Outside This Small Town

Want to see ALL the details of this resort and more?? Be sure to join my private travel facebook group! I’ll be sharing a ton of site inspections and resort photos over the next few months.

facebook.com/groups/summerstraveltribe

Vacation me & everyday mom me are 2 very different dressed people 😂

Vacation: goes from bathing suit > dress clothes & hair done > bathing suit
Mom mode: goes from pajamas > workout clothes & hair up > pajamas

19 days til our next vacation ✌🏼

St. Mary’s Falls Trails bucket list hike!!

I’ve wanted to do this hike basically ever since we moved here but I was 1) afraid to do it alone because of the mileage and 2) nervous to do it with the kids because I wasn’t strong enough to carry them. But guess who did the dang thing yesterday 👏🏼 me & my girl!!

If you missed it in my stories, I’m preparing myself to hike Pikes Peak - my first 14er - in November for my 32nd birthday. So I’ve set a loose goal for myself of 1 major hike each week. And there was no better time than to start on a random Thursday with perfect colorado weather.

Lillie is home with my on T/Th and I felt like this was something she could do with a lot of support and encouragement. It wasn’t easy…by far…but I was so proud of her.

I brought the hiking backpack ( poco) and cheered her on to the base of the falls. I promised her once we got there, I would shoulder her on the way back down and that was almost all of the motivation she needed. This was about 1500 ft elevation gain in ~3 miles which can be hard on little legs.

The first mile or so is rough in the direct sun down a wide gravel road and was honestly the hardest part for her bc she got bored. But once we were off the road and onto the single path to St. Mary’s Falls, she was perfectly fine. There’s a creek that runs along the entire trail and she enjoyed stopping and seeing the waterfalls, taking pictures of all the purple flowers & munching on snacks.

The hike back down was brutal 😅😅 Lillie is almost 40 lbs + the pack + our water bottles was probably 50-60 lbs. My hips were screaming but I took it nice and slow, put an AirPod in with an audiobook & just grinded away.

This is a popular trail so we passed a decent amount of people on it, but there were no other kids the entire day.

If you haven’t made it to the waterfall, add it to your list!! You can get it done in less than 3.5 hours 🥳

We get to call this H O M E for at least another 12 months 🩵💙🤍 How lucky we are!!

The days feel long sometimes while solo parenting but we’ve been here almost 3 years now (with 2 deployments) and are still finding hidden gems and places we love constantly! Thank you Army for pushing our PCS date out.

📍 Horsethief Falls Trail in Midland, CO 🥾

Pikes Peak Regional Air Show 2024 () 🤝 US Navy Blue Angels ()

What a perfect Saturday with my little airplane lovers!!

This was a fun last minute trip to put together for September 🤩😍

No trip is too big or too small for me to handle! We are a full service travel agency that does it ALL 🤿 🛥️ 🦈

Interested in scuba diving in beautiful places around the world?? Contact me today to get started!

The countdown is getting real!! September & October are about to be crazyyyy 🚢 🐭 ✈️
39 days until my kiddos & I board the brand new Royal ship Utopia of the Seas for a 4-day cruise with a large group of our clients. Then we go straight to Disney for 4 days!
After that, some diving and the beach with a girlfriend of mine, my first Cruise Planners Convention then off on an inaugural sailing with the Sun Princess 👏🏼 👏🏼

Which part are you most excited about seeing?? And do you have any questions that I can answer while on board?

Now is the Time to Book Holiday Travel!

As summer winds down, it's time to look ahead to the holidays! What better way to celebrate family, cherished traditions, or ring in the new year than with a dream vacation to Europe?

Now is the perfect time to book a holiday journey to the old country. To inspire you, I've curated my top Christmas market and festive experiences for an unforgettable holiday getaway!

