Mental Health

Top of hiking trail in New Jersey.

How to Avoid and Cope With Post-Vacation Depression

How to Handle a Panic Attack on Vacation

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Welcome, to Diagon Alley! I can't believe it's b

Welcome, to Diagon Alley!

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my trip to the Wizarding World, but I'm happy to share that my guide and itinerary is now live on the blog! (link on bio)

📌 Save this post for your next Wizarding World Aventure!

Quick tips for a trip to Universal Orlando:

🪄 Download the Universal Orlando App -
Use for mobile food ordering, park hours, ride wait times, and more!
🪄 Purchase park-to-park tickets -
The Hogwarts Express is only accessible with the purchase of park-to-park tickets!
🪄 Understand the Ride Lockers System -
For thrill rides and for some 3D/4D rides you need to put your bags in a park locker. The lockers are on the smaller side, so consider this when deciding which bag or backpack to bring!

The best things to do in Diagon Alley:

🔥 See the Gringotts Bank dragon spire fire!
🏦 Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
🍽️ Eat at the Leaky Cauldron
🍦 Get ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour
🚌 Meet the Knight Bus driver
👀 Spot Kreacher at 12 Grimmauld Place

What would you want to see and do in Diagon Alley?
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#diagonalley #universalstudiosorlando #visitorlando #wizardingworldofharrypotter #wizardingworldorlando #harrypotterworld #harrypotterfan #harrypotterforever #floridavacation #travelblogging #travelbloggerlife #visitflorida #gryffindorpride

Washington Street in Dumbo is New York’s most fa

Washington Street in Dumbo is New York’s most famous street, with an iconic view of the Manhattan bridge. It has actually been named one of the most beautiful streets in the world.

But if you swipe to the next picture you can see a bit of Instagram vs reality. It becomes extremely crowded, so much so that it can be difficult to walk through, let alone get a decent picture.

The difference in these two shots is as simple as time! The first was taken at 8am and the second was taken at 2pm.

📌 My number one tip when visiting Dumbo is to come early or late to avoid the large crowds!

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#dumbobrooklyn #traveltips #traveltiptuesday #newyorkphoto #explorenewyork #travelblogger #lifeinnyc #thisisnewyorkcity #mysecretnyc #incrediblenewyork #instagramvsreality #picturesofnewyork #nyclove #bestcityintheworld #manhattanbridge #nyctravel

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." 🪄

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." 🪄

Back to muggle life now but missing these views and all the Butterbeer. All. The. Butterbeer!

It was a blast hanging out in the parks for an extra long weekend, and taking advantage of everything Universal Orlando has to offer! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter made all my magical dreams come true and filled my Gryffindor heart with pride. ✨🦁

Tell me your house and if you’d want to take a trip here!

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#wizardingworldofharrypotter #wizardingworldorlando #universalorlando #butterbeer #hogwartsismyhome #hogwartshouses #gryffindorpride #harrypotterforever #harrypotterfans #longweekendgetaway #floridagetaway #travelmoments #travelblogging

I’m only happy when it rains 🎶 Rainy days in

I’m only happy when it rains 🎶

Rainy days in the spring never fail to make me happy. It always feels like a new beginning and the Earth coming back to life.

Plus I have my waterproof @vessi to keep my feet dry while I walk along the streets of NYC!

📍Squibb Park Bridge, Brooklyn

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#vessi #vessiambassador #nomorewetsocks #springintovessi #springinnyc #springrenewal #springrain #happyrainyday #lifeinnyc #brooklynheights #explorenewyork #nycstyle #getoutside #wanderingaround

You didn’t think I could forget National Park we

You didn’t think I could forget National Park week did you? Wandering through each of America’s National Park’s is one of my life’s goals so I have to pay tribute to the week dedicated to them!

📌 Save this post for later!

Rocky Mountain National Park is our 9th National Park and one of the most visited parks in the country. As you can see, Rocky is known for its beautiful mountains and lakes. You’ll find plenty of great hikes, as well as the trail ridge road which spans 48 miles between each side of the park!

Hike 🥾- Emerald Lake Trail: Moderate, 3 miles out and back. You’ll see three beautiful alpine lakes: Nymph, Dream (pictured here,) and Emerald Lake.

Tips for visiting Rocky Mountain NP:

⛰️ Reservations are required between May 26th and October 22nd

⛰️ Accommodations book up quickly so make them as early as possible.

⛰️For any of the more popular trails try to go for sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds. Avoid weekends and holidays if you can.

