Updates from Barb Beattie

America's National Parks: A Guide for the Curious Traveler

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:48:00 CDT

Every national park in America was home to someone long before it had a name on a map. That history belongs in the story -- and so does the one that followed, when a frustrated letter to a government official sparked the creation of the National Park Service in 1916 and changed how the world thought about protecting wild places. Here is your guide to the parks worth knowing, and the two books that will make you see them differently.

What Every Traveller Needs to Know Right Now

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:14:51 CDT

The world is moving fast right now, and if you've been watching the news, you might be wondering whether travel is even worth planning. Here's what I want you to know first: you do not have to stop traveling. But you do need the right information, especially about what your travel insurance will and won't cover when military conflict is involved.

Seasons of Life (and Travel)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:19:11 CDT

There’s more than one kind of travel season. Beyond peak dates and shoulder months, we live through seasons of life and each one calls for a different kind of travel. This reflective guide offers trip ideas for every season, from solo getaways to legacy journeys, with cruise options too.

How to Plan Hawaii

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:52:29 CDT

Planning a Hawaii trip? Each island offers something unique—surf and city on Oʻahu, romance on Maui, serenity on Kauaʻi, and wild wonder on the Big Island. This guide helps you match your travel style to the perfect island—and offers updates, insights, and tips for meaningful, mindful travel.

Building a Brand

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:50:25 CDT

You might not think of yourself as a “brand,” but every time you show up, share your opinion, or offer advice—you’re building one. In this post, I’m talking about influence, reputation, and how we can use our voice and passions to help others. If you’ve ever wondered whether your love for travel, books, or connection could lead to something more... it can.

Winter Reveal

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:47:00 CDT

This winter, we’re heading to the edges of the Earth—literally. The Arctic and Antarctica set the scene for our most atmospheric Book Trip Book Club season yet. With Cold People by Tom Rob Smith and A Woman in the Polar Night by Christiane Ritter, we’ll journey through icy landscapes and inner lives. Plus, we’ve got a festive novella for December and a Spring Preview you won’t want to miss. These aren’t just books—they’re experiences.

Travel Trends 2025

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:16:45 CDT

The world is moving again—and not just in miles. In this blog, I’m sharing 8 travel trends shaping the way we explore, from slomads to set-jetting to the rise of bleisure. Come see what’s changing, what’s inspiring, and what it means for your next great trip.

Not Just a Label: What Is UNESCO and Why the U.S. Stepping Away Should Matter to You

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:37:16 CDT

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are more than beautiful places. They are keepers of memory, meaning, and global connection. But what happens when the United States walks away from the organization that protects them? This post explores what UNESCO is, why the U.S. stepped back, and why travelers, historians, and cultural stewards everywhere should be paying attention. Plus, discover 25 unforgettable World Heritage Sites and every U.S. site currently on the list.

Sixty and Still Becoming

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:33:00 CDT

Turning 60 isn’t a finish line. It’s a bold new chapter—and for me, it’s filled with travel dreams, brave new business goals, and a year-long journaling journey to capture every moment. This reflection dives into what it means to age with intention, start fresh at any age, and live a life worth writing down.

Turbulence Truths: What It Is, When It Strikes, and How to Stay Calm in the Clouds

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:35:41 CDT

Turbulence might shake your drink, but it doesn’t need to rattle your nerves. Learn what causes it, when it’s most common, how climate change plays a role—and how to ride it out in comfort and confidence.