I took the train ride from Scotland to get to London and spent my 5 days there eating, exploring bookstores, and walking gawking at the spring gardens in bloom. Each day I would simply wander, pop into a cafe, shop, or restaurant, and continue walking about. I stayed in Notting Hill, because why not?!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my journey of life so far, it’s the power of Detours. Life is a beautiful mess of twists and turns, and each one we take shapes us into who we are meant to be. Up until this point, these are the six major Detours of my life that have led me to where I am today.

Have you ever dreamed of walking through Scotland's wild landscapes, mist hanging over the moors, a wee dram of whisky in hand, and unmatched natural beauty at every turn? I recently experienced exactly this during our unforgettable seven-day retreat in Cairngorms National Park, an adventure that combined walking and whisky in perfect harmony.

Have you seen the National Geographic article going around about women diving into outdoor adventures as they age? This piece truly resonated with me because it's something I feel passionate about, especially as someone who’s redefined her own relationship with fitness and nature over the years. 🌿🏃‍♀️ So I couldn't resist sharing my thoughts with you.

If you’ve been following along here for a while, you know that I always like to plan a few days of solo travel at the end of each of my retreats. These days offer a chance to decompress, reflect on the past week of hosting, and most importantly, reconnect with myself.

In the spirit of Detouring with a group of women currently, I wanted to touch on this topic — the importance of women coming together and supporting each other. Especially in the world of business and retreating. We KNOW how powerful it is to be in community with other women.

I used to be a last-minute packer. I would ensure my kids were packed days in advance, but I often found myself scrambling to pack for myself well into the midnight hours the night before our departure. But now, my packing routine has evolved into a delightful dance of anticipation and practicality.

When crafting the itineraries for my Dare to Detour retreats, I start by defining what we will NOT do. The point of these trips is that I want it to be a true Detour - not an itinerary you would do with family or your friends. So rather than following the traditional tourist trail or "top 5 must-sees" outlined by popular travel guides, I intentionally opt for truly unique experiences.

I've had countless conversations with women about this. It's a common challenge, but a conversation worth having with your partner to advocate for the transformative power of solo travel. Here are some tips on how to approach the budget convo.

As a financial planner for over 24 years, I have witnessed just how easy it is to save when a savings goal aligns with one’s personal core values. The first step to budgeting for travel is discovering what type of travel best suits you. And this is achieved by determining your personal core values.

So, you've been tossing around the idea of Detouring with Dare or maybe you're still contemplating. I've heard Mercury is in retrograde, so if you're feeling a bit on the fence, blame it on the cosmos, right? 😊 I'm definitely feeling the need to be extra careful about all of my decisions, big or small. Whether you're ready to take the plunge or still mulling it over, I want to share the truth behind what "all-inclusive" really means at Dare.

Spoiler: it's seriously everything!

I’m in the mood to get real about money, and I want to get into how to master the mental moves that happen behind-the-scenes of big purchases. So, buckle up because I'm whisking you away to the vibrant souks of Marrakesh, where I found myself entangled in a whirlwind of colors, culture, and, of course, rugs!

Living every moment to the fullest is something I'm really passionate about. To me, it's about changing the conversation around aging, embracing every aspect of life, rather than chasing eternal youth. It is such a privilege to be alive and what a refreshing perspective shift to have!

I started climbing and placed some gear, but none of my gear was that great and I started to panic. 
I just froze and couldn’t move. Tears were filling my eyes, but I forced myself to continue climbing. 
I thought it would just go away and I would gain some bravery again.

Italy has this magic that keeps pulling me back – more than any other place. It's like my heart found its favorite spot to dance in the world. I've traveled here more than any other country. I call it my personal Eat, Pray, Love destination. Seriously, it's the nurturing ground for my soul. From our Detour in the Dolomites last year to wandering the streets of Rome all by myself, each trip adds another layer and I’ve come to realize that if you've ever dreamt of traveling to Europe…

Recently, I've found myself reflecting on the essence of travel, the pure joy it brings, and it's got me thinking a lot about treating ourselves to our own adventure.

I LOVE love and my heart has a soft spot for Italy, especially in the fall. This October a group of wonderful Darlings will join me as we immerse ourselves in La Dolce Vita at a 16th-century farmhouse among vineyards and olive groves.

Lately, I've been finding connection in simple pleasures, me-time. Seemingly small rituals have become my sanctuary, providing a much-needed pause in my day-to-day. Checking out to check in is often just what we need.

Here’s what has been keeping me grounded and connected…

I’ve been traveling to Morocco for 15 years in my role as the president of a nonprofit. So when Sheryl reached out for a chat before her Dare to Detour Morocco trip, it felt somewhat natural. We decided to meet for what I thought would be a regular first-date coffee, but within an hour, something profound happened.

Life has a funny way of making us think we're running out of time, especially when we're constantly bombarded by the fear of missing out. I've been hearing this a lot from women in my life lately. One thing I've noticed is that many of my friends, especially women my age, feel like they've missed their chance to make significant changes. But let me tell you…