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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist
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The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

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Browsing Category

Travel

What Long-Term Family Travel in Europe Was *Really* Like

Long-term family travel sounds like an extended vacation, but our 110 days in Europe included plenty of ordinary life alongside the adventures.

There were extraordinary adventures (so many of them!!)… but there were also groceries,…

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  • Travel, Euro Adventure, Parenting
  • Aug, 18, 2026
  • 19 Comments

I’m on The Reframe! Talking 110 Days in Europe, Our Budget + More

For anyone curious to hear my voice (or some approximation thereof; does anyone else feel self conscious about hearing their own voice on audio???), I’m on a podcast today!

Earlier this summer, Kathleen Paley invited…

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  • Euro Adventure, Frugality, Guest Post, Podcast, Travel
  • Aug, 17, 2026
  • 19 Comments

Packing for Long-Term Travel: What Worked for 110 Days in Europe

When I first wrote about our plan to spend months exploring Europe, one detail received some extra attention: the fact that we were each taking a single (small, wheeled) carry-on suitcase and one backpack…

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  • Travel, Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Euro Adventure
  • Aug, 13, 2026
  • 25 Comments

Best Things to Do in Helsinki: Family-Friendly Attractions, Hidden Gems + Easy Day Trips

We spent a full month living in Helsinki as a family, which gave us time to experience the city quite differently than we would have during a quick weekend visit (though my brother and…

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  • Travel, Euro Adventure, Helsinki
  • Aug, 10, 2026
  • 4 Comments

How We Planned for 110 Days in Europe: Our Itinerary + Travel Planning Tips

At the end of our 110 days in Europe, I put out a call for reader questions. Because there were so many—and a fair amount of repetition—I’m going to answer them thematically spread across…

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  • Travel, Ask Me (Almost) Anything, Euro Adventure, Planning
  • Jul, 30, 2026
  • 16 Comments

Flight Cancellation Compensation: We Got Nearly $4,000 CAD!!

You know I love talking about simple ways to save money. Last week I talked about thrift-store coupons and a free replacement suitcase. Yesterday I talked about cash-back rewards and free chocolates from Lufthansa….

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  • Frugality, Euro Adventure, Travel, United Kingdom
  • Jul, 22, 2026
  • 16 Comments

Visiting St Fagans in Cardiff: The UK’s Best “Free Day Out”

Believe it or not, I still have more European recaps to write. Better a month late than never, right?

You’re in for a treat today because we spent part of our final Welsh weekend exploring…

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  • United Kingdom, Euro Adventure, Travel
  • Jul, 20, 2026
  • 17 Comments
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