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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Asia, Travel
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April 22, 2015

Almsgiving to the monks Chiang Khan

There is one vivid memory that has stayed with me since my return from the small Northern village of Chiang Khan in Thailand. It's of the morning when I had to get up around 5 to prepare myself for the ceremonial offerings to the monks. read more[...]

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Asia, Travel
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April 7, 2015

Visiting Thailand and Cruising the Mekong River

It's been two weeks since I returned from my trip to Thailand. I was ready for a very many things, except for the long flight - I definitely should have prepared better for that (sleeping meds, more getting up and stretching, and more comfortable clothes, for starters). I knew that whatever happened didn't matter, because it was all new to me anyway. I think this is still the most excite[...]

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Public Relations & Branding
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March 30, 2015

Press Trip Conundrum: What do we owe in return?

I love a good press trip. Some hold up their noses to it. Others see them as their sole means for travel. I am neither extreme. I appreciate a good press trip for the same reasons I appreciate any opportunity to obtain content for work. Over the years I have gotten better in the press trip, or "fam" trip, practices. I am more selective, more inquisitive, and more conservative with the a[...]

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North America, Travel
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March 5, 2015

Los Angeles from a New Yorker’s Point of View

Exploring Los Angeles and finding plenty to love.

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North America, Travel
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February 24, 2015

Five Reasons to Visit Sandusky in The Winter

There are many reasons to visit Ohio's Lake Erie area during the warmer months. Areas like Kelleys Island, Put-in-Bay (or South Bass Island), and Middle Bass Island are just a few of the top reasons why visitors flock to the area every summer, making this one of the most popular destinations for warm weather travel. But, what about the winter? Granted, many of the be[...]

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Europe, Travel
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February 3, 2015

Romantic Travel Destination: Dublin, Ireland

People often ask me what my favorite travel destination is. It's a toss-up between Scotland and Ireland. But between the two, I have to say that Dublin, Ireland was one of the most romantic trips I have ever taken with my husband.read more[...]

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North America, Travel
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February 2, 2015

Playa del Carmen: An intro to Mexico

As I write this the chilly wind keeps forcing the frozen branches outside to slap against my window pane. My house is warm but I can't help but feel a slight chill come over me. "It's freakin' cold outside," I think as I grab a warm cup of tea, in the hopes that it will make me forget. Oh, to be back in Mexico, on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, taking in the rays and drinking a Negra[...]

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North America, Travel
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January 30, 2015

Rebooting at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa

A weekend at Canyon Ranch was the self-care that I didn't realize I desperately needed.

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Europe, Travel
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January 12, 2015

Losing my breath in Athens, Greece

A visit to the beautiful city of Athens full of breathtaking moments.

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Public Relations & Branding
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January 6, 2015

Blogging Practices that Pay Off

Every once in awhile it's good to dust yourself off from lessons learned and start anew. Before I move on with what promises to be an exciting year, I wanted to share some of the insight over the years that have made managing my brand and blogging career easier over time.read more[...]

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  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
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  • North America318 Post(s)
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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. 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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