1. Paris | Traditional Festive Christmas Cooking Class with Market Visit
2. Munich | Christmas Market Food Tour
3. Berlin | Christmas Market Tour
4. London | Christmas Lights Sightseeing Bus Tour
5. London | Christmas Lights Sightseeing Bus Tour
6. Prague | Merry Markets Christmas with Traditional Goodies Walking Tour

I would love to help you get started with your holiday travels (Europe or anywhere else in the world)!
Contact me today to get started:
🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

Speaking of solo travel…
The best way I’ve found to meet people is through tours! In 2018, on one of Stephen’s many field rotations, I hopped on a short flight from Vicenza (Italy) to Prague (Czechia). On my first full day, I joined a FREE walking tour where I met a great group of friends. We all decided to go on a beer and food tour through Prague and explored the city the rest of the evening. Our guide for that day even took us to an underground bar/club place that was very fun.

I love meeting people around the world and forming new friendships. Solo travel is more popular than ever, especially if you’re not able to both get away at the same time (or let’s face it, not all of your partners are fun when it comes to international travel 😂😂).

Whatever the reason, I’m happy to support you and help to find the best/safe options as a solo traveler!
www.tropicsandbeyond.com

👏🏼 👏🏼 one thing I have learned after being married to my husband for 7 years is how important independence is! You discover so much of yourself when you travel solo. He and I will never stop missing each other and wishing the other were there, BUT that’s the way this life goes.

Any other solo travelers?

I’m a sucker for the uncomfortable.
Pushing past my limits. To feel alive.
Hours and hours of training (in the pool for days) went into my open water dive certification.
It was suffocating under water but isn’t that what motherhood feels like sometimes?
When you feel like you can’t possibly go any deeper or be pushed to your limits, but you stop, take a slow breath and notice all the beauty around you?
It’s a peaceful chaos. An overwhelming feeling.

That is all.
I’ll never forget the feeling of this.

First ink 🖋️ with my sister 🩷💖

Backstory:
In June, I invited my sister and niece to go with me to my first Christian family camp and I had no idea what to expect or how life changing it would be.

That week was the first time I think I’d ever done anything religious with my sister, who is 11 years older than me. It just wasn’t how we were raised and our age difference meant she was either in college or off doing her own thing when I was little 🤣

She was there when I cried at the loneliness of this military life, as I struggled outwardly with motherhood of 2 strong willed toddlers, and was there when I stood up in front of a room full of new friends to give my testimony.

She was there a month later inviting me into her church where we had the most moving service I’ve ever attended, and watching my SIL sing worship. I had tears in my eyes the entire time…it was a sermon / testimony about alcoholism, damaged relationships & addiction. I won’t go into that, but there are a lot of my loved ones that have broken relationships and involves so much patience and forgiveness from us.

When she asked me to get matching tattoos of a modified version of “god is greater than the highs and the lows” I was nervous and I didn’t tell my mom for days 😂 but ultimately agreed.

Everytime I look down at my wrist, I think of my sister and our bond. And I’m so happy I said yes to something so permanent.

Mentally, I’m here 🤗🤗

Instead of the solo parenting grind of 2 strong willed toddlers 🫣 I truly love life with them, but am 100% a better mom after my first time away from them this deployment 💘

Sandals Royal Bahamian Room Tour 🤩

I stayed in the West Bay Honeymoon Oceanview Club Level Suite and it was beautiful! I really enjoyed seeing the sunset each night and having a private balcony. My room was massive and despite hardly being in the room at all, there was plenty of space to work, relax & rest.

There are 2 main buildings: East Bay & West Bay.

West Bay was just renovated and the rooms are gorgeous. There are options for regular level, club level (biggest perk in my opinion is the private check in and room service) or butler level (highest level). There are also swim out options, beach front & more.

The 4 poster king sized beds were dreamy & comfy. East Bay will shortly go under a complete renovation as well - which is great news because there are a few things that definitely need to be touched up to maintain the 5 star service level.

I really enjoyed my stay here and would recommend it for the right clients after qualifying them 🥰😍

Interested in learning more? Contact me today and we can get started!!

🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

Getting to the Bahamas from the East Coast was incredibly easy 👏🏼 My flight left from GSO at 5:45 am and I was at the resort before 10:30am ✈️ 🍹

Yes, my room wasn’t ready yet BUT they held my luggage for me and I packed a bathing suit + cover up in my backpack so super easy to head to the pool!

