Hi, I’m Sarah — an empty nester, disabled veteran, and lifelong explorer who’s learned to adapt the way I travel to fit the season of life I’m in. For me, travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about rediscovering myself along the way.
My deep love for travel truly began in 2015, when I spent three unforgettable weeks road-tripping across France. That adventure changed everything for me — it taught me that the best journeys aren’t just about where you go, but how they make you feel.
In early 2020, just before the world shut down, I joined my first guided land tour with Globus, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and warm culture of Southern Ireland. When COVID hit soon after, I traded planes for road trips across the Southeast USA, uncovering small towns, hidden gems, and backroads that most people pass by. As soon as the world reopened, I dove right back in — cruising, hiking, and exploring the world again, one adventure at a time.
These days, my travels look a little different. After raising four kids, I’ve gone from family-style adventures and having to stretch the budget to rediscovering myself as a single, divorced empty nester with a renewed sense of independence. I’ve learned how to plan around now health and physical limitations, budget smartly, and still make each trip deeply fulfilling.
Through The Empty Nester’s Travels, I share real stories, practical tips, and destination guides designed for those of us entering this new stage of life. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip, a bucket-list adventure, or just a quiet weekend getaway, you’ll find:
- 🧭 Inspiration and itineraries for both epic adventures and easy escapes
- 🚗 Road trip routes that highlight small towns, scenic drives, and hidden treasures
- ✈️ Cruise and guided tour reviews to help you choose what fits your travel style now
- 💡 Practical advice on adapting travel for comfort, health, and energy levels
- 💬 Personal reflections on rediscovery, resilience, and finding joy in this next chapter
If you haven’t yet become an empty nester, you’ll soon see — travel changes when the kids leave home. But it also opens up a world of new opportunities.
My goal is to help you embrace those differences, find confidence in your own journey, and remind you that adventure doesn’t end with an empty nest — it just looks a little different, and maybe even better.
-S