Travel Tips

Let me start off with the obvious, the best time to visit Sedona truly depends on what you’re looking for.

In all honesty, I don’t think there is a bad time to visit Sedona. It’s such a stunningly beautiful destination with year round things to do, how could you go wrong?

So for the purposes of this post, I’ll give you the pros and cons of each season. This way, you can choose the best time to visit Sedona Arizona for you.

Best Time to Visit Sedona

This post on the best time to go to Sedona is organized by season. I’ll give you my pros and cons for each season including the best things to do in Sedona, weather in Sedona, and crowd sizes.

At the end, you can decide which season sounds the most fun to you.

Ultimately, I just hope you give Sedona a chance. I think its one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the United States, and its definitely worth the extra time to visit.

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Sedona, I like to stay at the Element Sedona. It’s affordable and located right by Bell Rock.

If you have a larger group or prefer not to stay in Sedona hotels, you can also stay in a Sedona AirBnB. You’ll find many affordable and stylish options conveniently located around the city.

Sedona in Winter

Having just returned from a Sedona in Winter getaway myself in January, I can definitively say that winter is a perfectly lovely time to visit.

I was able to secure a very reasonably priced hotel room and encountered very few people out on the trails, even in the middle of the day.

While the weather was a bit cloudy and rainy, I was still able to enjoy visits to Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and Oak Creek Canyon. I even came across a little snow while visiting Slide Rock State Park.

On the down side, the rain made the temperatures a bit cooler than I would have liked. Also, I really wanted to enjoy stargazing in the nighttime, but was unable to do so due to all the clouds.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Sedona in Winter and would visit again. While I missed out on the stargazing and outdoor dining, I liked having many of the city’s biggest attractions all to myself.

Sedona in Spring

Spring is the most popular time of year to visit Sedona. Average temperatures during the daytime hover around 65 to 75. You’ll also have mostly blue skies and sunny days.

Spring is the best time of year to visit Sedona if you’re looking for the best weather and conditions for enjoying the area’s many outdoor activities.

The spring months are perfect for getting out on Sedona’s many hiking and mountain biking trails. Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are my favorites.

If you’re just looking for the best that Sedona has to offer and you don’t mind the crowds and higher hotel prices, then Spring is the best time of year to go to Sedona.

Just be sure to make those hotel, dining, and tour reservations in advance. If you want to escape the crowds a bit, early March may be the best month to visit Sedona.

Sedona in Summer

If you can take the heat, summer can also be the best time to travel to Sedona. Summer temperatures during the daytime will average in the 90s, with July being the hottest month.

That being said, you’ll have optimal weather for stargazing, photographing the beautiful red rocks, and enjoying the rivers and swimming holes like Slide Rock and Grasshopper Point.

If you’re looking to avoid the midday heat you can visit the art galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village or go wine tasting in Verde Valley.

If you don’t mind the high temperatures, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of spring but with lighter crowds and reduced hotel prices.

Just be sure to get strenuous activities in during the morning hours before it gets too hot and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Sedona in the Fall

Fall in Sedona is the second busiest time of year, second only to spring time. Sedona weather in the fall comes with average daytime temperatures between 70 to 80 degrees.

You’ll experience a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with rainy days increasing towards October and November.

Fall is a great time to visit when you want to go hiking and mountain biking as you’ll have fairly moderate temperatures from late September to November.

Fall is a great time to visit if you want moderate temperatures and don’t mind a few rainy days.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best time to visit Sedona. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

A Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip is the perfect way to add a little adventure into your Sedona vacation.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is located 3 hours north of Sedona making it a relatively easy day trip or road trip opportunity. Believe me, if you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon before, it’s totally worth it.

Once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, you’ll have plenty to see and do, even if you only plan to visit for the day. I’ll include my favorite things to do at the Grand Canyon down below, but once you’re there, I’m sure you’ll have no problem filling up your day.

So if you’re ready, gas up your car and let’s get this Sedona to Grand Canyon road trip under way.

Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Itinerary

A few quick notes on this Sedona to Grand Canyon itinerary. This post assumes you’ve already spent at least one day in Sedona (hopefully more) enjoying all the sights.