Which National Park is next on your list to visit?
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#nationalparkweek #nationalparklife #nationalparkstraveler #rockymountainnationalpark #mountainview #adventureiscalling #hikingvibes #happyhiker #coloradolove #visitcolorado #adventurenthusiasts #travelwithme #traveleverywhere

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 The world is wide and full

Happy Earth Day! 🌎

The world is wide and full of wonder, it’s important to take care of it every day so we can continue to enjoy its beauty!

When we explore and wander let’s remember to leave no trace!

📍Diablo Lake, North Cascades NP
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#earthdayeveryday #earthday2023 #leavenotrace #northcascades #nationalparkstraveler #exploreresponsibly #explorewashington #hikingtheglobe #hikersofinstagram #hikingaddict

The Cherry Blossoms have officially peaked in Cent

The Cherry Blossoms have officially peaked in Central Park!

They’re a lovely pale pink shade this year and absolutely stunning, so go see them while you can! The Magnolia’s are also peak right now too!

You can find them here:
🌸 Great Lawn
🌸 Sheep Meadow
🌸 Cherry Hill
🌸 Pilgrim Hill
🌸 East side of the reservoir (west is still pre-peak)
💐 Magnolia’s found between Cherry and Pilgrim Hill

Have you gone to see the Cherry Blossoms this year?
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#centralparknyc #cherryblossomseason #cherryblossoms #springishere #springinnyc #thisisnewyorkcity #picturesofnewyork #incrediblenewyork #nyclove #travelblogger #beautifulplaces #letsgoeverywhere #cityadventures #nycliving

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most beautiful a

The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most beautiful areas of Olympic National Park, and feels like a scene right out of Twilight.

Last summer I did a self-guided Twilight tour in Washington and started with the rain forest, before continuing on to one of the rainiest places in America: Forks. As a lifelong twihard fan, visiting all the places in the series that had brought me so much joy for years was a dream come true.

📌 In a self-guided Twilight tour you’ll visit:

✨ Welcome to Forks Sign and Bella's Truck
✨ Forever Twilight in Forks Collection
✨ La Push Beaches
✨ The Swan House
✨ Jacob Black's House
✨ The Cullen House
✨ The Treaty Line
✨ Rialto Beach
✨ Dr. Cullen's Parking Spot
✨ Forks High School
✨ Port Angeles

While you won’t visit any filming locations (those were filmed in Oregon and British Columbia.) You will visit the real-life places described in the books and named in the movies. It's an amazing experience for fans, and this area of Washington is stunning!

Check the link in bio for the full article of my Twilight tour and follow @themanicwanderer for more travel inspo! ✨
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#olympicnationalpark #nationalparkgeek #wanderwashington #washingtonexplored #washingtonadventures #pnwonderland #pnwisbeautiful #twihard #forkswashington #twilightsaga #twilightforever #twilightfan #twilightrenaissance #twilightlove #travelblogger #instatravel #travelobsessed

Bed head on the Brooklyn bridge 🌅 Sunrise is n

Bed head on the Brooklyn bridge 🌅

Sunrise is not only a beautiful time to walk the iconic bridge, it’s also when there are the least amount of crowds especially on weekends.

Sunset is gorgeous as well, but can be equally crowded on weekends, so better left for weekdays if possible.

Would you rather see these views at sunrise or sunset?

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#brooklynbridge #brooklynlife #nyclandmarks #seeyourcity #thisisnewyorkcity #travelbloggers #touristinmyowncity #travelwithme #sunriselover #sunrisephotography #sunriseview #mysecretnyc #picturesofnewyork #incrediblenewyork #beautifulviews

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is one of the city'

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is one of the city's most unique and treasured attractions. They’re also time and time again my favorite spot in all of Philly! PMG is an immersive art gallery and a mosaic wonderland.

If you decide to come for a day trip here are just some of the weird and fun things you can visit!

📌 The Franklin Institute - a rad science museum that always has special exhibitions happening. Right now you can check out Disney100: The Exhibition.

📌 Eastern State Penitentiary- Regarded as one of the most famous prisons in the world. Some of the penitentiary’s former notorious inmates include Al Capone and bank robber Slick Willie.

📌 Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site - Edgar Allen Poe spent six years in Philadelphia, where he wrote “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” He lived at the site for a year, and you’re able to see the original unfurnished home.

📌 The Mütter Museum- The Mütter Museum is a medical history museum that displays over 25,000 artifacts, such as anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments. Check out their staggering collection of 139 human skulls!

