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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Travel
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December 2, 2015

Embracing Slow Travel

During my Thanksgiving holiday break, where I enjoyed the company of visiting family, I was reminded of the beauty of slow travel. Slow travel has been defined by many as the option to choose stays, such as vacation home rentals as opposed to hotels, to connect with locals and have more of a cultural experience where ever you may be. An example of this would be how my family and I ch[...]

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North America, Travel
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November 25, 2015

Day trip to Newburgh, NY

Along the Hudson Valley and about an hour and a half from New York City (with no traffic) is the city of Newburgh, NY. To see it on its surface, one might see what most people refer to as "up and coming". However, look deeper and you will see a historic city, with much of its architectural structures dating as far back as the 1800s. Some of them definitely need some TLC, but anyone who lo[...]

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Europe, Travel
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November 23, 2015

Timeless Ireland at Ashford Castle

I think back at the days I spent touring Ireland and I realize that the moments where I was happiest was when I felt the history of the place around me. There's something to be revered about a place that has survived the test of time and the whims of humanity. There would be many places in my Ireland road trip with Insight Vacations that would wow me, but none would be as awe-inspiring a[...]

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Europe, Travel
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November 18, 2015

Ireland road trip: a photo tour

Driving through Ireland and taking in its treasures.

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Europe, Travel
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November 4, 2015

Road trip thru France’s Most Beautiful Destinations

Over the past three years, I've shared some fun adventures in travel through France. Many will agree that train travel through the country is one of the fastest ways to get around, and I agree, if you have the extra budget and if you don't get stuck in the middle of a train strike, which happens often and unexpectedly and for extra effect, usually take place during the summer months when v[...]

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North America, Travel
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November 2, 2015

Five things I love about New Jersey

I've lived in New Jersey now for about 4 years now. Like most hardcore New Yorkers, it's been a slow process to get me to let go of this idea that I have to venture into the city for good food, entertainment, or activities. I still get teased by friends for becoming "Bridge and Tunnel", and I get it. There was a time I wouldn't even date a boy if there was a bridge or tunnel between us[...]

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Travel
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October 29, 2015

The Best Travel Stories

This year has been an incredible year in travel. Traveling to Thailand, my first trip to Asia, was such a great experience, visiting Istanbul as part of my role as a White House Travel Blogger was surreal, visiting Guatemala - twice - left me beyond words, and of course, returning to France as a Wine Ambassador for the third year in a row felt like returning home. These destinations have[...]

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Oceana, Travel
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October 15, 2015

From the People of Fiji with Love

The sunsets in Fiji are beautiful, but they aren't what will touch your heart when you visit.

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Caribbean, Travel
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October 13, 2015

Family Fun in St. Martin

St. Martin has been a romantic getaway destination for me in the past, but that's not to say that there isn't any fun on this 34 square mile island for kids to enjoy as well. There are two parts of this island to explore. The French side (St. Martin) and the Dutch side (St. Maarten) both have a unique feel and style and you will need a car to get around. Which side of the island y[...]

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Travel
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October 12, 2015

The Travel Dream, 18 Years Later

A little over 18 years ago I had saved up money working for a non-profit in New York City while also going to college for my Bachelors in Communications to travel the world once I had gotten my degree. My degree, I had decided then, was a symbol of pride for my father who had always told me this is what he expected of me as the first in my family to finish college. I envisioned gettin[...]

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Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe54 Post(s)
  • North America318 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

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. 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

Contact

  • caincarol@gmail.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Happy winter and merry everything as we enjoy anot Happy winter and merry everything as we enjoy another snowy day in the Finger Lakes. 

Personally, I am ready to hibernate for a bit and enjoy a book or two by the fire while the sounds of my guys fills our home. 

I am in no rush to start the new year but am also excited to get started. I want a year filled with more time with friends, and pursuing projects that I am really inspired by and to be surrounded by inspiring people. I expect to say no a lot this year, after so many years of saying yes and regretting it. I want days that feel happy and healthy and fulfilling. 

Not too much to ask, right? And I wish you all a happy and healthy year too. May you love and be loved in all the ways you deserve and need. ❤️

Thanks for the follow, the support, the DMs and comments, and kindness expressed and shared.
This time of year is a joyous one but it can also This time of year is a joyous one but it can also be terribly overwhelming and draining. 

As someone managing two small businesses and all that life throws my way, I felt I needed a little escape, and Rochester always delivers!

We booked a hotel room, hit up all of our favorite spots, and a couple of new ones. On the list of musts:

📍Highland Park Diner- a must for a hearty breakfast to start the day. Best on weekdays for no crowds. 
📍Siren and the Sea - new cafe bookstore full of good reads, cozy vibes, and yummy drinks
📍Happy Earth Tea - where I picked up some delicious chai and matcha (also a sweet little yap spot with friends). 
📍Lamberton Conservatory - especially this time of year as it’s decorated for the holidays. Was a lovely spot to sit on a bench and zen out for a bit.
📍Winter Swan Coffee - afternoon cafecito, gift and plant shopping
📍Ugly Duck Coffee - the main reason we were inspired to come to Rochester on this specific day, for their Industry Night, where we nerded out about coffee “and beyond”. Of course we went back the next morning for coffee!
📍Rochester Public Market - for some evening holiday market strolling and hellos to our friends Sylvan Farm and Cidery who were working the market!
📍Lucky’s for dinner - yummy, but man oh man do I miss their onion rings!

Absolutely love this city for it’s ability to make me feel happier and lighter. Happy place 🫶🏾.
I’ve seen some pretty spectacular sunsets in my I’ve seen some pretty spectacular sunsets in my travels. Some of my absolute favorites have been on a beach in Mazatlán, Mexico, behind The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, while sitting on a fisherman’s dock in Seoul, South Korea, along the rugged seashore of La Perla, Puerto Rico, and here in the Finger Lakes. Not an exaggeration. The sunsets here are stunning. Breathtaking even. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry #sunsethour
As a Brooklyn girl, born and raised, I never could As a Brooklyn girl, born and raised, I never could’ve imagined a reason to stray too far from my beloved city…and then, I found the Finger Lakes. Never say never. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Bonus: Brooklyn feels like a world away from all this peace and beauty, but it’s only a 4 hour drive. 🫶🏾

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry #roadtrip
During my recent jaunt to @visittheberkshires I im During my recent jaunt to @visittheberkshires I immersed myself in @massmoca bliss. With 250,000 square feet of gallery space, it’s easy to understand how with three visits thus far,  I still haven’t seen all there is to see. 

Strolling the interconnected buildings and walkways leads you into a new experience, and with each ticket allowing for two consecutive day visits, you are encouraged to take your time. 

Another thing to note is that in between my visits (separated by a month’s time) I got to see new installations that weren’t there before, as many of the exhibits are ever-evolving. 

I have yet to visit during warmer temps, when the outdoor spaces are activated with more art and events, so am definitely excited to return. It would also be cool to catch a live performance there! 

Bonus: the coffee shop adjacent to the museum - @tunnelcitycoffee - serves up some good sips, and I highly recommend reservations to @casitaberkshires, the Mexican restaurant also on campus.

#berkshiresma #roadtrip #museum #massmoca #visitberkshires
This winter promises to be a snowy one and honestl This winter promises to be a snowy one and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited. Experiencing true four seasons is one of the things I love about living here because everything changes each time. The energy is more serene and mellow. The world is so chaotic and sad in many ways these days, it’s really healing to be surrounded by the quiet and stillness of nature on a snow day in the Finger Lakes. 

#fingerlakes #upstateny #snowday

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