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


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


A Birthday in the Middle of the Atlantic: Life at Sea at 43
This is Forty-Three Twenty-two days of travel since I left home on February 19th, and today, I’m celebrating my birthday in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Celebrity Apex departed the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11th, and we’ve been sailing through fairly rough seas ever since, making our way to Ponta Delgada, Azores. We’ll arrive there on Sunday, March 16th, before eventually disembarking in Barcelona on Friday, March 21st. There hav
colesjoholm
Mar 14, 20253 min read


The Perfect Ending to a Winter in the Caribbean & Mexico
When I land home in Grand Junction late on the night of Sunday, February 16, I will have completed the longest single trip of my life—88 nights. Seven cruise ships, five hotels, Disneyland… and a bite from a jaguar. I’ve traveled all over the Caribbean and Mexico, revisiting familiar destinations and exploring several new ones, including Dominica and Honduras—bringing my total country count to 44. Ironically, my final stop before returning to the U.S. was Puerto Vallarta, Mex
colesjoholm
Feb 16, 20255 min read


Don’t Apologize for the Sun in Your Path: Life at Sea Reflections
To say that things happen for a reason is probably the biggest understatement in the world. I’ve spent the last seven days onboard the Carnival Celebration with stops in Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and St. John via St. Thomas. It’s a ship that I am very familiar with, having spent two weeks onboard in January 2023 during my first solo cruise—the beginning of my journey to setting foot on all seven continents. I sailed again in March 2024 for a we
colesjoholm
Jan 19, 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


Spinning without a purpose
After a year of purposeful travel, life at sea feels different. A reflective journey through Cartagena, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, and beyond—searching for meaning again
colesjoholm
Dec 12, 20243 min read


Pinching Myself Everyday: Life at Sea in the Caribbean
Five Caribbean ports in five days while cruising from NYC—reflecting on friendships, life at sea, and gratitude during a winter spent onboard.
colesjoholm
Dec 12, 20246 min read


A Winter in the Caribbean While Living at Sea on Carnival Venezia
Setting sail from NYC aboard the Carnival Venezia to begin a winter in the Caribbean—eight-eight nights at sea, new friendships, and life lived between ports.
colesjoholm
Nov 25, 20242 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
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