If not, I encourage you not to miss Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing, Red Rock State Park, Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, or stargazing at night.

You’ll want to get an early start on the day of your road trip to the Grand Canyon. I would leave by 7:00 a.m. at the latest to ensure you have a full day to visit the park and enjoy a few stops along the way.

The drive north on State Route 89 is absolutely beautiful, so I’m including a few stops between Sedona and Flagstaff in case you want to get a closer look.

In the event that you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, you can also take a one way Grand Canyon Railroad tour from Sedona. It’s a little pricey, but its definitly a unque experience.

Stop 1: Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon has been described as a sort of “mini Grand Canyon” and is located about 12 minutes north of Sedona. If you haven’t already visited Oak Creek Canyon while you were exploring Sedona, now is the perfect time to stop for a quick look.

As you’re driving north out of Sedona you’ll cross the Midgley Bridge pictured above. Just past the bridge on the left you’ll find a small parking lot. Try and find a spot and walk down the stairs to the overlook.

It’s absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the quick stop.

• Next Stop: Slide Rock State Park
• Distance: 10 minutes (5.2 miles)

Stop 2: Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is another easy stop that’s totally worth the extra effort. The park is home to a famous swimming hole in Oak Creek. Even better, there’s an 80 foot long sandstone water slide, which is of course where the park gets its name.

Even if you don’t have time to swim or enjoy the water slide, this section of Oak Creek is worth seeing.

Park your car in the park’s main lot and head over to the paved walkway to the right of the ranger station. You’ll take this paved walkway about 10 minutes or so until you see the stairs for Slide Rock on your right.

At the bottom of the stairs you’ll be able to continue on the rocks towards the swimming hole and slide rock.

Bring good shoes for this one, the rocks can get slippery.

I estimate this stop at Slide Rock State Park will take about 30 to 40 minutes. If you’re in a hurry to get to the Grand Canyon, you could easily make this stop about half that time if you move at a brisk pace and don’t linger too long at the swimming hole.

• Next Stop: Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center
• Distance: 2 hours 45 minutes (107 miles)

Stop 3: Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor Center

Once you’ve made it into Grand Canyon National Park, make your way over the Visitor Center and find a parking spot.

At the Visitor Center you can get information about the park, Grand Canyon tours, and use the restroom after your long drive. This stop will also put you near one of the park’s best lookouts over the canyon. That stop is next.

• Next Stop: Mather Point Lookout
• Distance: 5 minute walk

Stop 4: Mather Point Lookout

The views from Mather Point Lookout are incredible and this is one of my favorite lookouts at the Grand Canyon.

The downside is that it’s also one of the busiest due to its proximity to the Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village. You’ll have the opportunit to escape the crowds a bit later. For now, just enjoy the view.

• Next stop: Grand Canyon Village
• Distance: 5 minute drive / 20 minute walk

Stop 5: Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon Village is where you’ll find most of the park’s lodging and restaurants. If you’ll be staying the night inside the park you can get checked into your room. If not, you may want to get lunch at one of the park’s restaurants.

You can also walk around the village and see the historic buildings and the old Grand Canyon Railroad Depot. The Grand Canyon Railway is actually still in operation with trains running between the Grand Canyon and Williams, Arizona.

You can also find gift shops, ice cream, and a variety of other services.

Once you’ve settled into your room or had grabbed some lunch, make your way back to the car so you can drive along the rim of the canyon to the other lookout points.

• Next stop: Desert View Watchtower
• Distance: 44 minutes (23 miles)

Stop 6: Desert View Watchtower

The Desert View Watchtower is the easternmost lookout inside Grand Canyon National Park and my favorite place to go when I visit.

I find the crowds are usually fairly light on this side of the park, and you can’t beat that view.

Once you find a parking spot, walk over to the left of the watchtower and find a place to sit along the edge of the canyon. Don’t worry, it’s not a steep drop right here, but do be careful.

It’s actually quite peaceful in this spot, I could sit here for hours. If you’re looking for a good sunrise spot, this would be my choice.

Once you’re done taking in the view, make your way back over to the watchtower.

You can get some good photos in and around the watchtower. To the right of this picture you will find stairs to climb to the top of the watchtower.

Take your time to explore a bit, then head back to the car.