📌 Cave of Kelpius - Widely regarded as America's first Doomsday cult, the Cave of Kelpius held a group of 40 monks who awaited the apocalypse here in 1694.

Follow @themanicwanderer for more unique (and weird) travel inspo!
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#phillyart #phillylove #cityofbrotherlylove #visitphilly #mosaicart #easternstatepenitentiary #travelblogger #travelbucketlist #uniquetravel #uniqueplaces #wandermore #hiddengems #funideas #travelwithme #cityadventures

Puerto Plata in the DR has a gorgeous coast, histo

Puerto Plata in the DR has a gorgeous coast, historic colonial buildings, and the ever-impressive Mount Isabel de Torres. There are endless photo opportunities in the city, and these are the best Instagram spots.

📸 The Pink Street
📸 The Umbrella Street
📸 Paso Peatonal de Melosa
📸 Puerto Plata Beach
📸 Puerto PSign
📸 Fort San Felipe
📸 La Puntilla Park
📸 Independence Square

I also want to add because I think it’s important to always be transparent and honest about my travel experiences that I had a terrible time in Puerto Plata. I found it beautiful and I’m sure you all will too, and love these pictures, but I had a man try to grab me and it soured my time there. Luckily my husband got me to safety in time. This isn’t to deter anyone but it’s also a good reminder to always be vigilant of our surroundings especially while we travel no matter where we go!
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#honestreview #puertoplata #dominicanrepublictravel #instagramspot #safetravels #streetmural #beautifulplaces #travelblogger #travellife #travelmore #letsgoeverywhere #honestyisthebestpolicy #instagood #bloggersofinstagram #mytravelexperience

The Virgin Gorda Baths is a phenomenal destination

The Virgin Gorda Baths is a phenomenal destination. Pristine beaches with crystalline water are framed by remarkable granite boulders known as the Baths.

Here’s what you need to know before visiting!
📌 Save this post for later!

🌊 The entrance fee is $3 per adult and $2 per child.
🌊 The Baths are open from 8 am -4:30 pm.
🌊 To beat the crowds, plan to arrive as early as possible and try to come on a weekday rather than a weekend.

Getting there -
⛴️ Ferry from Tortola and then taxi to the Baths.
✈️ Fly into the small Virgin Gorda airport.
🛥️ Hire a private boat charter.

What to do -
🥾 Hike down to Devil’s Bay.
🥾 Scramble through the wondrous cave trail.
🏝️ Experience Devil’s Bay and The Baths National Park’s.

Where to eat and drink -
🍽️ Top of the Baths
🍽️ Mad Dog Bar and Restaurant
🍹Poor Man’s Bar

Follow themanicwanderer for more travel tips!
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#virgingorda #britishvirginislands #adventuretravel #travelmore #travelblogger #instatravel #beachhike #hikingtheglobe #beachlife #nationalparkgeek #beautifulplaces #beachviews #traveladdict #wanderlusting #oceanlover

Last week I got to celebrate my amazing husbands 4

Last week I got to celebrate my amazing husbands 40th birthday on a week long cruise.

After over 3 years without cruising, it was wonderful to be back at sea and finally made it here to Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas! White sand, turquoise water and plenty of secluded spots!

Highly recommend a cruise itinerary with this stop! And I apologize for incoming cruise spam 😂
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#cruiseship #cruiser #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #beachvibes #beachgirl #beachvacation #privatebeach #birthdaytrip #whitesandbeach #travelblog #travelbug #travelgirl #travelcouple #beautifuldestinations #seastheday #sealovers #instabeach #oceanvibes #oceanviews #travelinspo #norwegiancruiseline #greatstirrupcay #bahamas #bahamascruise

It’s been five months since my last trip, becaus

It’s been five months since my last trip, because sometimes travel isn’t always possible. But even when I’m not traveling, I’m reading about it. There are some amazing books out there to make you feel like you’re traveling.

