Hi, I’m Amy!
f you’re like me, you probably don’t have unlimited vacation time or an unlimited travel budget.
Between work, family, and everyday responsibilities, every vacation day counts. That’s why I created A Traveling Broad: to help busy adults plan smarter trips, make informed decisions, and travel with confidence.
I believe travel doesn’t have to be luxurious to be memorable. My boyfriend and I would rather spend our travel budget on unforgettable experiences than on an expensive hotel room we’ll only use to shower and sleep. As long as a hotel is clean, comfortable, and in a convenient location, we’re happy. We’d rather splurge on a great local meal, a fascinating museum, a guided tour, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
That philosophy has shaped every article you’ll find here.
Rather than telling you every attraction is a “must-see,” I’ll tell you what surprised me, what I thought was worth the money, what I’d skip next time, and what I wish I’d known before I visited. My goal isn’t to convince you to visit a destination, it’s to help you decide whether it’s the right destination for you.
What You’ll Find Here
A Traveling Broad focuses on practical travel advice for people who want to make the most of their PTO, travel budget, and time away. You’ll find:
- Honest destination guides based on my personal experiences
- Weekend getaway ideas and road trips
- Money-saving travel tips
- Travel planning advice
- Packing and preparation checklists
- International travel resources
- Practical advice to help you avoid common travel mistakes
- Honest reviews of attractions, restaurants, and experiences
I also pay attention to the little details that can make a big difference—things like walking distances, parking, accessibility considerations, crowds, and whether an attraction is truly worth your limited vacation time.
Why Practical Travel?
I’ve learned that some of the most valuable travel advice isn’t found in glossy brochures or perfectly curated social media posts. It’s the advice you’d get from a friend who has already been there.
Things like:
- “Don’t waste your money on that.”
- “This was the highlight of our trip.”
- “Here’s what I’d do differently next time.”
- “This restaurant was absolutely worth the wait.”
- “If you have back or knee issues, here’s what to expect.”
That’s exactly the kind of advice I want to share.
Beyond the Blog
I’m also the creator of the Beyond the Bucket Workbook, a comprehensive pre-travel planning system that gives travelers one organized place to gather all of the information they need before they leave home. From destination research and budgeting to itineraries, passport requirements, reservation details, packing lists, and important travel resources, everything is together in one place when you need it most.
A Few Fun Facts About Me
When I’m not planning my next adventure, you’ll usually find me:
- Exploring quirky attractions
- Visiting historic neighborhoods and cemeteries
- Searching for colorful murals and street art
- Discovering local wineries
- Visiting National Parks
- Tracking down pop culture filming locations
- Looking for great local restaurants instead of chain eateries
I believe the best trips aren’t always the most expensive, they’re the ones filled with memorable experiences and great stories.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you enjoy practical travel advice, honest destination and product reviews, and tips to help you make the most of your PTO and travel budget, I’d love to have you join my free #TravelTuesday email list.
Every week, I share travel news, destination inspiration, planning tips, and practical advice to help you travel smarter.One of my subscribers contacted me and said:
“Amy, your emails are so good. You have such good information that you share, and I really like the format. Mad kudos!” – Bryan B.
You’ll also find me on YouTube, where I share destination guides, travel tips, and real-world travel advice.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope A Traveling Broad helps you spend less time stressing about your next trip and more time enjoying it.