I'm ready for the empty nest


Detail Oriented Traveler

Your trusted guide to smarter, easier travel

Hey Reader,

A couple of weeks ago, Michelle Obama talked about how much she loves her schedule, and she's glad her girls have moved out. In case you missed it, you can watch her interview or listen to the podcast. It's about the 1:06 mark where she says she doesn't miss them. She loves them, but she doesn't miss the chaos.

show
Write Down the Stupid Though...
Aug 26 ยท IMO with Michelle Obama...
86:04
Spotify Logo
 
โ€‹

As I'm driving home from Savannah moving my daughter into her apartment for school (don't worry, I'm in the passenger seat) I couldn't agree more with what she says. As the mom who manages "all the things", it's refreshing to hear someone else say that having an empty nest is a good thing. Yes, it can be sad, but it's also freeing to get my schedule back. I love my kids, but whew, I'm tired.

If you have an empty nest, or are approaching it in the next few years, I highly recommend a vacation shortly after you drop them off at school. It's a great way to treat yourself after your years of planning things for everyone else, and it helps get you out of that empty house for a few days.

๐Ÿ“ฐ New on the Blog

The Perfect 3 Day Williamsburg, VA Itinerary

I got the chance to explore the Historic Triangle right before Independence Day. I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed that trip. So much so, it's influenced my reading choices lately!

๐Ÿ“ Where I Am

Returning from Ann Arbor

I just got back from a multi-gen trip to Ann Arbor with my mom and my daughter. I was surprised and impressed by all my mom did; it was the best part of it. I'll have some full run-downs in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, if you want to read how I plan multi-gen trips, you can click below

๐Ÿ“– What I'm Reading

Currently on my nightstand

In addition to reading A Founding Mother about Abigail Adams (A Reece's Book Club pick btw) I'm also really enjoying a new puzzle book, Murdoku. If you like Murdle, these are visually appealing logic puzzles that get progressively harder. You should give them a try!

๐Ÿ’– What I Love

My current travel obsession

I'm working on a review for my newest LEVEL8 luggage piece. I'm obsessed with how smooth and spacious these pieces are. If you want to grab one, their sale ends soon!

That's the roundup for this week. As always, thank you for reading and trusting me with your inbox.

I'm sitting still until a travel conference in Fargo at the end of the month. Where are you going next?

Talk soon,

Tonya

This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Detail Oriented Traveler.

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
โ€‹Unsubscribe ยท Preferencesโ€‹

Tonya Denmark

I provide travel recommendations for families with teens, as well as travel planning advice to get the most out of your vacation.

Read more from Tonya Denmark

Detail Oriented Traveler Your trusted guide to smarter, easier travel Hey Reader, welcome to this week's dispatch โ€” a few honest updates from the road, a personal favorite or two, and one great deal I think you'll appreciate. ๐Ÿ“ฐ Updated on the Blog Fall in Michigan: 7 Scenic Drives If you think that you have to go to Vermont for fall colors, you're missing out. I grew up in Michigan but never appreciated fall until I moved away. Don't sleep on these scenic drives. Read the full post ๐Ÿ“ Where I...

Travel entry:August 2026 Hey Reader Every year around this time I hear the same thing: "We meant to squeeze in one more trip before school starts, but summer got away from us." Labor Day weekend is three weeks out, and here's the mistake I see over and over: families wait for the "perfect" open weekend that never shows up, and then it's September and the trip just... didn't happen. The fix isn't finding more time. It's shrinking the trip to fit the time you've already got. Here's what's...

Travel entry:August 2026 Hey Reader The end-of-summer clock is ticking. Let's be real: summer has about 5 weeks left. Labor Day (September 7) is basically the finish line, and after that it's back-to-school mode, cooler mornings, and pumpkin spice everything. (Although, I prefer the apple cider flavors) If school starts sooner for your crew, you've really only got 2-3 weeks. So no pressure, but also, kind of pressure. Good news: you don't need a big trip to make it count. A few easy ideas to...