• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

About Girl Gone Travel

GirlGoneTravel_Blogger, Photographer, and Traveler of the worldWelcome to Girl Gone Travel!

I have always been fascinated with the way people from different backgrounds and experiences interact and take in the world around them and how it influences the way in which they share their stories. As a once terribly shy child who moved around often, I found comfort in observing how others navigated their environment and related to it. This blog is a collection of stories as I travel and grow through life, and the many ways in which the many people I meet and places I go inspire me.

GirlGoneTravel_Blogger, Photographer, and Traveler of the worldThese are my people and my top priority. 

Thank you to you, my community of readers and friends, for making this catalog of adventures all that it is today! I hope you enjoy but most of all I hope it inspires you and informs you.

Girl Gone Travel® is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.

Pin this Page
Share this Page
38 Comments
  • Mrs_Fire
    December 15, 2008

    Hey-Mama! LOVE this new blog. So great and exciting! Send me an E-mail -Love to chat sometime 🙂

    Reply
  • amiller01 (Annie)
    December 15, 2008

    Hey girl!! love the new blog! What a good idea! Maybe (once the baby comes) I will start one. lol awesome though!!! 🙂

    Reply
  • FITFreshNY (Christin
    December 16, 2008

    Love the blog Mama! You make me feel like I was there with you guys!

    Reply
  • MrsFids (Marcie)
    December 16, 2008

    Hey Mama – LOVING the blogs : )

    Keep'em coming!!!

    My hubby & I are always looking for new and interesting things to see and do in the Big Apple.

    Reply
  • Our2Boys
    January 4, 2009

    I love getting to know you guys even better through this blog! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to more entries. TTYS
    Beth

    Reply
  • Doris M Bachand
    August 13, 2009

    Was terrific to meet you Carol… I had so much I wanted to talk about… but the time was too too short.

    David was a gem looking after the boys in the pool… he deserves the credit not Ted and/or me!!

    Enjoy the trip home… it is good to get away but HOME is best I have found..

    Love doris

    Reply
  • Nanette Hartley
    October 16, 2009

    Love this blog site and I love NYC, especially during the holiday season. Great picture of the Rockefeller Christmas tree! I must pay NYC a visit sometime soon!

    Reply
  • Blog Thief Defeated By Twitter Army | NYCityMama
    January 5, 2010

    […] About NYCity Mama […]

    Reply
  • Jane
    January 29, 2010

    Hi: Just wanted to enter the $24 contest. Love the spa and gym at Affinia. Definately is the way to unwind after a wonderful day in NYC. I want to come back and do it again! Please!

    Reply
  • The Healthy Apple
    April 13, 2010

    As a fellow Manhattan gal, I love your blog…keep up the great blogging…I'm a huge fan!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      The Healthy Apple
      April 15, 2010

      Thank you Healthy Apple! It's always great to hear from our fan readers! Thanks for your support!

      Reply
  • cassie
    May 23, 2010

    new to your blog and just wanted to say as a fellow new yorker and fellow brooklynite, i absolutely love it.. working on becoming a mom and this site will definitely be a "go to" source for me..

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    May 23, 2010

    Hi Cassie!

    Fist of all GOOD LUCK on becoming a mom! And second, THANK YOU for your comment and for reading my site! Wish you many happy adventures!

    Reply
  • Barbara
    May 24, 2010

    Have really enjoyed getting to know you through your blog and twitter. About to read your foodspring piece and bote! Best of luck, Carol — you deserve it 🙂

    Reply
  • Tamara Walker
    June 1, 2010

    Have been following you on twitter and facebook for some time and now that I get to go to NY for the first time ever (Blogher) I am loving all the advice and insider info you give!

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Tamara Walker
      June 2, 2010

      Thanks Tamara! Excited to have you visiting my hometown! Please feel free to send me a tweet with any questions you may have : ) And thanks for reading : ))

      Reply
  • Cheryl - itty bitty
    January 4, 2011

    Great resource Carol! So many things to do in my favourite city in the world. Thanks for putting this together.

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Cheryl – itty bitty
      January 4, 2011

      Thanks Cheryl!

      Reply
  • Luisa
    March 22, 2011

    I love this website….Great info for moms…Thanks

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Luisa
      March 22, 2011

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Imani
    July 10, 2011

    Thanks for the great tips Carol! I headed straight down to 6th Avenue and Carmine Street specifically for Gelato pops after reading your blog! Next time I'll actually bring the kids with! LOL

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Imani
      July 10, 2011

      That's wonderful Imani! So glad to hear : ) And today especially called for a nice, cold gelato pop!