Upon arrival into Nassau, I had to go through passport control and customs, but it was super quick. I then walked directly to the Sandals office outside of baggage claim and checked in for my FREE transportation (included with all stays). You can upgrade to a limo or private car, or other options depending on room category.

At the resort - less than 15 minutes from the airport -, I was club level so there was a private check in with lounge + champagne 🥂.

It was a really great and SMOOTH start to my work trip / vacation!

Follow along for more posts this August about , traveling solo, & scuba diving 🤿 🦈

And don’t forget to contact me for any upcoming travel needs!! You won’t be disappointed with my level of service and having a personal travel concierge at your fingertips 🤩

🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662

I've been a Chase Sapphire Reserve loyalist for almost 5 years now, but I just discovered the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and I am in loveeee.

I signed up and got 90,000 miles earlier this summer, which paid for 4 different flights, including a flight for 4 people from Costa Rica! I've been upgraded to Comfort + every single flight I've taken, including with the kids AND got access to Delta Sky Club with a free voucher for the kids. The perks are endless and I've really enjoyed flying with Delta (mainly for the seatback screens that the kids love) and the flight attendants are incredible to them.

If you're interested, sign up here using my referral link and we BOTH get rewarded with points: https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/delta-skymiles-reserve-american-express-card?ref=SUMMEB1oaq&xl=cp10gs

Royal Caribbean International is undertaking a unique experiment with its newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Typically, cruise lines repurpose their older ships for short three- and four-day voyages offering lower prices to those new to cruising. But Royal Caribbean has taken a bold step by dedicating its newest and largest ship for shorter getaway cruises, including stops at its private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

Utopia is designed to both delight and pleasantly frustrate passengers who cannot possibly experience more than the tip of Utopia’s iceberg. To support the short trips, much of the ship is designed to reinforce a high-energy getaway, where food, activities and entertainment can be experienced in a “grab and go” environment. Royal Caribbean believes this will create a strong desire to return, setting up Utopia up for significant repeat business.

I'm ecstatic to experience this for myself along with so many of our amazing clients in September! Are you ready to try out Royal's newest ship? Contact us for incredible rates with availability in 2024 and beyond!

🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

Back to CO today! My cup runneth over after 3.5 weeks of traveling and seeing friends & family. I’ve got a lot of posting to catch up on but will spend the next 2 months of doing so before we’re off to travel again! ☺️

10/10 recommend taking yourself to a resort for a week 🤩(especially ) 🇧🇸 🤿 🦈 you’ll learn how wonderful people are and so much about yourself!!

Take in the ultimate romantic vacation on this dreamy 6-night visit to the islands of Tahiti and idyllic Bora Bora. Experience Tahitian cuisine, learn how to weave a flower crown for your head, snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Bora Bora lagoon and unwind with breathtaking sunsets every evening.

Vacation package: Beautiful Bora Bora
Papeete | Bora Bora
7 Days/6 Nights from $4,059*pp
based on double occupancy, land only, departure dates Nov 1 – Dec 10, 2024

For more information, contact me at:
🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

🚨 🚨 Exclusive booking opportunity with me as a result of my attendance at a work conference at Sandals Royal Bahamian! ☀️

For any reservations to Sandals & Beaches Resort that I make between the dates of July 21st – July 28th, 2024 . Any bookings that are 6 nights or longer in a Club Sandals/Concierge room or higher in any Sandals or Beaches Resort, will have the opportunity to choose from the following incentives:

$250 spa credit at any Sandals or Beaches Resort
$250 credit combo ($100 spa credit, $100 private dinner credit & $50 photo shop credit)
Discover Scuba 3hr program for 2 persons ($280 Value)
Catamaran Cruise (Applicable only for resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos) For up to 2 persons at Sandals and up to 5 persons at Beaches

Any bookings that are 4 & 5 nights or longer in a Club Sandals/Concierge room or higher at the following resorts will receive a $100 Spa Credit:
Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Sandals Royal Bahamian
Sandals Dunn’s River
Sandals Emerald Bay
Sandals South Coast
Sandals Ochi
Beaches Negril

Send me a message or comment below for more info!
www.tropicsandbeyond.com

In less than 24 hours, I’m off to my first Cruise Planners sales academy at the beautiful Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau☀️ we’ve got a jam packed agenda for 3.5 days with lots of learning opportunities, site tours & more! Stay tuned for an exclusive offer for my clients and more about my travels (especially in my stories).