• Next Stop: Tusayan Museum and Ruins
• Distance: 8 minutes (3.6 miles)

Stop 7: Tusayan Musuem and Ruins

Tusayan is one of over 4,000 archaeological sites located within Grand Canyon National Park.

The Tusayan Museum and Ruins is a former Pueblo Indian site. Visitors can tour the musuem and ruins and learn about the history of the area which dates back to around AD 1185.

• Next stop: Grandview Point
• Distance: 17 minutes (11 miles)

Stop 8: Grandview Point

Grandview Point is where you can see vast sections of both the eastern and western portions of the Grand Canyon. You’ll also get to see the Colorado River down below.

If you’re looking for an extremely challenging hike, the notoriously difficult Grandview Trail can be accessed from this lookout.

• Next stop: The Abyss
• Distance: 39 minutes (17 miles) – **See below for details.

Stop 9: The Abyss

The Abyss lookout is located west of Grand Canyon Village along Hermit Road. This road requires taking a shuttle if you’re visiting the park between March and November. You will take the Red Shuttle from Grand Canyon Village.

Here is a map of the Red Shuttle stops along Hermit Road. The Abyss will be the 6th shuttle stop.

If you’re visiting the park from December to February, you may drive your personal vehicle on Hermit Road.

The Abyss is known for its stunning red rocks and steep canyon views.

• Next stop: Hermit’s Rest
• Distance: 9 minutes on shuttle (3.1 miles)

Stop 10: Sunset at Hermit’s Rest Viewpoint

If you can time it right, try to catch sunset at Hermit’s Rest. This is the lookout closest to the west rim and looks westward over the canyon. For the best photos, arrive in time for golden hour.

Final Thoughts

If you have extra time, consider taking a Grand Canyon day tour organized by the park. The tours are incredibly interesting and you’ll learn a lot about the Grand Canyon.

If you have even more time to spare, consider taking a trip up to the North Rim, the Little Colorado River Gorge, or nearby Horseshoe Bend. All are worth a visit if you’ve never been.

Be sure to stop at Cameron Trading Post on your way out of the eastern section of the park if you still want souvenirs.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Sedona to Grand Canyon Road Trip Ininerary and that I’ve helped inspire your next trip. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

Happy 2021 everybody, we made it! Like so many of you, I love to make New Year’s Resolutions and have been excited to set goals for 2021. I’m always inspired by the opportunity for a fresh start and enjoy reflecting on how the previous year went for me.

I normally have my New Year’s resolutions all sorted out by New Year’s Eve, but these last 12 months have been anything but normal. So for this year, I spent a little more time reflecting on what I want my goals for 2021 to look like.

In this post I’m including both blogging and personal goals for 2021. I think putting them in writing and on the internet is a healthy (and fun) way to hold myself accountable.

I hope you enjoy this window into my priorities for the upcoming year and that you’re inspired to set some goals of your own.

Blogging Goals for 2021

Listed below are my top 5 blogging goals for 2021. To be honest, I have many more I could list here but I want to stay really focused this year on just a few important things.

1. Build Rock a Little Travel to 65k sessions a month

So with “you know what” still around and impacting international travel, this may be easier said than done. But I’m putting it out there anyway.

In order to achieve this lofty goal (I’m currently closer to 5k sessions a month thanks to “you know what”), I plan to focus on USA based and outdoor content this year.

This is my biggest and most important goal so there is where I will invest the majority of my time over the next 12 months.

2. Obtain at least one brand or destination collaboration

I hope to work with at least one tourism board or brand this year. I am currently in contact with one destination already, so we’ll see how that goes.

In order to achieve this goal, I will reach out to one destination or brand each week. I will thoughtfully select brands or destinations that I believe would be a good fit for my own brand and align with where I’m currently at with my blog.

3. Average two posts per week for the year

This is my writing goal for the year. This goal is intended to keep me on schedule in meeting my traffic goal mentioned above. It will also ensure my blog is consistently updated with fresh content.

4. Begin earning at least $500 per month from the blog

If I am able to get my sessions up to 65k per month, I believe $500 would be a reasonable income goal. This income would be generated from ad revenue and affiliates.

