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At the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Punta Gorda, Fla., July 30, 2024.

I’m in My Pretirement Era. I’ve Traveled Solo for About 30 Years. Here are Some of My Budget Travel Tips

I’m in my 50s and retirement is at least a decade down the road. This lands me in my pretirement era, the period of life between career and retirement. I love my career but know it’s important to prepare for retirement by saving and planning. I’ve traveled solo for about 30 years and here are some budget travel tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Obligatory selfie with the Eternal Flame in Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, N.Y., July 2024.

Featured Nature Travel

My First Time Visiting Western New York’s Eternal Flame

The Eternal Flame in Western New York is a mesmerizing treasure. It was in my childhood backyard, yet it took more than 50 years to see it.

That's me, Solo Travel Girl, swimming in Weeki Wachee Springs. Photo: Tammy Middleton/Studios Middleton

Adventure Featured Florida Fun

Weeki Wachee Springs: My Ultimate Mermaid Camp Experience

Weeki Wachee Springs offers the Sirens of the Deep Mermaid Camps several times a year. I grabbed a spot, put on a tail, and learned mermaiding is hard work!

Jason Grauberger, owner of Starry Night Florida, points out constellations during a stargazing tour in Charlotte County, Fla., March 30, 2024.

Adventure Featured Florida Fun Nature Travel

I Took A Stargazing Tour With This New Company In Southwest Florida

Constellations. Planets. Betelgeuse. Oh my! Tour the Southwest Florida night sky with Starry Night Florida in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Manatee in the Flamingo Marina in Everglades National Park, Fla., Jan. 14, 2024.

Adventure Destinations Featured Nature Travel

How Flamingo in Everglades National Park Won My Heart. Again.

Flamingo in Everglades National Park was my home for more than three years. I recently returned to see the changes and I’m impressed.

Featured Nature Travel

Four Quirky Events I’m Excited About in 2024

Several events will make 2024 memorable but I’m looking forward to the quirky, fun stuff. Leap Day, a solar eclipse, an epic cicada emergence, and Smoky Bear’s 80th birthday top my list!

Budget Travel Featured Nature Travel

How to Get Your Florida State Parks Annual Pass for 50% Off! (By January 13, 2024)

Through the Great Outdoors Initiative, you can purchase your Florida State Parks Annual Pass for 50% off now through January 13, 2024.

One of four flamingos I saw at Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, Fla, Sept. 3, 2023.

Adventure Featured Florida Fun Nature Travel

Caught Up in Hurricane Idalia’s Florida Flamingo Frenzy

If there’s a silver lining, or pink feathery fringe, to a storm, it’s the presence of wild flamingos in Florida, and I set out to find some.

Dog-friendly glamping in Tennessee! Mecca Camp Resort in Tellico Plains, Tenn., May 2023.

Adventure Featured Nature Travel

My First Time Sleeping in a Glamping Tent Was Amazing!

I recently had my first tent glamping experience, and it was as amazing as I hoped. I was surrounded by Mother Nature while having modern conveniences.

Goats sitting pretty in a trough at Goat House Farm, Tallahassee, Fla.

Featured Nature Travel Solo Travel

Florida Travel: Glamping with Goats in Tallahassee

No kidding! I spent a weekend glamping with goats in Tallahassee and it’s just what my soul needed.