight, or a train ticket, or have a car rental that is going to be affordable.  And you're going to want to take advantage when you can.  

If you're young, pile into the car and split the cost.  Find the flights to random places cities for next to nothing.  This is in the moment planning, and the more you save, the better the trip.

Number 3: Have the Right Mindset
​
No, you will never have enough money saved or time to just go away.  

Go anyway.

While there is always a level of responsiblity that goes with life, there is also a sense of freedom that comes with realizing that you can work as hard as you want, for as long as you want, and it will never be "the right time" to do much of anything.  You can always say you don't have the money, or you can't get away from work.

Go.

That's the last and greatest piece of advice.  You cannot take money with you.  You cannot make memories if you are always at work.  However, you can take memories that will last a lifetime to work with you.  

Major cities are great destinations for the holidays.  Decorated for the season, there is typically a center square that draws a crowd.  You'll usually find a tree and a variety of spots to create a night of magic. In Detroit, this spot is Campus Martius.

Located in the heart of Downtown, at the start of Detroit's famous Woodward Ave, is Campus Martius.  This square has been a longstanding landmark in Detroit, with the surveyor's point for the city located here.  As the city has continued to rebrand and rebirth itself in the 21st century, Campus Martius has become a holiday tradition for many.

We recommend parking in Greektown.  There are a number of parking areas, including the casino.  This helps keep travelers out of the dense traffic that surrounds the square.  The walk in just under a mile from the parking garage.  

Once you're at the square, there are a variety of activities to participate in.  You can ice skate, or wander along the edge of the rink and watch skaters glide under the lights of the city and the tree.  You can grab a drink in Parc, which boasts the surveyor's landmark for the city just in front of it's doors.  

Take a stroll across the street to Cadillac Market.  Shops line both sides of the walkway with unique items to find for Christmas gifts for those you love.  At the end of the market in Cadillac Lodge.  The Lodge is a cozy spot to grab a drink, play a game or two, and relax on the couches by the fire to enjoy the company of those you're with. 

There are many places to eat and drink in the area.  We stopped at The Old Shillelagh, Detroit's Irish Bar in Greektown.  Opened in 1975, the Old Shillelagh has kept up with Detroit and it's robust movement forward.  It now sources it's food locally, and supports the city around it.  (We are not affiliated!)  Check out their website for more: ​https://oldshillelagh.com/about-us/

Welcome to Christmas in Detroit. Travel to Detroit this holiday season to create your own magic this year.  The city is vibrant and growing, creating a spot to make a few memories to last a lifetime.

We are human.  We cling to routine and familiarity, even when life changes around us all the time.  There is comfort in predictability, and there is peace when the world feels familiar.  Since COVID, that familiaty has been shaken, and we are in need of new traditions to anchor ourselves in peace.

Sure, the Lions will still play on Thanksgiving day, and college football will host games throughout the holiday.  People will gather, food will be eaten, but things have changed.  People age, life moves quickly, and old traditions are left behind.  If they're not replaced, you can loose the spirit of the holiday season. 

We have a few recommendations to create new traditions for your holiday season this year.  We have traveled and found places in which we love, and hope you find a new tradition with a little bit of holiday magic as well.  We are not affiliated with any of these!  We just highly recommend!

Nite Lites at MIS Speedway
https://nitelitesshow.com/

Located at the Michigan International Speedway, this drive through light show is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.  You can book a train ride as well if you want to spend a little time in the experiencing Michigan's outdoors while viewing the lights!

​Check website for times and cost!

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad
​Christmas Holiday Magic
Stroll through the collection of historic buildings at Crossroads Village when they are decorated in the magic of Christmas.  This tradition gives you a glimpse of Christmas in the past.  Grab some candy and hot chocolate before heading over and getting a ticket to the railroad.  The trip will take you on a light show for the county.  It's a wonderful way to find a little Christmas magic!
​

Holly Dickens Festival
https://www.hollydickensfestival.org/​
​Spend the day stepping into the past in Holly, Michigan.  Outdoor markets and eateries line the street, as nostalgic visitors take in the historic nod to Christmas.  Players walk along dressed in period costumes, carolers share their love of music, stories are told, and fires are lit.  It's a walk back in time that has something for everyone. 

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
https://www.bronners.com/
​Visit Frankenmuth this holiday season and stop in to Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store.  This store has multiple entrances, and as you wander you'll find different sections of Christmas decor.  Ornaments of every kind, Christmas decorations, and even Santa can be found.  Bronner's is open year round, yet makes the perfect getaway for a new Christmas tradition. 

On the 10th of November,
50 years to remember,
the fate of a ship lost that night.

The legend lives on,
through story and song,
of Whitefish that didn't have light.

The ship on a sea,
while Great it may be,
lost a crew that gave all their might.

Stand at the edge
of Superior's ledge,
to honor the tale full of fight.

A storm and the lake,
does dangerous make,
as the ship sits just out of sight.

So let the bell ring,
​And let Gordon Sing,
about the Edmund Fitzgerald lost that night. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore lies along the northwest portion of the lower peninsula, overlooking Lake Michigan.  The dunes rise high above the water, giving way to incredible views and difficult climbs.  As you spend the day exploring, you will look out and eventually see the two islands just off the coast.  The two cubs, that never made it to shore.

The story is well known in Michigan.  A mother and her cubs left the shores of Wisconsin, escaping a forest fire.  They swam across Lake Michigan, seeking refuge on the other side of the lake.  As the mother reached the shore, she turned back to find that her cubs did not.  They are eternally enshrined in the islands off the coast, while the Mother Bear laid her head to eternally sleep on the shore, waiting forever for their return.

While this tragic story has the sadness of a waiting heart, it also brings so much beauty to waiting.  The seasons come and go, and the steadfast beauty of the dunes remains, with the story of love resounding through each of the seasons.  The colors change, the leaves fall, the mother bear sleeps.  The snow blankets the coast, ice forms, and the story becomes frozen in time for the winter, knowing there is no movement.  Spring comes, and the beauty of the islands and lakeshore come to life, reviving the world and bringing joy, even through the wait.  Summer shares her shores with all those who visit and learn the story for the first time.  They leave in awe of a legend.  There's so much beauty in waiting.

We spend a lot of our life waiting for things.  We wait to grow up, wait for the right job, the right person, the right situation.  We pass through time, waiting on things that evolve through life.  Sometimes, we can become sleepy in our waiting.  We close our eyes and just wish that whatever it was we were waiting for would just get here already.

What Sleeping Bear teaches us is that there is beauty in the waiting.  Even if what we want has not yet made it to us, the world around us still changes and grows and demonstrates it's beauty.  The waiting still gives us seasons to be in awe of, and still gives us opportunities to change over time.  And like Mother Bear, we may wait eternally for one thing, but the wait is always for Love that extends beyond time and our understanding.  And that is a love that is always worth waiting for.

So as you drive along and visit the National Lakeshore of Sleeping Bear Dunes, spend some time reflecting on those things you are waiting for in life.  What islands are you continually staring at, hoping the wait will end.  And how can you turn your head away from that, even just for a moment, to take in the beauty around you that is provided in the waiting.

Live a life full of beautiful waiting.