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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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May 23, 2011

Helicopter Over NYC

The other day my husband and I were talking about the most fun things we have ever done in this beloved city of ours. We both agreed that at the very top of our list is the helicopter ride we took over New York City. I had planned it for his birthday and I wanted to celebrate in a way that would be both romantic and fun, but that would also appeal to our adventurous spirits.  I didn't[...]

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North America, Travel
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May 3, 2011

Tips for Your Family Trip to Disney

I have said it once, and I'll say it again; Disney is a wonderful place for anyone who visits, but for kids it is magical! I have been to Disney quite often but I have never been to Disney with my family and my husband and two little ones had never visited before at all. I was hoping to share some cute video footage of the moment when I gave the news to the kids, or any video footage that[...]

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Public Relations & Branding
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April 15, 2011

Who do you write for?

As a freelance writer one of the best advice you will ever receive is to stay connected with your industry peers and leaders through the vast networking opportunities provided. Often times in doing so, you will inevitably be asked one simple question that will, in some people's mind, determine where they can fit you in their value spectrum. The categories often are that of  a 1) serious/l[...]

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Caribbean, Travel
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April 1, 2011

The Heart of Curtain Bluff, Antigua

As the rain drips off the fire escape outside my NYC window, I can't help but feel a bit sad at the fact that a week ago, on this very day, I was sitting on a balcony listening to the ocean water crash against the sandy shore of Antigua as the sun softly warmed up the morning air. I was in Curtain Bluff, traveling with my dear friend Heather, and I was loving it. Even before we arrived to[...]

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Public Relations & Branding
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March 29, 2011

Waste that is an Ignorant Writer

Recently a friend passed a review of one of my favorite musicals, In The Heights. The review was written by Nashville magazine theater critic, Martin Brady. Well, at least the first draft was. The one that wasn't supposed to see the light of day. The one that so blatantly demonstrates his distaste for not only the musical, but the culture it represents. And though I see distaste and racis[...]

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North America, Travel
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March 18, 2011

Late Winter in Lake Placid, NY

Oh, how we love Lake Placid. Last time we ventured out there was in June, when we stayed at Whiteface Lodge, and I believe my husband and I decided we were going to leave city life forever and move to a room there. Well, real life has this way of sucking you back in and making you forget the dreams you have set for yourself, which is why we thought it a perfect time to go back to this favo[...]

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North America, Travel
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March 15, 2011

The Inn at Keystone, CO

While visiting Keystone, CO for their Winter Culinary Festival (more on that soon), I had a chance to check out one of the many different lodging experiences on the resort. What I appreciate about Keystone Resorts is that guests can choose the lodging that best fits their needs and their budgets without sacrificing the amenities and services. Last time I visited the resort, I went with m[...]

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North America, Travel
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March 2, 2011

Solo with kids at Universal Studios, Orlando? No problem!

I'm sure you have heard it all before. Universal Studios is one of the most fun places in Orlando, FL for families. Last time I was at Universal Studios was to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There I was, no children in tow, Butterbeer in hand, getting teary-eyed at the sight of the village of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle. You can see pics and read a full review of tha[...]

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Caribbean, Travel
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February 27, 2011

Experiencing the Nickelodeon All Access Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

UPDATE: Since this review, Norwegian Cruise announced a revamp of their Nickelodeon fleets to include updated family/state rooms and kids club amenities. I have not experienced the new ships, nor have seen them beyond images provided, but Go Big or Go Home toured the new Norwegian Breakaway and provided info and images of the new ship, which looks way more kid-friendly and kid-focused. ---[...]

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North America, Travel
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February 15, 2011

Getting Happy in New York City

I have been feeling a bit gloomy lately. When I start feeling a little blue I like to grab my camera, put on my comfy sneakers, and walk the city, especially on sunny days like today. Granted it was cold, but man was it pretty. I took my time and pacing myself throughout my long walk. In doing so I was able to visit the parts of New York City that make me most happy.read more[...]

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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

Snow day and the art of doing nothing even when th Snow day and the art of doing nothing even when the world demands we do so much. 

It’s ok to breathe. Process in silence. Seek comfort in yourself. Laugh. 

REST IS RESISTANCE. 

They want us scared. Broken. Isolated. Hopeless. Joyless. Exhausted. We are not. This moment is not how our story ends. 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde
A wintery day with coffee and books was had in Syr A wintery day with coffee and books was had in Syracuse, NY. For our coffee cart (@cafecomodony ) we headed over to @peakscoffeeco roasting site and were treated to a tour and cupping experience of their beautiful coffee selections which we are excited to serve at market this summer. 