      Reply
  • Haidee Garcia
    June 12, 2012

    Hello… I'm new to your blog and I happen to come across it from looking up info on splash down… I just have to say that your blog is awesome and it was the kind of blog Ive been on the search hunt for… Its motivating me to start getting out more and venturing out to different adventures with my family….wish you and your family many blessings…

    Reply
  • Thaddeus
    January 10, 2013

    Nice work here Carol. I can see it's a labor of love and a lotta work! Well done!!

    Thaddeus

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    January 10, 2013

    @Thaddeus: Thank you so much!

    Reply
  • G. Peter Jemison
    March 17, 2013

    Carol really enjoyed your visit to Ganondagan and the Iroquois White Corn Project . Really like the look and info on your blog looking forward to following your travel tips. Peter Jemison

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      G. Peter Jemison
      March 17, 2013

      @G. Peter Jemison: Thank you so much Peter! It was so wonderful meeting you and hearing about the project. I look forward to hearing more and please stay in touch! Thank you so much for your hospitality and all the information your shared : )

      Reply
  • Susan Noble
    March 19, 2013

    Loved talking with you yesterday both here at the Tech Farm and at the awards show last night. will now become a regular reader. Travel safe today.

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      Susan Noble
      March 19, 2013

      @Susan Noble: Thank you Susan! What a joy it was meeting you. I love the work you are doing!

      Reply
  • movers los angeles
    July 4, 2013

    Traveling is a hobby and adventure gives a unlimited fun. Thanks for sharing the post and picture of your travel. And be safe..

    Reply
  • AmandaH
    November 18, 2013

    Love the site. Can't wait to follow more adventures. next time I'm in New York, I'll hit you up for recs. Feel free to check out my site too, if you wish.

    My recent post Seattle’s First Secret Supper, All the Juicy Details

    Reply
  • thebritishberliner
    January 27, 2014

    Hi Carol,

    I'm aware that award nominations are usually for "fresh" bloggers like myself however, I nevertheless, just wanted to give you a head’s up that I’ve nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award. I’ve also written a few words about you and your blog. Feel free to take a look. Thanks!
    thebritishberliner.wordpress.com/2014/01/2…

    My recent post Fashion or Passion, Green or Mean: Berlin Fashion Week

    Reply
  • Happytraveller
    March 21, 2014

    Very impressing resume! And your blog sais it all, I can see how much effort and pleasure is in it! You are very inspiring and I was pleased to read that half of you is from the country I love most, Puerto Rico!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Happytraveller
      March 22, 2014

      @Happytraveller: Thank you!!

      Reply
  • Ellen Orchid Mausner
    June 17, 2014

    Love your blog and wish I could travel with you on your “team”. Are you hiring, by any chance?

    Thanks and happy travels!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Ellen Orchid Mausner
      September 24, 2014

      Hi Ellen – my apologies that I just saw this! I often recruit contributors to for travel assignments, but I will say I\’m pretty selective. It has happened though!

      Reply
  • Debi
    December 4, 2014

    I’ve read many of your posts & obviously we’re connected via social media but this was my first time reading your about page. What an amazing adventure you’ve made your life into. You inspire me to be more fearless and try new places. My favorite thing to do is to travel the world with my family. Thanks for always reminding me how important that truly is:)

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Debi
      December 4, 2014

      Thank you so much Debi!

      Reply

Leave a Reply to FITFreshNY (Christin Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am a communications professional, an award-winning travel blogger, a public speaker, CEO of a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency, a wife, and a mom of 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!

Carol Cain

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America313 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Crack of dawn wake ups to check in with electricia Crack of dawn wake ups to check in with electricians at @theflxcottage, followed by mornings full of meetings.

Not complaining though because I also got to hit up one of my fave coffee spots (@amitycoffeeco), in one of the prettiest main streets in Penn Yan, NY. And I got to do it with this handsome dude, @travisjcain.

Also, being in this place just makes me so dang happy all around.
.
.
.
#myflx #fingerlakes #pennyan #favoritecoffeeshop #smalltown @flxwinecountry
Perks of life in wine country: membership to our f Perks of life in wine country: membership to our favorite wineries. Where as in some places farm-to-table is a trend, here it is a way of life. This made it easy for us to pick up a slew of winery top picks from @hectorwineco and we can’t wait to pair them with some awesome dishes I plan on cooking this week. 
.
.
.
#myflx #fingerlakes #winecountry #farmtotable #countryliving
Home life has become less tense as the end of scho Home life has become less tense as the end of school days get closer and closer. Work has been fulfilling and gratifying. I’ve started putting more time into my fitness, which is making me feel really good. I’m slowly booking my calendar to see my dearest, and nearest friends. And though long distance travel is still not in the works for us, we are gifted with the Finger Lakes nearby and are not taking any of it for granted.

So while @theflxcottage is still being worked on, we decided to take a weeklong workcation along the beautiful Seneca Lake.

