latest on the blog
This is a girl excited to say hello to the upcoming fall months, but also wanting to hold to summer for as long as possible... *smiles*
Happy Friday friends! I hope that you have had a lovely week! This week has been extremely busy starting my college classes and working on the blog and Caravan Sonnet Classroom. At the same time this has been an incredibly restful week. I have been purposing more and more to guard my time very carefully in the sense that I am not just "busy" doing "all of the things". It can be so easy to fall into that with all of the different seasons that we are each going through to be busier and busier. One of the things this summer that I was determined to do was learn to "rest well". I have been incorporating small moments throughout each day leaning into rest, and leaning into how this truly not only creates more peace, but has allowed me to be creative, more wise with my decisions (since I am not rushing around everywhere) and more fully present for those in front of me.
I look forward to sharing more but these are just some small thoughts on this Friday morning. *smiles*
Here are some of my favorite things from this past week! First of all....
.jpeg "the next four months - fall and the holidays")
I am OVERWHELMED by the response of this reel that I posted earlier this week on Instagram. I am so thankful that the beauty in the reel touched so many people's lives. You can watch, like, comment, and share the reel HERE!
2. Update on Mom
Thank you so much for your continued prayers for mom. She has been doing really well and has been gaining back her energy each day and week here at the cabin. We have some upcoming appointments that are very important and some decisions to make so we continue to ask for prayers for the best next steps forward.
I am so excited that y'all are very excited about the 1% projects that I started sharing about on Instagram. There is so much to share about these projects- but you can watch and learn more on Instagram by clicking HERE!
I am also SO grateful for ALL of your support of this shop. Y'all... THANK YOU. This is something that I work so hard on behind the scenes and your support, reviews, and encouragement are HUGE. This month I have hit some major milestones and I literally cried yesterday out of gratitude!! Thank you so much for all of your support of the shop! If you would like to check out the shop you can find it HERE!
Can I ask 3 HUGE favors?
(1)- If you are not already following the shoppe could you please do so? Even if you are not a teacher or don't plan to purchase things the number of followers does influence potential buyers and this would show incredible support! Simply click HERE!
(2)- If you have purchased something would you please take a moment and leave a review? It doesn't have to be long, but reviews are SO helpful to TPT owners like myself! Simply click HERE!
(3) Can you pass on the shop to those that teach High School History, Personal Finance, Law, Business, and Government so that they can find these resources? Your help in sharing about the shop is a gift that is beyond words. Thank you!
.jpg "Top 10 Must Pack Items for a New England and Canadian Cruise")
With Caravan Sonnet turning 13 years old this year I love sharing on Fridays some of the older but most popular posts on the blog! One of the things that Caravan Sonnet developed into in the early years was a a resource for those looking for cozy luxury travel around the United States and World.
I am so delighted to start sharing about some upcoming adventures for the Fall and Holidays and look forward to sharing all of the details!!!
In the meantime, you can check out all of the travel and cruising adventures HERE!
I hope that you have a wonderful Friday friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!!
Image is not the property of Caravan Sonnet
Happy Thursday, friends! Today I wanted to share a little bit about our stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport during our time in Oregon in July!
As always with these hotel reviews, I want to mention right from the beginning that this stay was not sponsored and we received no discount or compensation in exchange for sharing our experience. I simply love sharing places that we discover in our travels in the hopes that they might be helpful to someone else planning a similar trip!
When I was planning our time in Portland (we were arriving on a Sunday afternoon and had until Tuesday evening), we looked at several different Marriott properties, including options directly downtown. Because we would have a rental car and were going to be exploring several different areas around and outside of Portland, we ultimately decided that staying right downtown wasn't necessary for our trip this time.
I am going to be honest- that decision ended up saving us several hundred dollars for our two-night stay. We chose the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport, which is located only about five minutes from Portland International Airport. Despite being so close to the airport, one of the things that surprised us the most was just how quiet our stay was.
This is really important to note because when traveling, a quiet hotel is something that I appreciate tremendously. We never felt like we were staying directly beside a busy airport, and both nights were incredibly quiet despite the hotel being nearly full and the proximity to the airport.
The Location
For us, the location was probably one of the biggest advantages of staying here. We were approximately five minutes from the airport and about twenty minutes from downtown Portland, depending on traffic. Even more importantly, we found it incredibly easy to get from the hotel to the different areas of Portland (and to our adventure to Mt. Hood) that we wanted to explore. Because this trip wasn't centered exclusively around downtown Portland, having easy access to major roads actually worked much better for our itinerary than staying downtown would have.
