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


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


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


Up, Up & Away: New Chapter in Life and Travel
A new chapter begins—life after seven continents, a meaningful relationship, and the excitement of a first cruise together.
colesjoholm
Mar 29, 20242 min read


The Trip That Wasn't: Choosing Stillness After Travel
A thoughtful reflection on canceling a major trip, trusting intuition, and embracing calm and balance after a year of nonstop global travel.
colesjoholm
Feb 11, 20243 min read


Touch Down on Continent Six: Seven Continents Travel Journey
An emotional milestone—touching down on continent six, reflecting on tears, growth, friendship, and the journey towards all seven continents in one year.
colesjoholm
Dec 14, 20236 min read
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