Choosing Travel That's Meaningful - How we make the most of our trips

I've been working on some articles all about making travel more meaningful while also being fun or relaxing, and I have lots to share about it (and updates on WHAT is happening here in FL)

Aug 24, 2025

I don’t have a ton to talk about this week because I’ve been busy trying to figure out life plans. I’m in this weird spot where I feel like things are good and progressing as they should with life in terms of our family and kids growing up and stuff, and then I’m also feeling pretty nonsensical in terms of doing something that matters. Do you ever feel that way like you’re just kind of going through the motions because you don’t know how to make things happen differently beyond your four walls? That’s me this week (and for a while now).

We’re a few weeks into new schools for both the kids and it’s going really well for the most part. They really like their teachers and how their school days roll, but we’re still in a holding pattern of not making any new buddies yet. I know it’ll happen and I’m just trying to be patient instead of aching on behalf of the kids, but it’s tough. I do have some cool things to share this week though, so that’s mildly exciting. For whatever reason you’re here and tuning into my weekly newsletter, thank you. I appreciate how many people read and send me notes. It’s nice to feel a sense of community here.

Meaningful Travel - What’s New on the Blogs

So, here’s what’s new this week on the blogs. Again, it’s one of those weeks where I had high hopes of getting so much done, but didn’t. I still feel good about it though because whenever I can write something or create something new I count it as a win. And this week I really focused on articles that add meaningful experiences to people’s travels, like learning about cultures and history and such. I hope something below inspires you!

2TravelDads.com - We learned and did so much on our trip to Alaska this month I’m still writing about it, each day I’m writing something new from my notes. This week I put together guides for activities and how to plan a trip to both Ketchikan and Haines, AK. Both are on the Inside Passage and both warrant more than a half day cruise stop. If you want to visit Alaska and see wildlife and be immersed in the Tlingit culture, both towns (and Juneau too!) are really perfect for planning a meaningful visit for several days.

MyAlaskaTrip.com - I’m kinda popping all over the state this week. One of the coolest places in Ketchikan, Totem Bight State Park, is just beautiful and it’s a little off the beaten path, particularly if you’re coming from a cruise ship, but it’s still doable (tips about the bus in the article). Also, we got to do some really ACTIVE salmon fishing in Juneau, so our trip with Chum Fun Charters is up to read about. And then I’m almost through writing about Fairbanks with one more article being completed about visiting Chena Hot Springs any time of year. It’s one of those Alaska icons that’s just fun.

MaineExplored.com - Most of the work I’ve done with Maine this week has been in preparation for trips next month, but I was able to complete a guide to the Regions of Maine and planning travel to the different parts of the state. Coming soon will be all kinds of info about glamping in Maine including the Desert of Maine, Terramor Outdoor Resort and the New England Outdoor Center. It’s going to be such a fun, beautiful trip!

MyAlohaTrip.com - The Hawaii site has had to take a back burner a bit since I’ve been trying to get into a writing rhythm, but I did get to publish a piece on a pretty unique place on Maui: the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge. There aren’t a lot of estuary ecosystems in Hawaii, so this makes for an unusual spot for birding and seeing endemic species.

TheKeysExplored.com - Again, trying to get into a rhythm, but I did get to write about a cool museum that does a good job telling the story of the Florida Keys, the Key West Museum of Art & History. The historical society has been able to assemble quite the collection of paintings, photographs, sketches and artifacts the reflect the key moments and figures of Key West, including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

So Rainbow Crosswalks are Disappearing…

Last week it was announced that the Supreme Court was officially asked to review Obergefell vs Hodges (gay marriage), and then this week Florida decided that rainbow crosswalks were too political and didn’t adhere to safety guidelines. Um, what? But here’s the kicker: in the dark of Wednesday night, Florida DOT went into Orlando under cover of darkness and without city coordination and painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalks. That’s right, the memorial dedicated to the 49 LGBTQ people who were gunned down at the Pulse Nightclub was defaced by a government agency.

The mayor of Orlando, Buddy Dyer, made a statement early Thursday morning when this was discovered denouncing this action and the hatred behind it. He wasted no time because he’s not scared of our ridiculous governor and his fear mongers.

And in the meantime even though this move to erase the Pride crosswalks is under the guise of “safety” did you know that rainbow crosswalks actually have better pedestrian safety statistics than standard crosswalks? That’s right, rainbow crosswalks are safer due to their unique eye-catching design than standard crosswalks that so many drivers have become numb to. Ridiculous and intentionally hurtful. That’s how I’d describe this and so many other actions by our current government.

Port in the Storm - Our Favorite Local Organization

I’m going to give our local teen and homeless shelter a shout out whenever I can. They are such good people and they’re so active in our community with lots of different types of people. If you’re ever in the mood to donate to help teens and families in need of food, shelter or support in their lives, Port in the Storm is happy to been the recipient of your kindness.

Please feel free to check them out and if you’re able to, please make a donation. Like I said: good people, good work, making a difference in so many lives. DONATE HERE!

Weekly Travel Ideas to your Inbox

This week I’m turning on a cool feature where 2TravelDads.com can send a few suggested articles and whatever is new to your email. It doesn’t send the whole thing, but just links to the articles with an image of what’s inside. I think it’s helpful if you’re down for some travel inspiration or need some tips for successful hiking or beach adventures.

If you DON’T want to be sent the travel ideas auto-mailer COMPLETE THIS FORM (it’s literally just confirming you don’t want it). No hard feelings at all, as I don’t like getting too many emails either.

That’s all for this week. I have high hopes for our upcoming week with some school meetings and functions, as well as our family planning some big life things together (more on that soon). Thank you for welcoming us to your inbox and I hope you have a safe and healthy week!