5. Learn to edit video and start a YouTube channel

I recently purchased a new camera and intend to learn to make and edit video this year. I will use my new YouTube channel to add additional value and content to Rock a Little Travel.

This goal is also just for fun. I’ve always wanted to learn to make and edit videos, so this is really a personal goal as well.

Personal Goals for 2021

Listed below are my top 6 personal goals for 2021. All of the goals below are intended to make sure I am having fun this year and doing things I love. But I also hope to learn new skills and challenge myself.

1. Improve my photography skills

My photography skills have been getting better over the past few years but I know I have a long way to go.

I just purchased my first camera, a Sony Alpha a6000, that I’m very excited to start using. I plan to take a few trips this year and just focus on my photography.

2. Visit 8 new countries

This one may be a bit too ambitious, but I like to dream big. I’m scheduled for at least one international trip in the fall, so hopefully I can add a few more in the next several months.

If all goes well, I’m hoping to visit Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Peru, Spain, Portugal, and French Polynesia in 2021. Again, we’ll have to wait and see what happens on this one.

3. Read a book a week

Lately I love reading nonfiction books on personal growth and mindset. I find these topics both educational and inspiring and they just make me feel good.

I’ve set the goal of reading 52 books a year every year for the past three years. I’ve fallen just a few short the last two years. I’m hoping to exceed this goal this year. Wish me luck.

4. Make new friends

I’m always looking to make new friends. I feel like one can never have enough friends, especially friends with similar interests that you enjoy talking to.

I plan to make new friends by engaging in new online activities and networking events. These will most likely be travel or blogging related.

5. Learn to freedive

At the end of last year I signed up to get my PADI certification for SCUBA diving while I was in Playa del Carmen. Unfortunately, I was unable to finish due to an ear infection, but was also pretty nervous about the open water dives I needed.

So I am hoping to try freediving this year in order to get more comfortable in the ocean. I’m hoping this will help build my confidence to complete my PADI diver certification.

I’m also scheduled to swim with whales in French Polynesia next year. So the freediving will definitely come in handy then as well.

6. End the year debt free

I make this a goal for myself every year. I do this because I travel a lot, which I love, but it also costs money.

Essentially, I want to make sure I’m staying financially responsible and not piling on a bunch of debt just to travel around the world. Ending the year debt free holds be accountable to stay within my means while still doing the things I love.

How about you? Have you set goals for 2021 or put together some New Year’s resolutions?

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

This post will help you identify the highest currency in the world based on current valuation as of December 2020.

These valuations are based on the United States Dollar exchange rate and Eurozone Exchange rates against the Euro.

But why is a travel blogger writing about currencies and exchange rates? Two reasons.

Number One. Because I find it interesting and want to understand the value of money better.

Number Two. Because it impacts how much things cost when we travel. The stronger the currency in the countries you visit, the more expensive things will be.

Of course there are many other considerations when budgeting a trip, but it is important to be aware of the currency value of the country you are visiting.

According to the United Nations, there are a total of 180 currencies in the world.

Currently, the highest currency is the world is the Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD). One KWD is valued at $3.28 USD.

Below, I will identify the top 10 Highest Currencies in the World as of December 2020.

Highest Currency in the World

Disclosure: I am not a financial analyst, stock trader, currency expert, currency trader, or anything else related to money and currency. I am not giving financial advice and this article is for informational purposes only.

The information for this article was obtained through my own research and verifying currency exchange rates at XE.

Before you take a trip, make an investment, or make any other decisions related to foreign currency, you are encouraged to do your own research and confirm current exchange rates at the time you are traveling.

10. United States Dollar (USD)

The United States Dollar (USD) is the tenth strongest currency in the world. The USD is the official currency of the United States.

• 1 USD = 0.82 EUR

9. Swiss Franc (CHF)

The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the ninth highest valued currency in the world. The CHF is the official currency of Switzerland.

• 1 CHF = 1.12 USD
• 1 CHF = 0.92 EUR

8. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)

The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is the eigth highest currency in the world. The KYD is the official currency of the Cayman Islands.

