Erika Xplores

Hi, It’s Nice to Meet You – P.S. I’m an Introvert

Hi. I’m Erika. That is me. I’m walking amongst the Great Sand Dunes.   I’m a writer by trade, a slow traveler at heart, and 100% text-book introvert. I’m reintroducing myself on this nearly three-year-old blog because life is organic and ever-changing. (like FYI, chocolate milk is my new thang but just last month milk made me puke) Plus, it’s been months since my last post. I think a little…

5 Essential Travel Tips for Osaka, Japan

Travelers often treat Osaka as a day trip from or on the way to Kyoto. But this city of contrasts is worth more than a glance. Rich history and forward-thinking ingenuity await travelers in this city where old meets new. Take note of these five essential tips as you prepare for your trip to Osaka. (more…)

Wine, Dine & Rewind in Australia’s Coastal Adelaide

The first images that come to mind at any mention of Australia include golden beaches, vast wilderness, and the Great Barrier Reef. And there’s no shortage of these varied landscapes — with so many options, where do you even start? One worthy destination is the coastal city of Adelaide. This South Australian capital is an epicenter for culture, culinary arts, and nightlife, making it an ideal…

Top 5 Most Beautiful Islands of the Pacific Ocean

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The Sweet and Southern Side of Houston’s Boutique Hotels

Photo via Flickr by BPPrice Houston is a melting pot of cultures, neighborhoods, and cuisines. This grand metropolis is also home to a wide variety of accommodations, with everything from hostels to five-star luxury hotels. With all the different accommodation options in Houston, price points, and styles, you might be hard-pressed to make a solid decision. Take a closer look at these five options…

The Truths About Being a Travel Writer: No.1—Working From Home

In an effort to make the blog more personal: Some days, I’ll come across someone who is wholly interested in what I do as a travel writer/blogger. Other times, people tend to care less. And sometimes, people don’t seem to understand at all. For all of those reasons, I’m starting “The Truths About Being a Travel Writer,” a blog post series I hope will shed proper light on what it really means to…

July left me somewhat disoriented. There was a lot going on for several different projects including Maunder On, the blog, and my wedding.  A lot of writing, and researching, and planning—most of it without tangible results. Isn’t that the worst? Needless to say, it all followed me into August.

It was a different experience traveling for business (if you can call wedding planning business). Venue scouting in Italy was everything I imagined it would be. And I can only encourage new brides to get a wedding planner because it certainly takes the stress out of pretty much everything!

Over the course of a few short days, we visited nine possible wedding venues. They varied in location across the peninsula. I want to share some of these with you, even if they are just a single photo.

  We spent some time in Bologna with my family. Had a photoshoot with the bridal party. Shopped for the Viva la Italia giveaway. And met some new friends.

It was also my maid of honor’s first time in Italy and my brother’s first time back since he and my parents left in 1992. So it goes without saying that some sightseeing was in order.

Italy came and went with the speed of a bullet train and left me stranded stateside unsure where to pick things up.

I’ve since been here, catching up all August long. Before leaving, I completed all outstanding articles which make it a little easier. Right now, I should be working on Maunder On: finalizing business plans, sending out inquiries, etc., etc. That kind of tedious stuff. The website goes live soon. That’s a promise.

But mostly my mind hasn’t caught up yet. It’s still in Italy dallying somewhere in the countryside among the hills and fields of sunflowers. And just when I think it’s found its way home, the devastation from the recent earthquake pulls it right back.

Slowly but surely, September will be the month of real progress. You can count on it.

In the meantime, hope you’ll be patient with me, and continue to give your support to a fellow traveler, writer, and friend. I have new and exciting things underway that I’m eager to share with all of you!

Inspirational Travel Quotes for August

The end of July was an extremely busy time for me. There was wedding planning, business planning, assignment writing, our trip back to Italy, and all of the other daily nuances  in between. Oh, but it was great! Happy August, everyone!  “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” — George Moore “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”…

Day Trips with Lo & Sons’ Perfect Sidekick

Traveling has taught me to be versatile in more ways than one. Whether it’s the through the words I speak, the foods I eat, or the things I do, being adaptable is an important quality I strive to maintain. James Michener’s quote comes to mind right now: “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” True indeed. Words I…

Tailwind Blog: Hipmunk’s Guide to Landing the Lowest Summer Airfare

Summer is in full swing! And there is nothing quite like a summertime getaway to calm your itchy feet. Take advantage of the warm weather and cheap airfare now. The following post was originally published on Tailwind Blog on April 12, 2016 by Kelly Solderlund   Gas prices are down, the temperature is heating up, and travelers are inevitably looking to take advantage of both this summer. In fact,…

The Restless Worker’s Alternative California Roadtrip through Fairfield, Chula Vista and more

Last year, on my six-week roadtrip, we spent a good deal driving through beautiful California. Taking it slow is a must. You need ample time to appreciate everything from the forests to the waterfalls. You’ll see. We spent about two weeks in the state, driving up and down the Pacific Coast Highway and to various points of interest. If you don’t have two weeks or more to spare, Madi from The…

Aside from having yearlong temperate weather and endless stretches of soft sand beaches, the Sunshine State is also a goldmine for something else: family activities. There’s everything from water sports to sky-diving and air-boat rides to world-class theme parks. The list goes on! It’s no mystery why Florida is one of the nation’s top destinations. Maximize your family’s time this summer by…

Carry On with Bravo TV’s Tour Group Host Brandon Presser on the Tailwind Blog

Here’s what transpired when Hipmunk sat down with travel expert and upcoming lead host to Bravo TV’s travel reality show “Tour Group”, Brandon Presser. The following post was originally published on Tailwind Blog by Kelly Soderland on March 4, 2016 As a travel expert, TV host, and writer, Brandon Presser is no stranger to life on the go. Presser, who has visited more than 100 countries, has…