📖 People We Meet on Vacation, by Emily Henry
📖 The Paid Bridesmaid, by Sariah Wilson
📖 The Spanish Love Deception, by Elena Armas
📖 The Unhoneymooners, by Christina Lauren
📖 Beach Read, by Emily Henry
📖 It Happened One Summer, by Tessa Bailey
📖 Island Affair, by Priscilla Oliveras
📖 Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon

I might be slightly biased towards romance books but there’s wonderful travel adventure in them all. Follow @themanicwanderer for more travel content!
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#travelbook #instatravelling #travelblog #traveladdict #wanderlusting #adventureanywhere #alwaysreading #booksaremagic #booklist #bookstagram #bookworm #peoplewemeetonvacation #outlander #travelwithme #adventureseeker #travelmagic #beachread #beachreading #readmorebooks

Throwing it back to last winter at the beautiful I

Throwing it back to last winter at the beautiful Isla Mujeres. Wouldn’t mind trading this dreary January weather for a beach right now!
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#throwbackthursday #islamujeres #mexicotravel #cancun #visitmexico #beautifuldestinations #beachvacation #beachvibes #travelblogger #travelgram #instagood #beachday #beachlover #paradise #travelmore #wonderfulplaces #seekmoments #lovetheocean

The Finger Lakes have been my favorite weekend get

The Finger Lakes have been my favorite weekend getaway to date! Between the waterfalls, wine and pet-friendly options it’s an ideal destination for a weekend with pups!

An easy weekend itinerary can look like:

Day 1:
🐾 Taughannock Falls State Park
🐾 Buttermilk Falls State Park 🐾 Lucifer falls (if the fur-babies are up for it!)

Day 2:
🐾Watkins Glen State Park
🐾 Visit multiple wineries

Day 3:
🐾 Ithaca Falls

Follow @themanicwanderer for more travel tips!
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#fingerlakes #watkinsglen #waterfallhike #waterfallchasing #waterfalllovers #petfriendlytravel #dogfriendly #travelblogger #travelawesome #instatraveling #travelwithdogs #dogmom #rescuedog #hikingwithdogs #hikingculture #hikinglife #hikenewyork #hikingcouple

New year, same me 💜 Starting off 2023 as a tour

New year, same me 💜
Starting off 2023 as a tourist in my own neighborhood as I do most weekends 🌉
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#dumbobrooklyn #brooklynbridge #brooklyngirl #bestcityintheworld #brooklynlife #nyclife #newyorker #travelblogger #bloggersofinstagram #dogmom #doglover #rescuedogsofinstagram #touristinmyowncity #travelwithme

In these frigid temps I’ve been missing hiking b

In these frigid temps I’ve been missing hiking beneath the warm Utah sun at Zion NP. Not only one of the most popular national parks but also one of my personal favorites. It’s a hiking paradise, making it hard to choose which hikes to do!

These are my Zion trail picks:

🥾 Zion Canyon Overlook Trail
🥾 Angels Landing
🥾 The Narrows
🥾 Watchman Trail
🥾 Pa’rus Trail
🥾 Emerald Pools
🥾 Observation Point

Follow for more and see my latest blog post on hiking at Zion at themanicwanderer.com

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#zionnationalpark #zionnps #angelslanding #thenarrows #nationalparkgeek #nationalparklife #utahtrails #utahisbeautiful #utahtravels #travelusa #travelblogger #travelgram #traveladdict #travelwithme #travelblog #adventuretravel #wanderlust #instatravel #hikersofinstagram #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingaddict #hiketheworld

The holidays can be a magical time of year. But fo

The holidays can be a magical time of year. But for a lot of us they can also be really hard. Especially when you have anxiety.

Add in traveling and the holidays can be that much harder.

A few weeks ago I wrote a post on how to handle a panic attack on vacation. Now in the midst of the holidays, despite the smile you see here, I’ve returned to it more times than I can count as I’ve been struggling with panic attacks this week.

These are a few of my coping strategies:

🦋Sit Through the Panic
🦋Focus On Your Breathing
🦋Take Note of Your Body and Mind
🦋Prepare a Tool Kit and Use It!
🦋Ask for Support
🦋Remember That This Will Pass

So if you’re traveling and panicking. Or just panicking like me, I hope this helps!
Find out more on themanicwanderer.com
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#holidayseason #holidayblues #holidaytravel #travelblogger #travelgram #anxietyawareness #anxietyrelief #panicattackhelp #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthadvocate

Taormina, Sicily - The pearl of the Ionian Sea. I

Taormina, Sicily - The pearl of the Ionian Sea.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the town with jaw-dropping views of Mount Etna, postcard-worthy beaches, sweeping vistas, delicious food, and ancient architecture after the last White Lotus season.

In the hopes of continuing to relive the joy and awe I experienced in Taormina now that the season has ended, I compiled a list of the best things to see and do in this enchanting town.

Find it on my latest blog post: themanicwanderer.com
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#taormina #taorminasicily #sicilytravel #mediterranean #mtetna #traveltheworld #travelblog #travelblogger #travelerlife #europetravel #thebestdestinations #beautifuldestinations #whitelotus #whitelotusseason2

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