Another HUGE benefit? Free parking! If you are traveling through Portland with a rental car or your own vehicle, this is definitely something to factor into your hotel decision. Between the significantly lower room rate and not having an additional nightly parking expense, staying outside of downtown saved us a substantial amount of money. As I mentioned above, for a two-night stay, at the end of July, the difference was several hundred dollars compared with another Marriott property we had considered downtown. Sometimes cozy luxury travel isn't about choosing the fanciest or most centrally located hotel. Sometimes it is about finding the place that makes the most sense for the trip you are actually taking—without the added expense and this was absolutely one of those situations for us.
The Hotel and Our Room
There is one important thing that I would want anyone considering this property to know ahead of time: This is definitely an older Courtyard. We have stayed at many Marriott properties over the years, and this was probably one of the most dated Marriott properties that we have encountered in quite some time. The room itself, furnishings, and overall design felt noticeably older compared with the newer generation of Courtyard or Marriott hotels. The television was also an older model and did not have the ability to connect to the internet or easily access our own streaming services, which has become pretty standard at many Marriott properties. The furniture was very dated, the carpet design very old, and the entire room felt like you had stepped back into the 1990s. SO- if having a newly renovated room, contemporary finishes, or updated technology is particularly important to you, this may not be the property that you are going to want to book.
That being said—and I think this distinction is important—dated does not mean dirty or poorly maintained. Our room was extremely clean. Everything was neat, comfortable, and well cared for, and we had absolutely no concerns about the cleanliness of the property. In fact, the mattresses were newer and both mom and I slept incredibly well both nights! I would much rather stay in an older hotel that is exceptionally clean and quiet and restful than a beautiful new property that isn't maintained well, and we found the Courtyard Portland Airport to be very well cared for during our stay.
A Few Additional Things We Appreciated
1. Another little travel detail that can make a surprisingly big difference: DoorDash deliveries were incredibly easy. Because our time in Portland was so short we wanted to make the most of every minute and we were often up very early (our east coast time came in handy!) and gone till well past dinnertime. After long days of exploring, sometimes the last thing we wanted to do is get back into the car and find somewhere for dinner. We were able to order food easily and have it delivered directly to the hotel without any confusion or difficulty.
2. The staff that we interacted with throughout our stay were also very nice and helpful. For people who were also (understandably) very concerned about the wildfires, their concern and attention to their guests was even more appreciated.
I do have to say that the only small hesitation we encountered was when I requested a later checkout. As a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member, I asked about the later checkout, and initially there seemed to be some hesitancy about accommodating the request. It was eventually accommodated, which we appreciated, but it was a little surprising compared with some of our other Marriott stays where this was just offered at the beginning of the stay. Still, this was a very minor part of an otherwise easy and pleasant experience.
Also... and for me this was not a big deal at all, but there was a man checking in that I overheard extremely upset about something so I will mention it... there was no "thank you for being a ______ Elite member of Marriott" which is typical for any check in. Now to me this was not even on my radar. It is a very nice thing that Marriott does but it wasn't something that I have to hear so to me it was "missing" when you check in but I never would have thought twice about it... until a man checking in made a big fuss about it. SO again, if you are needing these things - and want to hear this and someone forgets (maybe because they are concerned about their home due to fires) then this may be upsetting to you. *sigh sometimes I think we all need to just give each other a lot of grace as I believe people are truly trying their best*
Would We Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. And I think that is ultimately the most important part of any hotel review. Would I choose this property because I was looking for a luxurious or newly renovated Marriott experience? Probably not. Would I choose it again because I wanted an extremely clean, remarkably quiet, affordable hotel with free parking, easy airport access, and a convenient location for exploring Portland? Absolutely. For our particular trip, it was honestly the perfect find. Being approximately five minutes from the airport made our travel days incredibly convenient. Being only about twenty minutes from downtown meant we weren't sacrificing easy access to Portland. Free parking eliminated another travel expense. The location made exploring different parts of the area simple. And the room rate saved us several hundred dollars over what we would have spent staying downtown. Sometimes a hotel doesn't need to be the newest or most beautiful property to be exactly what you need. For us, the combination of quiet + cleanliness + convenience + affordability outweighed the older décor and technology by far.
We did not come to Portland to stay in our hotel, but to explore the city and the surrounding area so our hotel was important for sleep and a homebase. If you are traveling to Portland and will have a car—especially if you are flying through PDX and don't necessarily need to stay directly downtown—I would definitely recommend putting the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Airport on your list to compare.
