The strategy I want to keep after traveling

americanftwr July 21, 2025

0 0 5 minutes read

The strategy I want to keep after traveling

Share some strategies I tried to keep after the trip.

Hi, friends! Are you OK? How about the weekend? I hope you have a great person! We celebrated my Nana’s birthday, the pilot came home on the trip, I taught a bar class and met with a friend for brunch. We also got some monsoon rains, which was always a little enjoyable.

For today’s post, I want to talk about our trip, our perspectives since we were back, and some of the strategies I’ve tried to maintain. We all know that we love traveling. I think this is the stupidest way we spend money on experience, which gives us a chance to get rid of the hustle and bustle and enjoy the time of the family (or couple). Traveling always gives me a perspective and helps me remember what actually fuels my energy and joy…and what is not.

When we are in Spain, we are able to take the time and really enjoy the day. I really tried to keep some of the things I really liked to our trip (apart from epic attractions, culture and food, you know…) and put them on some list. It’s not the ever-present “vacation mode”, but the thing that made me the most important thing this trip.

The strategy I want to keep after traveling

1. As much as possible

We walked a few miles a day without even trying, and the exercise felt natural and refreshing – and was not forced. While there are some challenges here, I’m still trying to take a walk after dinner, walk in meetings and Maisey, who walks in the rain when it cools down, recreate this at home.

It’s fun because Tucson is not a walking friendly city. Everything is far away, it’s a million degrees, and if you’re walking outside, most people will think your car is broken unless you’re nearby or on the walking trail. It was definitely the peak of summer so I used the Lil walking mat all day. In Spain I can easily reach 20k steps every day and I have to intentionally hit 10k here.

2. Cook from scratch (and choose to do the same place)

Whether it’s at Airbnb, friends (our friend Tony made the epic Carrillada) or cooks by cozy local locals, the food we eat feels nourished and intentional. While I don’t think we need to enjoy the fine meal all the time, the quality and freshness of the ingredients speak a lot. I found that since I came home, there were only a few restaurants here that were worth it to me. I would rather buy good ingredients and cook at home than paying 100-200 mediocre meals for the four of us.

3. Keep the meal simple

I still remember that meals don’t require 18 ingredients or 3 seasonings to satisfy them. A piece of grilled fish, some grilled vegetables, drizzle of olive oil and lemon: Perfect. Since our trip was on a longer side, I was able to cook in Airbnb, but I also didn’t want to buy a lot of ingredients and parts. Our meals were so simple, fresh and satisfying.

4. Stay up late and fall asleep (seasonal)

Embracing the summer night is really amazing: the kids are late, the spontaneous ice cream runs, the morning light peeks at the window while you are still curling in the bed. This is not a routine forever, but an interesting reminder of sometimes bent rules. The school year is very rigid and scheduled (must be), so stay up late or most nights at midnight or 1 a.m. and start the day around 9:30.

5. Good company slow meal

Whether it was dinner on the terrace with friends or the four of us were on the dining table, recreating the meal for 2 hours. I like the meals and it’s not rushed, which allows you to enjoy the food and the company more. I found you use hunger tips more so you actually eat less. I’ve been trying to slow down a little bit in every aspect of my life.

6. Prioritize new adventures with girls

Even at home: new parks, new recipes, small tours, or just let them help me plan something “new”. Traveling always reminds me of how amazing it is to see the world through their eyes. Also, what they said is true: they grew up. What they used to enjoy was no longer so exciting, so it was fun to explore what they were engaged in and have some new adventures.

7. If you take a break… nothing crashes

This is very big. Together, we all bear a huge psychological and emotional burden, especially as mothers. We are those who remember who mysteriously used up socks, we need to pick up ingredients for supper, order gifts for birthday parties this weekend, a kid having a dentist appointment tomorrow, and work deadlines and chores. Just one step back is refreshing… nothing breaks. Blog, inbox, housework; when we came back they were all waiting, it was OK.

When both girls were babies, I was still writing 3 times a day and couldn’t imagine taking off in just one weekend. I ended up taking a break for about six weeks for the first time and nothing broke.

I precompose my content in advance and answer customers’ calls and emails when we are not around. It was a huge gift and it gave me new indifference and energy to be back in something for the second time we were back. While I don’t think I’m going to take another six weeks off anytime soon, I can remind you that you can go a little bit and everything will be fine.

8. Take time out of art, music and culture

Whether it’s a museum, live music, or listening to a symphony on Spotify during Spotify dinner, it can add richness to your daily life. You don’t have to be in another country to bring beauty into your day. I’m working hard to book tickets for theaters, enjoy outdoor music, visit museums, and bring some culture and joy to our lives.

9. Nursing community

One of the most beautiful things in Spain is the community environment. Our friends went to an international school in Seville and their parents were often together. When the kids come down to play, plan meals, day trips and play dates, they keep enjoying drinks or snacks together. We are lucky to have an incredible community in Tucson, so it is a great reminder to continue fostering relationships that are important to us.

10. Wear clothes for a day

Europeans have a way to take care of the day. While the leggings have their place (I will never completely quit), it feels good to wear them. I definitely feel more focused and productive when I wear the most authentic clothes instead of sweat and hoodies. 😉