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Blog Posts - the "Daily Diary"
Explore solo travel stories, cruise experiences, tips & guides.


Featured in The Compass: Seven Continents in One Unforgettable Year
My journey to all seven continents in a single year is now featured in VAX VacationAccess’ The Compass. This post shares the story behind the dream, the risks I took, and the unforgettable moments from the most ambitious year of my life.
colesjoholm
Feb 72 min read


34 Cruises in One Year: Life at Sea, Reflection, and Finding Balance
I spent 225+ nights and 34 cruises at sea in one year. This reflection explores balance, purpose, community, and what comes next.
colesjoholm
Dec 26, 20253 min read


Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Sydney’s Most Scenic Beach Trail
No trip to Sydney is complete without the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, one of Australia’s most iconic seaside trails.
colesjoholm
Nov 16, 20252 min read


The Rain Lets me Know I'm Alive: Reflections on Digital Nomad Life in Northern Germany
Walking through northern Germany in a light summer rain reminded me why contrast matters—and why even a dream life needs grounding
colesjoholm
Aug 17, 20253 min read


Chapter at Sea, With Gratitude: 42 Nights on the Carnival Miracle
Reflections on living aboard the Carnival Miracle for 42 nights—cruise ship life, Europe itineraries, community at sea, and what comes next.
colesjoholm
Jul 31, 20253 min read


Finding My Home/Life at Sea
Some dreams land. Some stay just out of reach. A reflection on waiting, becoming, and finding home at sea.
colesjoholm
Jun 16, 20253 min read


Reflections from Alaska/Waterfalls, Tacos, and True Colors
A Month in Alaska 🌲🏳️🌈⛴️ I feel like the stars are aligning. ✨ Over the last 30 days in Alaska, I’ve had space—real space—not just miles on a map, but space in my mind to think, reflect, and breathe deeply. I’ve let the crisp Alaskan air fill my lungs as waterfalls cascade down evergreen-draped cliffs. I’ve sat quietly on park benches overlooking fog-shrouded bays, watching life slow down around me. I’ve rediscovered an outdoor version of myself—one that thrives on hikes,
colesjoholm
Jun 6, 20253 min read


8,376 Days Later: Leaving Colorado, Embracing a Digital Nomad Life
A reflection on 8,376 days in Colorado, letting go of a physical home, and fully embracing a life of solo travel, minimalist living, and digital nomad freedom.
colesjoholm
May 7, 20253 min read


Tapas + Tears: Finding Perspective in Barcelona
Sitting here in Barcelona on yet another rainy afternoon, I stumbled across an article titled “The 25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World” ( link here ). A single tear rolls down my cheek—not from the sudden downpour (my trusty €6 umbrella is holding up just fine)—but from the realization that I’ve been to most of the cities on the list, with a few more already planned for this year. And just like that, it hits me again: I am truly, incredibly fortunate. A few short years ago
colesjoholm
Mar 24, 20254 min read


Getting Out of the Funk: Finding Perspective Through Life at Sea
Today marks my 51st day of travel since I left Grand Junction, Colorado, on November 20th, meaning I have 37 days to go before I fly home on February 16th. Pinch me—I don’t want it to end. The majority of my time has been spent onboard Carnival ships, while this week’s voyage has been aboard the award-winning and Forbes Four-Star-rated Celebrity Apex . To say the experiences between cruise lines are different is an understatement, but I’ve found myself enjoying the variety mo
colesjoholm
Jan 10, 20253 min read


A New Book: Letting Go, Living Lighter, and Traveling the World
Living lighter, traveling longer, and rewriting the story after 40. This chapter isn't about counting continents—it's about time, freedom, and choosing memories over possessions as a new book begins.
colesjoholm
Nov 20, 20242 min read


Panama Canal Bound: Solo Life at Sea on an Extended Cruise.
Multiple sea days, forced relaxation, shipboard routines, and unexpected connections—life aboard the Carnival Spirit unfolds slowly as we sail south towards a full Panama Canal transit.
colesjoholm
Oct 12, 20242 min read


The Happy Place: Solo Travel, Cruise Life & Personal Reflection
A raw reflection on solo travel, heartbreak, growth, and why a cruise ship remains my happy place during life's transitions.
colesjoholm
Oct 9, 20243 min read


Podcast Feature: Makin' Moves with Matt — Seven Continents & Solo Travel
I join Makin' Moves with Matt to talk solo travel, visiting all seven continents, and the life lessons learned along the way.
colesjoholm
Jul 25, 20241 min read


Unveiling Filling My Bucket: Solo Travel Book Release
Announcing the release of Filling My Bucket: A Year of Solo Travel Across Seven Continents, a solo travel memoir about personal growth, adventure, and stepping foot on all seven continents.
colesjoholm
May 31, 20242 min read


New Beginnings Start With an End: Seven Continents in One Year
Ending 2023 along—but fulfilled—after visiting all seven continents as a solo LGBTQ traveler. A year of sacrifice, growth, and vision.
colesjoholm
Dec 31, 20233 min read


Light in the Darkness: Antarctica, Ushuaia, and What's Next
After Antarctica and Ushuaia, a solo LGBTQ traveler reflects on endings, polar plunges, and embracing what's next in 2024
colesjoholm
Dec 30, 20232 min read


Final Stop in Antarctica: Yankee Harbour and the Last Landing
A final landing in Antarctica at Yankee Harbour—penguins, seals, wildlife, and reflection at the end of a seven-continent journey.
colesjoholm
Dec 27, 20232 min read


Christmas at Santa’s Summer Home: Celebrating the Holidays in Antarctica
Celebrating Christmas in Antarctica with zodiac rides, penguins, ship traditions, and unforgettable moments at the end of the world.
colesjoholm
Dec 26, 20235 min read


Find Me Another Group That’s Sung Karaoke in Antarctica
From whales sightings to homemade karaoke, this spontaneous Antarctic night proved that the best moments can't be planned.
colesjoholm
Dec 25, 20236 min read
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