Happy Thursday friends! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Don’t miss the TPT Teacher Appreciation Sale 2026! TODAY AND TOMORROW, Save up to 25% on all of my creative, colorful, and NO Prep educational resources! Stock up on all of the NO PREP classroom items you need to end the school year strong — use code BTSBONUS26 at checkout. Click HERE to go directly to the shop!
AND... I want to give you a FREE GIFT!
Thank you so much again for all of your support of the shop! I know I say that all of the time, but you are a blessing! I am so glad you are here! And to say thank you, I want to share about a small thank you gift that you can receive!!! Community matters deeply to me, and your reviews truly help this small, independent shop continue to grow. So I am offering a small gift- if you leave a review in the Caravan Sonnet Shoppe, you can choose one FREE resource (up to $3 in value) as my thank-you.
How it works:
1. Leave a review on any resource in the shop
2. Email me at caravansonnet@gmail.com with your purchase and the link to your review
3. Tell me which resource you’d like
4. I’ll send it to you directly as an attachment
It’s my way of saying a very small thank you for supporting thoughtful, real-world teaching. Truly—it means more than I can say.
Thank you again for ALL of your support!! Happy Shopping!!
Florida rewards travelers who slow down and mix things up. Between the coastline, the wetlands, and the small towns tucked along the Gulf, there's more to a trip here than beach chairs and sunscreen.
This guide walks through five ways to fill your days, from time on the water to quiet evenings that ask nothing of you at all.
1. Get out on the water around Naples
The Gulf side of Naples stays calm most mornings, which makes it a solid spot for anyone who hasn't spent much time on open water. Small chop and steady winds mean first timers can relax instead of gripping the rail the entire trip. Even kids settle into it fast, especially before the afternoon breeze rolls in.
Timing a trip around sunset changes the whole experience. The light over the water near Naples Pier turns gold about an hour before dusk, and boats slow their pace to let everyone take it in. Bring a light jacket, since the temperature drops once the sun is gone.
Dolphins show up more often than people expect, particularly in the channels just offshore. Many visitors book a boat rental in Naples, FL, specifically for this reason, since a smaller craft can slip into shallower water where dolphins tend to feed. Bring a camera with a decent zoom, because the sightings rarely last long.
Renting instead of buying makes sense for a trip like this. Ownership means storage, maintenance, and insurance long after the vacation ends, while a rental gets you the same afternoon on the water without any of that weight. For most visitors, that tradeoff isn't close.
2. Chase the Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast
Clearwater Beach earns its reputation for a reason. The sand stays cool underfoot even at midday, a rare quality among Florida beaches, and the shallow entry makes it easy for families to wade out without worrying about drop-offs. Crowds build by late morning, so early risers get the best stretch of sand.
Sanibel Island draws a different crowd, one more interested in shells than swimming. After storms roll through, the beaches there fill with shells that collectors travel hours to find. Bring a mesh bag and comfortable shoes, since the best finds are often just past the waterline.
Not every beach needs to be famous to be worth the drive. Smaller coves along the coast, often unmarked on tourist maps, offer the same water with a fraction of the people. Locals tend to know these spots and are usually happy to point them out if you ask.
Low tide changes what a beach has to offer. Sandbars appear that weren't visible an hour earlier, tide pools fill with small fish and crabs, and walking distances stretch out considerably. Checking a tide chart before heading out turns an ordinary beach walk into something closer to exploring.
3. Eat Your Way Through Florida's Coastal Towns
Stone crab season runs roughly from October through May, and claims to taste noticeably better fresh than frozen. Restaurants along the coast serve them chilled with a mustard sauce that cuts through the richness. Prices climb toward the end of the season, so earlier visits tend to be kinder on the wallet.
Tampa's Cuban sandwich has its own local identity, distinct from versions found elsewhere in the state. The bread comes pressed and crackling, the ham and roast pork layer thick, and a swipe of mustard ties it together. Ybor City holds several spots where the recipe hasn't changed in decades.
Roadside seafood shacks rarely look like much from the outside, but that's usually where the best food turns up. Peel-and-eat shrimp, fried grouper sandwiches, and hush puppies served in paper baskets are standard fare. Skipping these for a sit-down restaurant often means missing out on a better meal.
Farmers markets pop up in most coastal towns on weekends, selling produce picked the same morning. Citrus, tomatoes, and honey from local hives show up alongside baked goods and small-batch hot sauce. Wandering through one for twenty minutes usually turns into an hour without anyone noticing.