• 1 KYD = 1.20 USD
• 1 KYD = 0.98 EUR

7. Euro (EUR)

The Euro (EUR) is the seventh highest currency in the world. The EUR is the official currency of the Eurozone. The Eurozone consists of 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union that use the Euro as their official currency.

1 EUR = 1.22 USD

6. Gibraltar Pound (GIP)

The Gibraltar Pound (GIP) is the sixth highest currency in the world. The GIP is the official currency of Gibraltar.

• 1 GIP = 1.36 USD
• 1 GIP = 1.11 EUR

5. British Pound Sterling (GBP)

The British Pound Sterling (GBP) is the fifth highest currency in the world. The GBP is the official currency of the United Kingdom.

• 1 GBP = 1.36 USD
• 1 GBP = 1.11 EUR

If you’re planning on traveling to the UK, or London in particular, hotels can be extremely expensive. Be sure to look for deals ahead of time if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

4. Jordan Dinar (JOD)

The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the fourth highest currency in the world. The JOD is the official currency of Jordan.

• 1 JOD = 1.41 USD
• 1 JOD = 1.15 EUR

3. Oman Rial (OMR)

The Omani Rial (OMR) is the third highest currency in the world. The OMR is the official currency of Oman.

• 1 OMR = 2.60 USD
• 1 OMR = 2.13 EUR

2. Bahrain Dinar (BHD)

The Bahraini Dinar is the second most valuable currency in the world. The Bahrain Dinar is the official currency of Bahrain.

• 1 BHD = 2.66 USD
• 1 BHD = 2.18 EUR

1. Kuwait Dinar (KWD)

The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) holds the highest currency value in the world. The Dinar is the official currency of Kuwait.

• 1 KWD = 3.28 USD
• 1 KWD = 2.69 EUR

Top 100 Highest Currency in the World

This partial list is current as of December 28, 2020. Be advised that currency rates fluctuate frequently so you should always check for yourself as well.

I’ve used XE for current foreign exchange rates. (This list is in the process of being updated.)

1. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) = $3.28 USD
2. Bahraini Dinar (BWD) = $2.66 USD
3. Omani Rial (OMR) = $2.60 USD
4. Jordanian Dinar (JOD) = $1.41 USD
5. British Pound Sterling (GBP) = $1.35 USD
6. Gibraltar Pound (GIP) = $1.35 USD
7. Euro (EUR) = $1.22 USD
8. Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) = $1.22 USD
9. Swiss Franc (CHF) = $1.12
10. United States Dollar (USD) = $1.00
11. Canadian Dollar (CAD) = $0.78 USD
12. Australian Dollar (AUD) = $0.76 USD
13. Bruneian Dollar (BND) = $0.75 USD
14. Singapore Dollar (SGD) = $0.75 USD
15. Libyan Dinar (LYD) = $0.75 USD
16. New Zealand Dollar (NZD) = $0.71 USD
17. Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) = $0.62 USD
18. Bulgarian Lev (BGN) = $0.62 USD
19. Azerbaijan Manat = $0.59 USD
20. Dutch Guilder (ANG) = $0.56
21. Belizean Dollar (BZD) = $0.50
22. Barbadian Dollar (BBD) = $0.50 USD
23. Fijian Dollar (FJD) = $0.49 USD
24. Samoan Tala (WST) = $0.39 USD
25. Belarusian Ruble (BYN) = $0.39
26. Israeili Shekel (ILS) = $0.31 USD
27. Georgian Lari (GEL) = $0.31 USD
28. Brazilian Real (BRL) = $0.19 USD
29. Croatian Kuna (HRK) = $0.16 USD
30. Turkish Lira (TRY) = $0.13 USD
31. Macau Pataca (MOP) = $0.13 USD
32. Norwegian Krone (NOK) = $0.12 USD

I hope you’ve found this post about the strongest currencies in the world useful in planning your future travels. Thank you for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.

It’s that time of year again. The time when we all start setting goals and New Year’s Resolutions and you’re wondering how to invest in yourself in 2021.

Well you’re in luck because I’ve got a few ideas. Since most of my travel plans evaporated in 2020, I had to come up with new ways to spend my time. After a few weeks of frustration, I decided to use the money I was saving from not traveling (or having a social life), to invest in learning new skills

I’ll admit, this was harder than I’m making it sound. There’s nothing like plummeting blog traffic to take the wind out of your sails when you’re a blogger. But like everyone else, I had to accept that things were not going to go well for a travel blogger like myself, for quite some time.

