profile

Tonya Denmark

More tips and stories: Introducing my new newsletter format

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

Travel entry:
​July 2026

Hey travel bestie!

I've been wanting to share more with you for a while now.

Between juggling the chaos of summer, celebrating my son’s graduation, and attending a travel conference, it’s been a whirlwind! But I’m thrilled to finally announce a new newsletter format that I can’t wait for you to explore.

In the coming weeks, you’ll see richer content with inside tips, more blog highlights, and updates from both Detail Oriented Traveler and my new project, The Booked Route. This is all about creating a deeper connection with you and providing you with the value you deserve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this new direction! What do you think of the new format? Feel free to hit reply and let me know!

Looking forward to our journey together,

Tonya

New on the Blog

Best Underseat Carry-On Luggage

Economy flights, here we come!

Basic economy only stays cheap if you avoid baggage fees. Here's what I use to travel with just a "personal" or underseat carry-on.

In this article:

  • See my top 3 picks
  • Discover the best bags for each type of traveler
  • Find the different airline size limits
    ​

Ready to save some money?

📍WHERE AM I THIS WEEK?

Still dreaming of Williamsburg

I returned from Williamsburg, Virginia just about a week ago. I lived out my American Girl doll dreams, saw the lands where settlers started forming a new nation (not that there weren't Indigenous nations before), and stayed at the cutest roadside inn, The Rochambeau Inn.

📖 WHAT I'M READING

If you haven't heard, I've started a new account, The Booked Route. I'll be focusing on literary itineraries, indie bookstores, and discovering the places you find in your books.

I'm currently reading Masters of Death, set in Chicago.

And I'm obsessing over Founding Mother, about Abigail Adams. I've read Dear Eliza by the same authors, and I know it will be good!

💖 WHAT I'M LOVING

World Cup soccer! My favorite has been how the town of Lawrence, Kansas, embraced the Algerian team. We've been celebrating with different food-themed nights. Just like everyone is discovering the love of ranch dressing, we're loving the international foods.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

One of my go to backpacks and underseat bags is on sale for 10% off.
​
use code BS10OFF62.

note, this code works on some other products too.

You're receiving this email because you signed up to receive travel planning content from Detail Oriented Traveler, and I'm grateful for the space in your inbox.

I'm here to help you on your journey to easily plan more travel, especially if want to travel more with your teens before they move out.

This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my referral link, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for supporting Detail Oriented Traveler. For more information, read my disclosure policy.

​

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

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 — a few honest updates from the road, a personal favorite or two, and one great deal I think you'll appreciate. 📰 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 📍 Where I...

4 days ago • 1 min read

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...

16 days ago • 2 min read

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...

29 days ago • 2 min read