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December 16, 2013

Highlights in Travel of 2013

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As 2013 comes to an end I am looking back at a year in travel and how much I have enjoyed discovering new and repeat favorite destinations to share with you.

I made a resolution at the beginning of the year to make 2013 the year of happy, and I think it really was. I’m know that there were days when I wasn’t smiling or really feeling great, but they seem such a blur to me now, which says a lot about the overall 12 months.

This year I got to make a few wishes come true, and some that I had never even considered – such as being able to talk family travel on CBS’ The Couch and speaking at TBEX about diversity in travel writing while also experiencing a bucket list destination (Dublin) with my husband.

I celebrated my fifth anniversary in blogging and Girl Gone Travel celebrated its first year since re-branding from NYCity Mama, In the process we were featured/mentioned in The New York Times, Mashable, Orlando Sentinel (in Spanish!), and San Francisco Gate, just to name a few.

We also received accolades among the Top 10 Travel Bloggers by Cision, Top 100 Bloggers by Babble, and Digital Sister of The Year by Digital Sisterhood Network.

I was honored with an exclusive opportunity to represent the Bordeaux region of France. I was later informed that the feedback and reception from my readers and followers during this trip exceeded expectations and blew everyone away, something for which I can’t thank you all enough.

My experience in the Bordeaux region was greatly influenced by the people I met there. During my visit the wineries were slow, meaning harvesting had been delayed a month due to poor weather and wine makers had nothing but time to give. Because of this, I got to sit and chat with a very many of them. Lunches would be hours long and time to socialize provided insights beyond the scope of wine making. I was able to share in culture nuances and traditions that warmed me up to all those I encountered. I made friends who email me still, and whom I look forward to seeing again. This is such a gift from any traveler, but most especially for a travel blogger, because the truth is what makes the destination are the people in it, and people of Bergerac, Bordeaux, and Saint Emilion were so warm and giving of both their friendship and their time that I can confidently say it is a must-see destination when in France, not just for wine.

St Emilion_girlgonetravelMy time in the Bordeaux region showed me a more lay back beauty often not seen in Paris, both in ambiance and in the people.

Another beautiful surprise was in getting to see what an amazing traveler and citizen of the world my teen is growing up to be. During our Mediterranean adventure with Carnival Cruise Lines, I got to witness a traveler who is kind, patient, considerate, flexible, adventurous, and curious about the world. The pride from that and the bonding while on that trip changed me as a mother and our relationship. This is a true testament to the value and reward of traveling with your kids. It isn’t always easy and some people will judge you and make it even harder for you – it can be a rough start, so matter how great of a parent you are, and how great your kid is at home. But don’t give up. And if you haven’t started, I hope we can continue to inspire you with reasons for why you should. The experience I had with my teen this summer is an example of the beauty that can come about when you get your kids out there early.Italy_girlgonetravelMy time traveling with my son along the Mediterranean was one that not only changed us, but bonded us more than we could have ever expected. He is a beautiful traveler.

Our desire to road trip along the Pacific West Coast finally came true after years of discussion and two years of savings and we were able to gift our middle son with the birthday of a lifetime: a visit with his beloved uncles followed by a trip to Disneyland. Once we set the final details in motion, we had the opportunity to partner with G Adventures. This was such a great opportunity for us because it allowed us to show that family travel can be as adventurous and as exciting as any other kind of travel. To have the support of a brand who is the leader in adventure travel further validated what we do as a traveling family. I was proud of this and happy to promote them and their family adventure packages. GMC and OnStar were our vehicle sponsor, and they have been a brand that has supported us and our crazy adventurous from the start. This year further solidified my belief that it’s not about working with tons of brands, but really developing relationships with those brands that you believe in, truly, as a consumer, but also brands that believe in you and sincerely support your work and your message. It’s an incredible feeling.

gadventures_girlgonetravel

This year I put into practice the art of saying no, and giving priority to partnerships and brands that I believe in and support, but who also believe in and have supported me and my message.

This was the year of national parks for us. We visited Yosemite, Redwoods, and after being honored with an award from the Latino Heritage Fund, I along with my chosen team got to discover Olympic National Park. It was a rough year for the national parks, I am hoping that our stories motivate you to consider them as vacation destinations.

national parks_girlgonetravel

We self-funded and were awarded opportunities to show our support, appreciation, and love for our national parks and promoted diversity in the same.

I returned to Mexico to discover new places, such as Mexico City, which I absolutely loved, and Mazatlan. Mexico City is one of those places the really meant a lot for me to visit because I wanted to show people that it isn’t the dangerous place that the media is fixated on promoting. That travelers should be cautious remains true, no matter what large city you are visiting in the world. Mexico City really captivated me, and I absolutely loved the people there.