So what did I invest in?

I invested in education, coaching, gear, and my health. All things I’d been putting off over the years, mostly due to the cost. Honestly though, while the cost of some of these items seemed prohibitive, it was really just my priorities. Had I prioritized these investments, I could have saved money elsewhere.

So how can this help you? Short answer, the same way it helped me.

When you rearrange your priorities to put your goals and ambitions first, you can change the course of your whole life. You just have to be willing to take steps in the right direction.

Let me show you how.

How to Invest in Yourself in 2021

My suggestions below for how to invest in yourself in 2021 are based solely on my own experiences. These are the things I invested in to make my own life better, and I believe they’ll have the same effect on you too.

As you’re reading through my suggestions, be sure to think about how these ideas can be implemented in your own life to get you closer to your own goals. Any investments you make in your life should be personal.

1. Invest In Your Health

It would be silly to talk about other investments if we don’t start with your health. Without your health, none of the other investments will matter.

I’m not a doctor or nutritionist, so I won’t be giving you advice on how to be healthy. But I will say this, you probably already know what you need to do.

If you’re over weight, you need to lose some. If you never eat vegetables, you need to eat some. If you never exercise, you need to work out your body. You get the picture.

For me, that means making healthy meal choices by prioritizing fruits and vegetables and reasonable portion sizes.

I personally use Daily Harvest to keep smoothies stocked up in my freezer that I can grab anytime. This has been insanely beneficial, especially since I travel so much. I don’t have to worry about fresh produce going bad while I’m away. Plus, I’ll still have healthy meals stocked for when I return.

I’ve also been taking my dog for longer and more frequent walks, it’s a win for the both of us.

If you have health insurance, be sure you visit the doctor at least once per year for your annual check up. Get your blood work done and ask questions about anything that’s bothering you.

2. Read Books

One of the easiest ways to level up your skills is to read more. Find books on topics that excite you so that you’ll want to read them.

Even better, select books on topics that will help you reach your goals. For me, I’ve been reading books on personal finance, small business, and goal setting. Why? Because I want to learn how to run a successful business.

For you, find books that inspire you and challenge you to do better in the things you love.

I like to listen to audio books when I’m driving or walking my dog. I’m trying to stay away from Amazon, so I use the Libby App to rent free books from the library.

This app is free and easy to use. You will have to put a hold on the more popular books, but there is plenty of inventory to keep you busy. Seriously, just try it. You’ll save so much money, I promise.

For when the Libby App doesn’t have a book in stock that I want to read, I use Libro FM to purchase audio books. Libro FM is an app that allows you to purchase audio books from Bookshop.org, which in turn supports local independent bookshops.

3. Listen to More Podcasts

This one is more of an investment of time, not money since podcasts are generally free. But I’ve found tremendous value in a variety of podcasts this year. I personally enjoy podcasts about blogging, business, personal development, and finance.

I listen to podcasts to get a variety of perspectives on the things I’m interested in. There’s never just one way to do something, so I like to see how others approach the same problems I’m having. I always learn new things when listening to the right podcasts, you will too.

Here are my favorite podcasts:

• Don’t Keep Your Day Job
• Screw the Nine to Five
• Divine Living
• Goal Digger Podcast
• The Glo Show

I encourage you to check out the ones I mention above, but to also seek out podcasts in a genre you’re interested in. I find podcasts to be educational, inspiring, and motivating. I think you will too.

4. Join a Live Coaching Program

Yes, that’s right, a live coaching program. This doesn’t mean in person, it just means that you meet live either virtually or telephonically. In most cases, live coaching programs take place via Zoom.

But why live coaching? Because it forces you to show up and be accountable. Coaching programs will help you set goals, identify steps to achieve your goals, interact with others in your industry, and be mentored by someone who has achieved success already.

I personally joined a group coaching program for bloggers called Travel Blog Accelerator. It’s run by Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse. I love this program. I’ve learned more than I ever thought I would, I’ve met some awesome ladies to network with, and it’s just fun.