4. Explore the Everglades and Wild Florida
An airboat ride through the sawgrass gives a view of Florida that most visitors never see from a car window. The flat-bottomed boats skim over water only inches deep, weaving between clusters of mangroves. Guides usually know exactly where wildlife tends to gather that day.
Alligators show up along nearly every boardwalk trail through the Everglades, often closer than people expect. Staying on the marked path keeps things safe while still allowing a clear view. Morning visits tend to bring more sightings, since alligators bask in the cooler air before the heat sets in.
Kayaking through the mangrove tunnels works best at dawn, when the water sits still, and the light filters through the canopy in patches. Paddling here feels quieter than almost anywhere else in the state, with only birds and the occasional splash breaking the silence.
Ranger-led programs give structure to an Everglades visit, particularly for families with younger kids. Rangers point out species that are easy to miss on your own and answer questions a guidebook usually can't. Most programs run free with park admission and fill up fast during peak season.
5. Unwind With Florida's Slower Side
A spa afternoon works as a reset after days spent on boats, beaches, and long drives. Many coastal towns have small, independent spas that don't require booking weeks in advance. A ninety-minute massage or a simple facial goes a long way toward recovering before the next adventure.
Hammocks strung between palm trees turn an ordinary beach into a place to actually rest. Some hotels set them up along the shoreline for guests, while others allow visitors to bring their own. An hour spent swaying above the sand does more for a vacation than another packed itinerary.
Away from city lights, Florida's night sky opens up in a way most visitors don't expect. State parks along the coast often host clear, unobstructed views, especially on nights with a new moon. Bringing a blanket and arriving after sunset makes the difference between a glance up and an actual show.
Local breweries have become a fixture in coastal towns, many with patios built specifically for warm evenings. Flights of local beer paired with live music make for an easy way to close out the day. Staff at these spots often know the area better than any guidebook, and asking for recommendations tends to pay off.
Wrapping Up
Florida offers more than beach days and theme parks once you know where to look. From boat rides near Naples to quiet mangrove tunnels in the Everglades, the state rewards a little curiosity.
Whichever of these five you choose, building in time for the slower moments makes the whole trip feel more complete.
Image credit Unsplash
Traveling has really changed. We're not just tourists ticking off landmarks anymore; we're explorers looking for real experiences and deeper connections with the places we visit. This shift completely changes how we pick where to stay. Instead of just needing a place to sleep, we want a home base that supports our adventures, keeps us connected, and puts us right in the middle of everything. For today's traveler, choosing the right accommodation is the first step to an unforgettable trip.
What Defines a Modern Explorer?
Today's travelers are a different kind of bunch. We crave immersion and value experiences much more than just seeing sights. The United States Tour Operators Association describes these modern-day explorers as people who seek authenticity and cultural engagement. You're probably one of them if you'd rather explore a local food market than eat at a chain restaurant, or visit an art gallery instead of a souvenir shop.
This mindset really impacts accommodation choices. A modern explorer doesn't want a hotel that feels cut off from the city's pulse. Instead, you're looking for a base that's part of the lively community you're there to discover. It's about a comfortable, convenient launchpad for daily adventures and a welcoming place to return to each night. That means prioritizing places with easy access to culture, food, and local life.
Location, Location, Location: Staying in the Heart of the Action
For any explorer, your accommodation's location can make or break the trip. Choosing a hotel in a busy, dynamic district puts the best of a city at your doorstep, saving you time and transportation costs. You can step out and immediately be surrounded by cafes, galleries, parks, and public spaces where local life unfolds. This closeness allows for spontaneity – the freedom to wander without a strict plan and stumble upon hidden gems.
Imagine staying in a central business and lifestyle district, like Bonifacio Global City in Manila. Choosing a centrally located 4-star hotel in BGC means you're just steps away from top-tier dining, shopping, and cultural sites. Instead of spending an hour commuting, you can use that time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast or catch a sunset from a rooftop bar. Staying in a vibrant hub transforms your trip from a series of planned outings into a smooth, immersive experience.
Beyond the Bed: Amenities That Matter
While location is crucial, the right amenities can take your stay from good to great. Modern explorers need more than a clean room; they need features that support a connected, comfortable lifestyle. High-speed Wi-Fi is essential for planning the next day's route, booking tickets, or sharing your experiences with friends and family back home.
Look for hotels that offer amenities designed for both work and relaxation. A well-equipped fitness center helps you stick to your routine even when you're traveling, and a swimming pool is a perfect way to unwind after a long day of walking. On-site dining options are also a huge plus, offering a convenient, tasty meal when you don't feel like venturing out. These thoughtful extras show that a hotel truly understands what today's traveler needs.