We then headed to Books and Melodies to browse through their large selection of used books and vintage vinyls, while the cozy vibey tunes filled the space. 

Followed that with a stop at @kelseyscoffeeandfriends for a warm matcha and delicious breakfast burrito. And while a visit to Peaks Coffee roasters is not a public affair, you can still pick up a bag or two or more at Kelsey’s - trust us, it’s worth it!

Stay warm and safe out there everyone!

#syracuseny #newyork #winterday #thingstodoinsyracuse #booklover
People are sharing memories from 2016 but I think People are sharing memories from 2016 but I think this is my favorite one: going to Jamaica for work with my family. We went on a family adventure and it was the first time the boys were trying snorkeling. 

My youngest was so so scared but I made him get in the water still promising him I would hold his hand, be with him the entire time, and never leave his side. 

When I made him get in the water the other tourists on the boat gave me nasty looks and made comments making it clear they thought I was a shit mom for “ignoring” my son’s fears. I jumped into the water and he was crying tears coming down from behind his snorkel mask. I held his hand as promised and we started swimming.

The coral reef was bustling with life. Fish of all colors, eel, sand sharks, starfish. I wasn’t sure if it would terrify him or excite him. 

I would occasionally check on him with a thumbs up sign and he would confirm with a thumbs up back. After a while he signaled to come up and said “It’s ok mom. I can go on my own from here.” And let go of my hand and off he went. 

I watched him swim away from me and then it was me who started crying feeling both pride in him and that bittersweetness in seeing him not need me anymore. This memory still makes me cry. Today the little boy is pursuing a career in environmental science and forestry and photography (see his work at @liamlcc).

The second best memory of 2016 was Elle King renewing our vows at the Beacon Theater during one of her NYC concerts. Travis had arranged the entire thing…a blur as I was in shock the whole time! We just celebrated 23 years together❤️
@sagra_italia, a newly opened “Brooklyn-style” @sagra_italia, a newly opened “Brooklyn-style” Italian cafe has opened in Rochester, and though I am always skeptical of anything claimed to be “Brooklyn”, I have to say, it was really pretty close. 

We started at the bar for drinks and light bites, where the bartender was friendly and made some pretty kick-ass drinks. We then moved to an open table (no reservations here - walk in and grab an open spot) before ordering from the counter (food is brought to you) You bus your own table, which I think contributes significantly to the affordable menu, and which I honestly didn’t mind. 

The food was solid. I ordered the funghi pasta and we shared a Caesar and fried burrata, which was 😘👌🏾❤️!

The whole vibe was exactly what I needed and the perfect spot to catch up with Rochester friends on a snowy night. 

Kitchen closes at 9PM, bar closes at 10. 

And if you’ve ever been to @tapas177 next door and loved it (if you haven’t, you should go), it’s by the same family. 

Highly recommend and excited to go back. Another Rochester win!

#fingerlakes #rochesterny #rochestereats #newyork #italianfood @visitrochester
The world feels heavy, so here’s some light I no The world feels heavy, so here’s some light I noticed today: this dormant field of wildflowers we planted has been nesting bunny rabbits, birds, and little insect ecosystems this cold season. So even though on the surface it just looks like a field of dead and dried stems, when you look deeper, you’ll notice that it’s also a reprieve, a safe space, a comfort, and a resting place. 

I guess, maybe, that’s a lot of us right now. A little worn out. Tired. Sad. Drained. Overwhelmed. But we can also be someone’s comfort, safe space, peace, shoulder, friend…a little light for those who need it. And maybe that’s what we should remember to keep us going.
I get asked often if I miss the city, and the answ I get asked often if I miss the city, and the answer is all the time, but not really, but also yes, but kinda…depends. 

I think living in a slower paced environment has been good for me. Healthy and challenging in different ways. I sometimes get restless, but often need rest too. I love the space both environmently and in time to be creative. And I love that if I ever do get too restless, I am not far from Rochester (a city I’ve grown to love) or NYC. 

But I also love that when I feel any sense of anxiety, I can step outside, be surrounded by nature, and come back home a little more healed. Life is unpredictable, but during my era of slow living, I want to make sure to appreciate and enjoy all it offers.

#fingerlakes #newyork #slowliving #citygirlinthecountry

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