If you’re a blogger, check out my favorite blogging courses for 2021. No matter where you are in your blogging journey, there’s a good option for you and both options include live coaching.

I encourage you to seek out a similar program in your niche or area of interest. If you find the right group, you’ll be so inspired and motivated by it.

5. Invest in the Equipment You Need

No matter your career or area of interest, there is likely some equipment you need to start investing in. If you’re a travel blogger, that can be a computer, a camera, or any number of other things.

Take some time to identify the equipment you need to fully participate in, and engage in, the activity or interest you have. Once you’ve identified that equipment, make it a priority to obtain it.

In many ways, you’ll always be a step behind if you don’t have the right gear or equipment you need to achieve your goals. This is not always the case, but most of the time its just easier to have access to what you need.

If the equipment is expensive, you can save money by looking for used gear or making your purchases around the holidays when things go on sale.

Once you own the equipment you need, spend time learning how to use it. Sometimes learning to use new equipment is like learning a new language, but its a great way to immerse yourself in something you love.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about How to Invest in Yourself in 2021. If you’d like to support this blog please consider sharing this post. Thanks for reading.

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Yes I know, 2020 wasn’t the year for travel. But despite the majority of my 2020 travel plans being sidelined, I was able to squeeze in a few trips here and there.

Some of these trips were taken prior to March 2020 and some were taken when things appeared under control here in the United States. In all cases, rules and guidelines were followed.

So here is what I was able to squeeze into 2020, starting with my favorite destination of the year.

1. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is spectacular, fascinating, and beautiful all at the same time.

I joined a group tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza back in November. It was hands down the coolest thing I saw all year.

The tour itself was excellent. I learned a ton about the history of the Mayan people and about the various structures at Chichen Itza.

If you’re ever in the Yucatan or Cancun area, Chichen Itza is a must see destination. It’s worth the drive, I promise.

2. Maui

The bf and I jetted off to Maui just before the lockdowns started here in the United States. We spent five beautiful days driving around the island, snorkeling, and sampling all the delicious food.

Maui had been on my travel wish list for quite some time, so I’m very happy to have had the chance to visit this year.

My favorite moment was seeing whales breaching off the coast from our hotel. It was such an amazing thing to see in person. It looked like a mom and her calf were waving at us and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.

3. Miami Beach

I spent about a week in Miami Beach in early fall of this year and I gotta say, Miami really surprised me.

I’d heard a lot of negative things about Miami from others, but ended up really enjoying my time there. The beaches are pretty, Little Havana was incredible, and the restaurants in Miami Beach are fantastic.

4. Georgetown

At the end of September I traveled to Washington DC for the Ruth Bader Ginsburg memorial. The work she has done for women in this country is inspiring and I wanted to be there in person to pay my respects.

While in DC I decided to spend some time exploring parts of the city I’d never seen before. This led me to Georgetown.

As you’d expect from an affluent east coast neighborhood, it’s beautiful. The old architecture really lends character to the neighborhood. I spent a morning and afternoon just walking around the area.

I made my way along the Potomac River and up into the local residential neighborhoods. I tried to imagine what life would be like living there. I imagine it’s pretty great.

If you’ve ever in DC, I highly recommend an afternoon in Georgetown. There’s loads of great restaurants in the neighborhood as well, making it the perfect place to get lunch or dinner.

5. Yosemite

I know, I know, I’m always raving about all my favorite things to do in Yosemite. But it’s because I love it so much and I think everybody should visit at least once.

But, Yosemite was extra special this year since most of my trips were cancelled. It made the ones I did get to take all the better.

Plus, Yosemite without the normal crowds is just amazing. I’m planning to return again in January if fate will have it.

6. Tulum Ruins

Similar to Chichen Itza, my expectations when visiting the Tulum Ruins were far exceeded. The location itself is worth visiting, but paired with the ruins and the history, it was just incredible.

If you’re planning a visit to the ruins in Tulum, you must take a guided tour. It’s worth your time to learn about the history of the site.

Be sure to arrive very early to beat the crowds. Get your pictures along the coast first, then join a tour.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my favorite destinations in 2020. As always, thanks for reading.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to supporting this site.