Why drive 3 hours round trip from my parents house in NC to see Build A Blonde by Hannah Rose Stylist after she moved from CO to VA?? This is why 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 she is seriously amazing yall!!

Our clients tend to call us only when they're taking a cruise or a long trip internationally, but when I get a call for an upcoming weekend getaway that's in the U.S., I get really excited!! They could book it themselves, but the fact that they reach out to ME to find them the best rates, room category, etc. is high praise for a travel advisor, and it says a lot about their support of our business!

The L. brothers are headed to Cherokee, NC for the weekend to indulge in some casino fun!

Every trip, big or small, is a huge impact on our goal towards becoming top producer -- and for that, I'm so grateful that my friends, family & clients choose ME for their travels.

Looking for help with an upcoming trip? I'm still booking July 2024 and BEYOND! Contact me today!!
🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

Pneumonia almost broke me last week.

I ended up driving myself to the ER Sunday morning because I was unable to breath in and out without severe chest pain. I was really glad I did because once I got there, my O2 was in the low 80s and my airway became constricted, causing me to almost code with bronchospasms.

It was really scary for me, how fast my pneumonia had progressed from Tuesday to Sunday. The doctors ran a million tests and they think that I have long term cov!d lung issues, so I’m waiting to see a pulmonologist.

I feel better almost a week later, but still have a bad cough and trouble with any sort of exertion / activity.

The kids and I are headed home to NC for the month to get some much needed reprieve from solo parenting. We’re almost 1/2 way through this deployment and hanging in there!

Thank you to everyone who’s reached out and checked on me. Taking a break from social media to rest, read a lot, and focus on these 2 sweet babies who give me a run for my money daily 🤍

Next stop: NC 🏠

BOOKED 🏰

It's been a busy week, which always happens right before I depart for a trip -- but I'm very grateful!

This family of 5 is headed to Disneyland for the first time THIS month! Yes, another last minute booking, but as you all know by now, I thrive when it comes to clients who procrastinate lol. That's one downside of the military...they often don't know until a week or so before hand when they have approved leave.

I was able to help them find a resort within their budget, right outside of the Disneyland Parks where they'll still have a great pool and other important amenities. As a military family, they were able to take advantage of getting their Disneyland tickets through our MWR, and I was able to help walk them through the steps to get them. AND helped them make the theme park reservations with their tickets purchased on base. Just another part of my service package :) After Disneyland, they'll be visting LA including Universal Studios Hollywood, Venice Beach, and more.

It's been a pleasure working with this sweet family and I'm so glad a referral from a Facebook group brought her to me.
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🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

BOOKED 🛳

Happy clients who just returned from their epic Switzerland trip contacted me to book their upcoming cruise in January! I helped them compare a few ships and they settled on Sky Princess, where they'll be making stops at Princess Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, & Cozumel.

They have a great deal as Platinum Princess Loyalists plus Cruise Planners exclusive on board credit!!

Thanks D. family for continuing to choose me for your exciting adventures.
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Ready to get started on your next trip? Contact me today!
🌐| www.tropicsandbeyond.com
✉️| [email protected]
📱| 336-202-3662
📸| www.instagram.com/outsidethissmalltown

First camping getaway while solo parenting 🤘🏼
Exhausting? Yes.
Worth it? Also yes.

We spent 11 hours outdoors on Saturday ☀️ and I can’t think of a better way to spend our weekend. I even managed to read a few chapters of my June book of the month subscription!!

I love this little camper of ours and how manageable it is for me when I’m doing the solo thing. We sure do miss dad but doing the best to give my kids their best summer despite feeling the sadness of dad being away.

📍 in Canon City, CO