Mexico City_girlgonetravelMexico City was exciting, full of energy and wonderful people, food, and views. It easily became one of my favorite cities of 2013.

The foodie destination that surprised me the most this year was Richmond, VA. The passion, talent, culinary creativity and community there is not getting enough praise and recognition as far as I am concerned. But it also represents a trend in the United States, where true culinary artists are forgoing the fame, status, and money of the big cities in pursuit of freedom of a dream to serve good, healthy, locally sourced, naturally inspired food.

The moments that I have been closer to home have been incredible too. I am still getting used to my living in New Jersey, even after two years here already (!!!) and opening up myself for to experiences here, though I can’t help the frequent ventures in Manhattan – I mean, it’s only 35 minutes by train and it’s still my hometown. But I think as far as local destinations go, the Catskill Mountains hve been calling to me more and more. The Emerson Resort has become a favorite retreat for us and the frequent visits has allowed us to find favorites eateries like the Phoenicia Diner, Ricciardella’s, Hickory BBQ, and The Alternative Baker have been awesome food finds.

catskill mountains_girlgonetravelWe spent more and more time enjoying the things that being home has to offer, like hiking trips in the Catskill Mountains.

I started writing for Expedia’s Viewfinder blog this year. As a freelancer who frequently writes for many publications, I have to say that I have never really worked with such a warm and welcoming group of people, not to mention how crazy talented and creative they all are. From the our lead content director and editor to fellow writers, it’s been quite the experience and I am incredibly grateful and so, so happy to be welcomed to the team.

Of all the travel surprises I had this year, I think the biggest surprise of them all was how happy I was when I wasn’t traveling. Don’t get me wrong, I still love what I do very much, but being home with my family and friends became something I really looked forward to in between my trips, this year more than ever. My children are getting older and I love seeing the ways in which they are changing and growing. My husband’s adjustment and support for my career was something he finally shared with the world in Our Strangelove: Or How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Blog and I was able to also get personal on my growth as a writer and how I had to learn to balance it all with my role as a mother and wife in Who’s With The Kids?

girlgonetravel_familyWe continued to prove to the world that family travel can be adventurous, fun, and really, really cool.

girlgonetravelThis was one of my busiest year in travel, and one where my wanderlust redirected itself to home and family.

This year I found my wanderlust directing me more towards home then the other way around. I think it means I have grown and really learned to balance my work with my home life – a constant work in progress – and really taken the time to truly appreciate what I have instead of being distracted by what I don’t. That feeling reflected itself not just in travel/home, but also in work. I said “no” more this year, not because I was so swamped but because I am leaving myself open to opportunities that are truly a good fit. I am not longer crippled by the fear that saying “no” will lead me to a void of nothingness forever. It may lead to less income one month or two, but also to a happier me. Which, of course, was my resolution to begin with.

Looking back, I am feeling so fortunate to have done so much and so appreciative of the very many people who believed in me, who read me, who support me, and shared my work, and who have helped to make this year a great one.

I am kicking 2014 in a fun way! Come see me speak at the New Media Expo in Las Vegas, January 4-6, 2014!. Also, we are actively working on our dream to renew our wedding vows in Scotland in December of 2014. We are so excited for what’s to come! We hope you will join us on this fun ride.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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5 Comments
  • Jay@TravelIdeaz
    December 17, 2013

    Carol,

    What a year, huh? I think busy would be a huge understatement. 🙂 Oh, what I would trade now a for a month long vacation.

    Cheers!
    My recent post Camping Cabins – Have you tried glamping?

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Jay@TravelIdeaz
      December 17, 2013

      It's been quite a year indeed : )) I am currently on a month "off" and enjoying every minute! Hope you get a vacation soon too!

      Reply
      • Jay@TravelIdeaz
        caincarol
        December 17, 2013

        Thanks, Carol. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the holidays with your family.
        My recent post Camping Cabins – Have you tried glamping?

        Reply
  • Nnenna
    December 17, 2013

    I love the way ur "wanderlust" still directs you to HOME. That's a very important accept especially when u're balancing ur passion with family life. I found ur blog this year and so far u've been one of my favorite travel bloggers. U've inspired me to use my passion & talent and have fun doing so. Well done for being an inspiration to others. Merry X-mas & a Great New Year in 2014 to u and ur family! Looking foward to all ur adventures in 2014 and u & ur hubby's renewing of wedding vows in Dec 2014, by God's grace *smiles*

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Nnenna
      December 17, 2013

      Thank you so much Nnenna! That's a huge compliment. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you as well. May 2014 bring good things to us all. Thanks so much for reading and your continued support : )

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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