The air is still a bit too chilly for swims or BBQs but I plan on spending as many sunsets as possible right in this spot.

I hope this inspires a road trip close to home for you. Because don’t we all deserve a bit more serene beauty in our lives? Go get yours! @flxwinecountry @flpplake 
.
.
.
#myflx #fingerlakeswinecountry #fingerlakesny #senecalake #workcation #staycation
We were in Jamaica when I realized I had never tak We were in Jamaica when I realized I had never taken my kids snorkeling. They were 10 and 11. So we booked a snorkeling excursion and the boys were fine until we got to the reef and they could see all the ocean wildlife, clear as day, that would be swimming among them.

My youngest hesitated. Saying he didn’t want to go.

In my heart I felt his fear. I understood it. I’ve spent many years playing in the ocean. I’ve had many encounters with sharks, jellyfish, sea urchins, and even had a near drowning experience. The ocean both thrills and terrifies me. But I venture into it often because fear is such a debilitating drug. And that was my biggest fear for my kids. So I made him sit on the edge of the boat as he teared up, and I nudged him into the water. 

As I prepped to jump in after him, I saw our Jamaican guide give me a thumbs up, and the other tourists give me a look of disapproving judgement.

I jumped in the water and held my boy’s hand, tears were coming down his cheeks, past his goggles. 

“Baby, it’s OK to be scared. It’s normal. But I will not leave your side. I will hold your hand and nothing will hurt you, I won’t allow it.” I never felt a promise so deeply.

We started swimming. Fish of every size and color passing us by and gliding beneath us. He would look at me, nod his head, give me a thumbs up.

After awhile he signals wanting to go up, so we do.

“You Ok?”, I ask. “Yes,” he responded, “You can let go of me now. You don’t need to hold my hand anymore. I’m not afraid.” Then he let me go and started swimming away.

I swam along side him. Never leaving his side. The warmth of my tears fogging my goggles as I realized that it was me who needed his hand holding far more than he did, and bursting with pride at the newfound courage in him, at the beauty of watching my son grow up before my eyes.
.
.
.
#travelstory #parenting #travel #oceanfun #Jamaica
How I started today. Sending love to all those who How I started today. Sending love to all those who need it most. To the mamas worried sick about their babies living out in the world right now. To those having the conversation right now with their boys about what it is be Black in America.

I texted my boy last night. And he didn’t respond. And I fell asleep fighting off all thoughts of potential harm that could come his way. I think of the tall, beautifully brown-skinned, big smiled man he has become. How bright his present and his future are. How much he is loved and all the dreams he has. I think about how he is still learning, still growing, still making mistakes, things that shouldn’t be held against him much less cost him his life. I think about how he is my heart and my soul and I can’t imagine it - what these mothers and fathers are going through.

I woke up to his reply. He had been out bowling with his small niche of friends. His happiness pulsing through the text. And I felt grateful that I alone carried the weight of the fear and sadness of these repetitive moments of violence against our Black and brown babies. He and they all deserve the bliss so easily enjoyed by others. But maybe so do we in knowing they are safe too.

The violence isn’t just physical. It is emotional and psychological, and it reaches far and wide, beyond the latest crime. And maybe that’s the point? Maybe that’s the goal? But it is also why we should and will fight harder. Because, Black Lives Matter too. And our families and our children deserve peace.
.
.
.
#blacklivesmatter #bipoclivesmatter #protectourchildren
Going through some old files and found my photos f Going through some old files and found my photos from #Thailand. This photo is of a fisherman on the Mekong River. This trip, at that point, was the farthest I had ever been from home and I think of how my being there was an unimaginable possibility for me growing up.

But it also reminds me of how challenging travel can be when you aren’t sharing it with those who mean the most to you in your life. As an active travel blogger, I made friends everywhere I went, from all over the world. This trip was no different. But there’s also a loneliness to the experience- one I don’t miss at all.

So many people hype up one side of the travel life: the new and self discoveries, the fun, the adventures, the way in which we grow and learn. The privilege, the selective and exclusive access, the fortune of it.

Travel has taught me and shown me so much. People are people everywhere we go being the most common lesson.

But it also taught me the incredible gift that is a life truly and beautifully fulfilled even when I am home. The world is beautiful and complicated.

Travel can give you many things. But self-fulfillment and happiness is not one of them. Gratification, temporary bliss, joy, and an overwhelming adrenaline of excitement, yes. All of it. Worth it too. But it is what you find in the stillness that truly defines where you are, and what you need to work on. And what few people put effort into exploring for themselves.

So, just be mindful of the hype. Because escapism is a temporary drug. And reality is always waiting.
.
.
.
#travelTuesday #thailand #travelmindset #escapism #truthabouttravel

Copyright © 2021 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice