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The Carry-On Chronicles

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Elena | Travel Blogger
🏔You are not in the mountains. The mountains ar 🏔You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you🏔 -John Muir . Photo Tip 📸: Have fun with framing! There are few things I love more when shooting than creating natural frames. Compelling frames are a great way to draw the eye to the subject of your photo (in this case, me). So...how to do this? Start by looking around your environment and think about what you can use as a natural frame. For instance, when we approached this vantage point at Mirror Lake, the first thing I noticed was the purple wild flowers. Boom, frame inspiration! Then, after some poking around, I noticed there was a ledge surrounding the flowers/greenery that I could stand on so it would look like I was emerging from them. A few spins later and we had the shot! . Do you have any questions about how to create interesting frames for your photos? . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny #mountainview #mountainlover #naturephotography #usatravel #visitusa #prettylittletrips #youmustsee #sidewalkerdaily #darlingescapes #babeswhowander #theeverygirltravels #girlsthatwander #wildflowersofinstagram #dirtybootsandmessyhair #peopleinnature #femmetravel #travelcommunity #journeysofgirls #damestravel #travelgirlsgo #darlingplaces #pinktrotters #livetotravel #travelinladies #travelgirlshub #wheretofindme #travelmoments #lifewelltraveled
So happy that the majority of you voted that you’d like to see more photo tips from me! Photography is an area that I’ve become super passionate about since growing my Instagram account, and I’m eager to share all I’ve learned along the way. . Let’s start with persistence. Sure, this isn’t a standard photography tip, but it’s one that’s made a huge difference for me, particularly when it comes to location scouting. Take today’s photo, for example. This was shot at @mirrorlakeinn, one of the most charming inns in Lake Placid. Unfortunately, when we discovered this spot, it was already mid-afternoon, so the shot I most wanted to get (of the flower-lined driveway leading up the hotel) was bathed in harsh sunlight (very challenging for shooting). We could’ve just aborted mission, but after poking around, I found this shady spot underneath some trees where I could still showcase the cute flower boxes in the windows. A few minutes later, we had a shot we otherwise never would have had. . Btw: How adorable are these flower boxes?! Got total Euro vibes here! . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny #hotelgoals #lodge #charmingplaces #darlingescapes #usatravel #visitusa #femmetravel #thefairytalebloggers #babeswhowander #prettylittletrips #youmustsee #sidewalkerdaily #darlingdaily #theeverygirltravels #girlsthatwander #journeysofgirls #damestravel #travelgirlsgo #darlingplaces #pinktrotters #prettylittleinspo #livetotravel #travelinladies #travelgirlshub #womenwhotravel#wheretofindme #travelmoments #lifewelltraveled
Behind every great sunset is an even greater story Behind every great sunset is an even greater story...🌅 . ...I’d love to say we rolled up and snapped this just as the sky turned, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Here’s the BTS reality: . 1️⃣ We began scouting sunset locations around 5:30, desperately seeking restriction-free spots. One was reserved for hotel guests, one was closing at 6:00, one was swarming with people, and one was private property. 2️⃣ Stef located a more remote spot, so we traveled 35 minutes by car to Peggy’s Point. 3️⃣ It started raining. We exchanged fatigued glances. 4️⃣ We arrived, scouted this small public area, and found the only semi-decent spot. I was convinced the distant landmass would kill it. 5️⃣ Deciding to go for it, I went to change in the car. In the midst of a chaotic changing process, I lost my phone. After turning the car's contents upside down, I found it under my shirt 🤦🏻‍♀️ 6️⃣ Just as we returned to the lake, a family arrived. They set up shop in front of the prime spot. Moments after, child and dog were splashing. 7️⃣ I took a breath and asked for our spot. Just then, their hyperactive, mud-sodden dog chased me down in my white dress and I shrieked, embarrassed and shaken. Fortunately, they left soon after. 8️⃣ We debated the lens. I was dead set on the telephoto to make the mountains appear dramatic. Stef had to get just far away enough without submerging himself. Suddenly, a father and son appeared and paddled up to the landmass. They darted in and out of the frame in their canoe the entire shoot, oblivious to our presence. . ...Now, if my future self told me all of this would happen, would I have gone for it anyway? You betcha. . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #lakegeorge #goldenhourphotography #goldenhourlight #sunsets_captures #sunsetlover #sunsetgram #sunsetphotography #sunrises_and_sunsets #lakeside #lakesideview #speechlessplaces #sheisnotlost #shetravels #tl_picks #travelmoments #girlvsglobe #womenwhotravel #bucketlisttravel #borntotravel #beautifulmatters #travelgirlsgo #thetraveltribe #postcardplaces #alliseeispretty #prettylittletrips #usaroadtrip #colormehappy #youmustsee #iammissadventure #dametravelers
Oh, how it felt to travel again! (But first, some Oh, how it felt to travel again! (But first, some backstory) . July has been the toughest month for me since the pandemic started. This downward spiral was triggered by the EU’s initial travel announcement and then snowballed in the subsequent weeks. I’ve tried to keep my head up by hiding behind the hopeful veil of time, telling myself that things would get better. Unfortunately, time seems to provide a false sense of comfort and this whole situation has made me question my status as an American, a title synonymous with the red-headed stepchild. I never imagined feeling ostracized, but I know we got here because we haven’t gotten our sh** together as a country. Since then, I’ve questioned my place – both emotionally and physically – as an American citizen. In previous months, I distracted myself by hurling myself into my work, but this became increasingly difficult once Pinterest essentially blacklisted my account. I felt my sense of purpose dwindling.... . ...And then I escaped my “boxes” and experienced the healing power of nature! The moment we arrived in Lake George and I was greeted by mountains, my whole perspective changed. The chilled rosé spritzer I enjoyed atop the lake was the first time it felt like summer all summer. Sure, Lake George ended up being overcrowded and a content creator’s nightmare (details to come), but it thankfully led me to Lake Placid. Between the mountains, water, and children running around joyfully, I was reminded that there IS a world beyond my hamster cage. I rekindled my sense of discovery, created content that excited me, and felt like a person again. Although there’s a ways to go, l’m doing my best to safely see more of the U.S. . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny #newyorklife #usatravel #visitusa #charmingplaces #darlingescapes #femmetravel #thefairytalebloggers #babeswhowander #colorfulflowers #smallmomentsofcalm #prettylittletrips #youmustsee #sidewalkerdaily #darlingdaily #seeingthepretty #theeverygirltravels #girlsthatwander #journeysofgirls #damestravel #travelgirlsgo #darlingplaces #pinktrotters #shetravels #pursuewhatislovely #outdoortones #prettylittleinspo #takemoreadventures #livetotravel
When the Addams Family meets Barbie Dreamhouse 🤩 . Just when I thought the novelty of Connecticut had fully worn thin, this gem popped out of the proverbial bag of tricks. This is the front of Roseland Cottage, the estate I shared an alternate view of back in mid-July. As you can see, the property is much larger from the front! . Fun Fact: This mansion was built in 1846 and served as the summer estate of Henry & Lucy Bowen who entertained some U.S. presidents here! You can now book a 45-minute guided tour ($15 per adult) to see the inside of the mansion. Tours weren’t yet available when we visited, but I’m just glad we were able to capture this gem before the torrential downpour that followed just minutes after this was taken! . Although my Connecticut content has come to an end (for now), I hope I’ve given you a glimpse into some fun hidden gems in this often-overlooked state. Tomorrow we’ll be heading to Lake George, NY for a much-needed content-creation escape and hopefully find some fun hidden gems along the way! Have you been to Lake George? . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #newengland #visitnewengland #newengland_igers #connecticutlife #thefairytalebloggers #pinkhouse #youmustsee #travelgirlsgo #shetravels #prettylittletrips #sheisnotlost #damestravel #travelinladies #womentravel #thetravelwomen #lifewelltraveled #wheretofindme #meettheworld #speechlessplaces #usatravel #explorerbabes #travelgirldiary #pastelfeed #pastelaesthetics #femaletraveller #femaletravelblogger #livetotravel #postcardplaces #girlsborntotravel #femmetravel
