As a single mom to three boys and special education teacher in a small town in Tennessee, travelling was never in my tight budget. I focused on my boys; cooking healthy meals, clothes, sports, and re-modeling my house from 1970 to gain equity. It seemed like a never-ending list of unexpected expenses (my house had moisture issues, infested with chipmunks peeing through the ceiling, and even a ghost!)
I took to the natural beauty that surrounded us on the mountain; hiking, cycling, camping, floating a creek in a raft, and kayaking. I also stay in shape by running and strength training at the gym.
Finally, Fate was in my Favor!! Paid off all of my debt except my mortgage, bought a townhome at just the right time in Nashville, started to take my teacher pension while making twice the money in the hospitality business in Nashville.. So, now is my time to travel!
Since, I had never traveled before, I decided to focus on unique outdoor adventure. I hate cities and crowds of people, so I many never see New York or London. My goal is to travel to all 50 states, Central and South America.
I discovered we all have a travel style, and discovering your travel style helps to maximize your travel budget and happiness. I hate long car rides and feel anxious to get home after five days. I also like to meticulously plan my trips which limits my trips to 3-4 year. I have budgeted $4000 for each trip and travel with one friend ( preferably different people). I choose this method because I do not like solo travel, but finding a “perfect” travel partner has proven quite difficult.
So, my second big trip in 2026 was to Alaska. I will be created “my perfect Alaska trip” with an itemized itinerary. I recommend traveling in June or early July, flying to Anchorage, driving to Seward, then staying in Anchorage with day trips to Palmer and Talkeetna. I personally hate cruises, and the Adventure Alaska tours are extremely expensive and exhausting. I have never been so exhausted upon returning from Alaska due to the travel times and 19 hours of daylight ( you just don’t sleep well). So, give yourself a full 24 hours to recover upon arriving back home.
Highlights from Alaska taught me some life lessons:
- Waiting for Denali
Only 30% of people will see Denali, and I was in the 70% club. In hindsight, keep your plans fluid, and drive to Talkeenta when the weather is sunny ( a rarity in Alaska). There is a viewing spot or you can book a flight ( do not book ahead!) The town itself is charming with lots of shops, beautiful flowers, delicious food, and fur hats and leather goods handmade by the local Russian population.
We actually went to Talkeenta on the rainiest day of our trip which worked, because there is so much to do. Instead of seeing Denali, we popped into the Talkeenta Inn ( dive bar shaped like a teepee) and the locals were just what I expected, drinking straight whisky and talking about the Anunnaki.
Life Lesson: Be open to new experiences, when things don’t turn out the way you thought they would, take the path less traveled, you never know what you might find!
2. Summer in Alaska
Never mentioned in any YouTube videos, was how beautiful summer in Alaska is! Nineteen hours of daylight, creates a lush green landscape and flowers the size of dinner plates. The scenery is simply breathtaking! But, be prepared, you are still 4 degrees latitude south of the Arctic Circle, so invest in your clothes! A tank layer, short sleeve layer, long sleeve layer, thin insulated jacket, and high quality rain coat are essential. I wore XRATUF rain boots and everyone thought I was a native Alaskan! A beanie hat, sunglasses, backpack, and bug spray are also key!
Life Lesson: I am in the “summer” of my life as I turn 60. I have freedom, good health, and money. I need to plan wisely and enjoy this beautiful season, because when winter comes again, there will be no more summers! Please read the book “Die with Zero”
3. Bears versus Bunnies
I am from Tennessee, we have bears everywhere! Driving around Asheville, I saw bears in trees, walking through the parking lot, and just being cute! Alaska has more bears ( and dangerous Grizzley bears!) but less bear per capita than Tennessee. So, I actually never saw a bear, but the Airbnb we were staying in had brown bears roaming and scaring the neighbors. What we did see was these adorable tame bunnies the size of small dogs! The Russians raise rabbits for meat, and over time some escaped their hutches and formed a feral population in Anchorage. They are completely tamed and you can even touch them!
Life Lesson: Bunnies are more fun than bears! Hang out with the bunnies in life and leave the bears alone!
- 4. Climbing Flattop Mountain
I definitely recommend climbing Flattop Mountain in Anchorage. Give yourself the whole day and do not bring trekking poles. Wear layers, long pants, a beanie hat, and really good hiking shoes ( no tennis shoes or rain boots). It is quite an exhausting climb with 1300 feet elevation change ( you must be in shape!) Monitor your heart rate, stop and take breaks as needed. Only climb all the way to the top if you are in excellent condition and work out at the gym on a regular basis. It could ruin your trip and cost a small fortune to have to be airlifted off! Listen to your body, the views are amazing all the way up!
Life Lesson: In life, we get lazy and can’t climb mountains anymore. Staying active and in shape is a huge time commitment, but well worth it to enjoy the “summer” of our life… Keep in shape and keep climbing mountains, the views are worth it!
- 5. Daisies in the rock
Climbing up Flattop Mountain, there were amazing daisies growing out of the rock at every elevation. In life, we have people that are those daisies; growing and flourishing in the most harshest conditions. Other people, are hot house roses, able to flower in only the most perfect of conditions.
Life Lesson: People who have been “hot house roses” won’t age well, since they have developed the resilience to navigate the challenges of life. Everyone will face challenges in life after 50 years old! Be thankful if you are a “daisy” and can bloom anywhere! Daisies last longer, and will continue to to spread their seeds of wisdom long after the roses have wilted and became covered in fungus and mold.
- 6. Listen to Younger People
We had an amazing kayak and hiking trip with Adventure North in Seward. Kelly was the lead guide and was so mature and wise for her 25 years. I noticed that people in Alaska are just so different than the lower 48. Native Americans, Russians, and free thinkers make up Alaska. The harsh winters and natural beauty draws adventure loving young people from the lower 48. Their perspective was to work, play, and enjoy life! I have been working full-time since I was 13 years old. It is time to take a break from full-time employment.
Life Lesson: The Universe will bring people and situations in your Life that answer your Problems. Your job is to Listen. Stop talking so much and just listen to the Universe.
- 7. Coming Home!
Travel style is different for everyone…. I have created a beautiful home, and I had really started to miss my home, sunshine, and my cats. Also, I missed my “alone” time… Stop listening to Youtube influencers are trying to convince people to retire overseas, travel the world, cruise for a year, flex-pat, etc…. Home is Where the Heart is… I live in the same neighborhood as my best friend, two sons, and daughter-in-law.
Life Lesson:
Travel is life-changing, but make certain to create a beautiful “home” to retire in that is in your budget and close to the people you love. I am a big fan of living alone in a smaller space (but brand new) close to parks, shopping, and water. For once, I was able to decorate my whole home is shades of white, feels so calming when I walk through the door after being away.
