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


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


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


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


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


A Day of Remembrance: Visiting the 9/11 Memorial, Museum & NYC Icons
A deeply reflective visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, followed by unforgettable moments across New York City.
colesjoholm
Jun 19, 20244 min read


When in Singapore, you Singapore Sling
If you wanted to know how much of a city you can fit in 24 hours, I have a gauge for you. I slept a total of 3 hours in my beautiful...
colesjoholm
Dec 6, 20236 min read


Visually stunning Vietnam
Well that was a feat for the eyes and the stomach. The Celebrity Millennium docked in Hue, Vietnam and we were onshore around 7:30a. The...
colesjoholm
Dec 1, 20234 min read


A dazzling day in Hong Kong
Note: we visited Hong Kong on Friday November 24th. I’ve been unable to upload photos to the blog since visiting Hong Kong. I am unsure...
colesjoholm
Nov 30, 20235 min read


A Volcanic day in Kagoshima
After departing Yokohama on Friday, November 18th and having our first sea day on Saturday, the Celebrity Millennium arrived in...
colesjoholm
Nov 19, 20232 min read


Silence in a city of 40 million people
Wednesday, Nov 14th Well, walking around the first night in Shinjuku, after arriving in Tokyo, and navigating on a train from the airport...
colesjoholm
Nov 18, 20234 min read


Did something I PROMISED myself I wasn’t going to do…
Well folks, I did something I promised myself I was NOT going to do this year. In my year of "yes", driving in a foreign country was a...
colesjoholm
Sep 12, 20233 min read


Recap: 19 nights aboard the Celebrity Apex
It's a wrap. One more night in Amsterdam...which is not being downplayed AT all, but my time onboard the Celebrity Apex has been...
colesjoholm
Jul 6, 20233 min read


Copenhagen for the win
Well done Denmark. Not one, but two days in the Capital City of Denmark were the perfect stop to the end of this guys European Vacation....
colesjoholm
Jul 6, 20232 min read


A Sjoholm in Stockholm
I'll be back. Stockholm is definitely on the I'll be back list. Another torrential downpour made for less than ideal sight-seeing. A...
colesjoholm
Jul 5, 20232 min read


You rained on my Helsinki Parade
It was a sloppy wet and cold day in Helsinki. At least it ended that way. There was a few hours of minimal mist but once it started,...
colesjoholm
Jul 4, 20232 min read


Tallinn, Estonia - country # 9
It was a hot, hot day in Tallinn on Friday, June 30th. I was sweating in the shade while I was sipping my new favorite cocktail...
colesjoholm
Jul 3, 20232 min read


Visby, Sweden - a 2nd homecoming
Stepping foot on countries of your heritage is special. My Norwegian and Swedish blood feels right at home. Although I've avoided the...
colesjoholm
Jun 29, 20232 min read


Berlin and the longest excursion of my life
So, sitting here is Visby, Sweden typing on Thursday, June 29th and this is the official catch-up post. Again, being phoneless for about...
colesjoholm
Jun 29, 20234 min read


Rotterdam, a city of stunning modern architecture
When you embark/disembark from a cruise ship, most passengers are running to/from the airport. Being B2B (back-to-back) I had the...
colesjoholm
Jun 28, 20232 min read
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