Just standing here waiting for the U.S. to get its Just standing here waiting for the U.S. to get its ish together so I can return to this beautiful country (and so many more) again! 😑 . In all seriousness, the FOMO is real rn. At this point, I’m (not so patiently) waiting until the end of July to see where things are and then I’m pulling the trigger and (responsibly) booking an international adventure for fall to somewhere I’m allowed to go. I realize this is a touchy subject, but the way I see it, certain countries are beginning to open again because they’re hurting for tourism, so as long I’m taking all safety precautions and being smart about it, I’d like to help. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming. . Does anyone else have their eye on fall? If so, what are you hoping to do? . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #chania #crete #chaniacrete #cretegreece #instachania #greecestagram #greecetravel #greekislands #greece_moments #discovergreece #visitgreece #travelgreece #beautifulgreece #exploregreece #youmustsee #prettylittletrips #travelgirlsgo #shetravels #lifewelltraveled #damestravel #travelinladies #explorerbabes #citizenfemme #womentravel #travelgirlshub #travelhappy #travelingpost #darlingescapes #thedreamytravels #babeswhowander
That smile when you realize your mini getaway is o That smile when you realize your mini getaway is only a few days away...😁 . This is a throwback from lovely Lagos because I’m hitting the bottom of the content barrel (hence the mini trip)! We’ll be heading up to Lake George on Monday, so if you know of any can’t-miss photo spots, please let me know! I’m hoping to stock up on some fresh content before we skip town again in August. What are you up to this weekend? . 📸: Me (tripod) . . . . . #weshareportugal #portugal_gems #portugallovers #portugal_vision #portugalagramas #portugal_photos #topportugalphoto #visitalgarve #algarveportugal #lagosportugal #portugaltravel #postcardfromtheworld #prettylittletrips #postcardplaces #travelinbetween #travelhappy #travelingpost #youmustsee #sidewalkerdaily #iamtb #travelgirlsgo #darlingescapes #damestravel #travelinladies #explorerbabes #prettycity #theprettycities #thefairytalebloggers #babeswhowander #femmetravel
When your Spanish fan (yes, it’s really from Mad When your Spanish fan (yes, it’s really from Madrid) is intended to be a prop...but then it’s actually a lifesaver as you sweat your face off at the lavender farm! Gotta love a functional prop! 😅 . I’m not sure if it’s my theatrical background, but I find props to be great storytelling tools (plus, they really come in handy when you don’t know what to do with your limbs in a photo 😉) . However, as they say in the theater, props are notorious for developing a life of their own (which is why you should always practice with them during the dress rehearsal)! In real life, props can lead to some pretty funny fails as well... . Here are just a few of my favorite props that are both photogenic and functional: . 1️⃣ Picnic baskets 2️⃣ Wicker bags 3️⃣ Hats 4️⃣ Fans 5️⃣ Candy apples 6️⃣ Bubbles (these can be tricky when it’s windy!) 7️⃣ Umbrellas 8️⃣ Flowers . Have you ever experimented with props or had an epic prop fail? Make me laugh👇🏻 . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #lavender #lavenderfields #lavenderlover #darlingescapes #wearetravelgirls #newengland #femmetravel #usatravel #visitusa #travelinbetween #damestravel #travelinladies #explorerbabes #travelgirldiary #womentravel #flowerfields #travelgirlsgo #prettylittletrips #youmustsee #thefairytalebloggers #babeswhowander #thedreamytravels #travelcommunity #travelmoments #travelmood #globetrotters #lifewelltraveled #wheretofindme #meettheworld #sidewalkerdaily
Who wants to quarantine in a life-sized dollhouse Who wants to quarantine in a life-sized dollhouse with me? 🤩🏠Welcome to one of my all-time favorite Connecticut gems: “Tall Tales” in Old Saybrook! This charming guesthouse is part of Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. As a Connecticut resident, I haven’t stayed here myself, but I just had to return to see this pink beauty in summer (since the last time I was here I couldn’t feel my face 🥶) . Definitely add this super-cute spot to your Connecticut itinerary if you’re making the trip! Where have you seen some cute “life-sized dollhouses?” . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #newengland #newengland_igers #connecticutgram #connecticutliving #oldsaybrook #pinkbuilding #darlingescapes #darlingplaces #darlingdaily #damestravel #travelinladies #travelgirlsgo #explorerbabes #prettylittletrips #charmingplaces #thefairytalebloggers #travelcommunity #iamtb #wearetravelgirls #citizenfemme #womentravel #babeswhowander #womenwhotravel #travelgirlshub #pinkstagram #pinkpinkpink #allpinkeverything #travelinbetween #thedreamytravels #prettycity