Finding Value Without Sacrificing Comfort
Smart travel isn't about being cheap; it's about using your budget strategically to get the most out of your experiences. You don't have to choose between a five-star price tag and a bare-bones hostel. A wide middle ground of accommodations offers excellent value, combining comfort, style, and affordability. The key is knowing where to look and what to prioritize.
You can often find great rates by booking smarter in travel hubs and taking advantage of loyalty programs or off-season deals. Consider what's included in the rate. A slightly more expensive hotel that includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and gym access might offer better overall value than a cheaper option where you have to pay for everything separately. Focus on what truly matters to you and invest in a stay that enhances your trip rather than detracts from it.
Choosing the right accommodation is a vital part of modern travel planning. By focusing on central locations and valuable amenities, you set yourself up for a richer, more engaging adventure.
*contributed post*
As we look to the last 4 months of the year, may you receive the miracles your heart has been quietly longing and desperately praying for.
Happy Sunday friends! I hope you have the most wonderful day!
There are some parts of travel that you expect to become part of the story—the beautiful destinations, the meals you remember, the places that take your breath away. And then sometimes, there are the completely unexpected parts that become some of your favorite memories. For Mom and me on our recent trip to Oregon, one of those unexpected joys was our rental car.
First Time Renting With Alamo
This was actually my first experience renting with Alamo Rent A Car, and I originally chose them for a very practical reason: the price point was amazing. When I was comparing rental car options for our time in Oregon, Alamo offered an incredibly competitive rate, and the online booking process was refreshingly simple. Travel already comes with a million little details to coordinate, so anytime something is straightforward and easy, I appreciate it. What I didn't expect was how wonderful the experience would continue to be once we arrived.
The Most Fun Surprise
When we picked up our vehicle, the woman helping us was SO kind—I was greeted with a genuine warm welcome to Portland and she sweetly asked all about our travels before any type of business. She was truly excited we were both in Portland and then she unexpectedly received gifted us an upgrade to a Jeep Wrangler 4xe!
Y'all. Mom and I had so much fun with this car. We drove it throughout our adventures around Portland and all the way up toward beautiful Mt. Hood, and somehow the Jeep just fit the adventure perfectly. We received so many comments about it everywhere we went, which made us giggle and we truly just loved the fun added bonus to our adventure.
For me, there was another layer to it also. I owned a Jeep ("proey") for about a year before it needed a lot of work that I couldn't afford and eventually needing to sell it as Mom and I worked toward purchasing a new used car that we could share. Getting behind the wheel of a Jeep again brought back so many wonderful memories that I hadn't expected. Sometimes it really is the smallest, most ordinary things that become part of the memory of a trip.
The Customer Service Made the Difference
As much as we loved the Jeep, what impressed me most about our first Alamo experience was actually the people. From the kindness we experienced when picking up the vehicle to the incredibly easy return process, everything was simple.
Toward the end of our rental, Mom and I ended up needing the car for a few additional hours. It was one of those travel situations where having that extra time made things significantly easier for us. The wonderful people at Alamo accommodated us—and we weren't even charged for those additional hours.
That kind of kindness matters.
There are plenty of companies that can rent you a car. What makes you remember a company is how you're treated when you're standing at the counter, when plans shift slightly, or when you simply need someone to make one part of traveling easier. Alamo did exactly that for us.
Would I Rent From Alamo Again?
Absolutely. This was my first Alamo rental, but after this experience, they will be one of the first companies I check when booking future trips. The price was excellent. Booking online was easy. Our upgrade was an unexpected gift. The employees we encountered were incredibly kind. Returning the vehicle couldn't have been simpler. And somewhere between Portland and Mt. Hood, that Jeep became part of the story of our Oregon adventure.
I always want to be very clear when something I share is sponsored versus something I simply discovered and loved. This is NOT sponsored. Alamo did not ask me to write this post, compensate me for it, or know that I was going to share our experience. Sometimes you simply encounter a company while traveling that exceeds your expectations—and when that happens, I think it's worth saying so.
Alamo, you turned a first-time customer into someone who will absolutely be checking your rates first on future adventures. Thank you for the kindness, the incredibly easy experience, and an unexpected Jeep upgrade that gave Mom and me more laughs and memories than you could possibly know. From one very happy first-time customer: we can't recommend our experience enough.
This post is not sponsored or affiliated with Alamo Rent A Car in any way. We paid for our rental ourselves, and I simply wanted to share an experience that genuinely impressed us.
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