BJ LaMarr, Author at Life Is a Journey of Escapes

Travel Tips

How I Care for Myself on Long Flights (What Helps Me Arrive Calm and Energized)

February 18, 2026

Long flights ask a lot of us—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Hours of sitting, dry air, disrupted sleep, and constant stimulation can leave you feeling depleted before your trip has even begun. Over time, I’ve stopped treating long flights as something to endure. Instead, I see them as part of the journey itself—time that deserves care and intention. How I travel directly affects how I arrive. If you want packing tips that make travel easier before this moment, start with my…

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Women Travelers

Traveling Without Expectations: What Saint Lucia Taught Me About Arrival

February 16, 2026

I realized I wasn’t trying to get anything from Saint Lucia when I sat on the terrace, looked out at the Caribbean Sea, and thought: If I can enjoy this view every day, this vacation will meet my needs. It was my first experience of traveling without expectations—and it changed the way I understood arrival. That was it. No checklist. No expectations. No quiet bargaining with myself about what this place should give me in return for my time or…

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Women Travelers

What It Means to Return to a Place That Once Shaped You

January 28, 2026

What It Means to Return to a Place That Once Shaped You Some places stay with us long after we leave them—not as memories alone, but as quiet reference points in our lives. They shape how we see the world, how we understand ourselves, and sometimes even who we become. Returning to a place like that isn’t about recreating the past. It’s about meeting it again, from a different place within yourself. As I prepare to return to Botswana, Zimbabwe,…

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Women Travelers

Solo Travel for Women Over 50: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start

January 23, 2026

Solo travel for women over 50 is no longer unusual—it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing ways women explore the world. Life transitions, personal growth, and a clearer sense of self are leading more women to travel independently, often for the first time. If you didn’t rack up passport stamps in your 30s or 40s, you’re not behind. You’re right on time. Redefining Travel After 50 Today’s woman over 50 is redefining aging, freedom, and adventure. We travel with intention. We…

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Travel Tips

Solo Travel Over 50: Simple, Empowering Tips for Women

January 23, 2026

Solo travel is one of the most liberating gifts you can give yourself—especially in midlife and beyond. When you travel alone, plans become simpler, decisions clearer, and the experience deeply personal. There’s no negotiating schedules, no compromising interests. You get to focus entirely on what you want to experience. Over the years, I’ve learned that traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling lonely. In fact, it often leads to richer interactions and unexpected connections. When you’re not relying on a companion, you’re…

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Travel Tips

14 Gifts for Women Who Love to Travel

January 18, 2026

Looking for thoughtful, practical gifts for women who truly love to travel — not novelty items that get left behind? This curated list features travel-tested essentials and small luxuries that make life on the road easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. Each item is something frequent travelers actually use, whether they’re flying internationally, road-tripping, or heading out on a weekend getaway. These gifts are evergreen, practical, and perfect for women who value experiences, comfort, and smart packing — including moms,…

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Travel Tips

What to Pack for Hawaii (The Carry-On, Feel-Good Edition)

January 11, 2026

Packing for Hawaii doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or excessive. My philosophy now is simple: travel lighter, choose better, and pack with intention. Hawaii invites ease — barefoot mornings, salt air, sunshine, and experiences that don’t require overthinking or overpacking. This Hawaii packing list is designed for women who value comfort, efficiency, and memorable experiences over excess stuff. Whether you’re island-hopping, snorkeling, hiking to waterfalls, or simply slowing down by the ocean, these are the essentials that truly earn their…

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Travel Motivations

How I Choose My Next Destination Now

January 5, 2026

People often ask me how I decide where to travel next, especially now. The truth is, my process looks very different than it did years ago. I’m no longer drawn solely to what’s new or popular, but to places that offer depth, meaning, and a sense of recognition—places that feel aligned with who I am at this stage of my life. That shift didn’t happen all at once. It came gradually, shaped by experience, perspective, and a clearer understanding of…

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Travel Tips

Traveling With Intention After 50

December 29, 2025

Traveling With Intention: A Smarter Way to Explore After 50 Travel resolutions shouldn’t be about traveling more—they should be about traveling better. After years of carry-on-only travel and intentionally choosing meaningful experiences around the world, I’ve learned this: the trips we remember most aren’t accidental. They’re planned with purpose.(You can find my carry-on packing strategy here.) If you’re rethinking how you travel in this season of life, this is an invitation to reset—not by rushing between destinations, but by choosing…

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Canada Travel Tips

10 Best Hotels in Quebec City for Stylish, Stress-Free Travel

December 23, 2025

One of the oldest European settlements in North America, Quebec City is steeped in French heritage and old-world charm. From its cobblestone streets and fortified walls to cozy cafés and sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, this historic city feels like stepping into a European postcard—without crossing the Atlantic. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a slow, culture-filled escape, choosing the right hotel makes all the difference. To simplify your planning, I’ve curated 10 of the best hotels…

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