✨Spinning into Sunday with a brighter outlook!✨ . I had 9+ glorious hours of sleep last night (a very rare occurrence these days) and have been spending today plotting out our next adventures. I’m currently laying out a couple of East Coast road trips which will hopefully scratch my travel itch (and fill the ol’ Instagram grid) until fall. . I’ve decided to wait until the end of July to figure out our international travel plans for fall, as everything’s always evolving. That said, each new country opening announcement brings hope! What’s your next travel plan or are you already somewhere new rn? . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #lifeatsea #bythewater #seasidetown #seafront #waterside #massachusetts #massachusetts_igers #newengland #visitnewengland #newengland_igers #newenglandlife #rockport #rockportma #travelinbetween #journeysofgirls #girlsborntotravel #girlstraveltale #girlswithgypsysouls #inspiredtravels #borntotravel #hiddengems #wheretofindme #suitcasetravels #thedreamytravels #roamingwomen #girlsthatwander #travelcolorfully #prettylittletrips #postcardplaces #womenwhotravel
Hope your Saturday is filled with sunshine!🌞Min Hope your Saturday is filled with sunshine!🌞Mine is filled with lots of artificial blue light...from the computer screen 🙈 . In all seriousness, I’ve been starting to Burn out with a capital “B.” I recently heard a quote that really resonated with me: “It takes 20 years to make an overnight success.” Ain’t that the truth! Trying to keep myself sane by figuring out my next escape and how I’m going to pull it off with all of the craziness going on. Speaking of, I think as a content creator I need to experience every destination (at least) twice: Once for the photos and once to actually enjoy it. Tbh, I kind of want to go on a trip just to ACTUALLY go on a trip. The irony of being a travel blogger is that you’re never really on vacay 🧐 Who agrees? . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #newengland #newengland_igers #connecticutgram #sheisnotlost #dametraveler #darlingescapes #darlingplaces #damestravel #travelinladies #travelgirlsgo #explorerbabes #worldofwanderlust #ladiesgoneglobal #youmustsee #livetotravel #femmetravel #thefairytalebloggers #travelcommunity #iamtb #travelhappy #wearetravelgirls #citizenfemme #travelgirldiary #babeswhowander #womenwhotravel #travelgirlshub #travelinbetween #pinktrotters #prettylittletrips #abmlifeiscolorful
Writing my own fairytale here at home...🧚‍♀ Writing my own fairytale here at home...🧚‍♀️🏰 . While life has been anything but a fairytale these days, I’m willfully determined to keep going. I’ve never really been one to give up. (Just ask my hubby; he’s gotten sucked into week-long games of Monopoly with me on more than one occasion 😆) . In truth, 2020 feels like one sucker punch after the next, but somehow I keep picking myself up and throwing myself back into the ring again. Here are some nuggets of wisdom I’ve gained that may be of use to you in a downward spiral: . 1️⃣ You create your reality. If you decide that everything around you is futile, meaningless, and infinitely doomed, you’ll make it so. Find at least one thing to smile about each day, even if it seems silly. 2️⃣ Give yourself permission...for all of it. There’s no wrong way to feel/think right now because none of us have the right tools for this. There’s no script or guidebook other than to pull yourself out of bed each day and do the best you can (or stay under the covers if that’s what your body needs). 3️⃣ Stop waiting on that thing you want. That “someday” thing. You’ve already put it off until someday and look what happened; we’re in a pandemic! Start putting your dreams into action in any small way you can. What do you have to lose? We’re already in a global crisis, so it’s only up from here! 4️⃣ Be kind to others. The world has been turned upside down, so practice a bit of patience. Compassion costs nothing. 5️⃣ Stop caring what other people are thinking all the time. Chances are, they’re not thinking of you. (And that’s a relief!) As soon as you realize that, the sooner your life will start falling into place. . 📸: @stefpap86 . . . . . #newengland #newengland_igers #sheisnotlost #dametraveler #darlingescapes #darlingplaces #shetravels #damestravel #travelinladies #travelgirlsgo #explorerbabes #worldofwanderlust #ladiesgoneglobal #youmustsee #livetotravel #roamtheworld #femmetravel #thefairytalebloggers #travelcommunity #iamtb #travelhappy #wearetravelgirls #citizenfemme #womentravel #babeswhowander #womenwhotravel #travelgirlshub #pinkstagram #pinkpinkpink #allpinkeverything
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