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


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


Refreshing yourself in Cyprus: A Day in Limassol
A day in Limassol, Cyprus—exploring ancient ruins, Mediterranean landscapes, human connection, and reflection while visiting country number 49.
colesjoholm
Apr 3, 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


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


A Beautiful, Wicked World: Seeing Wicked on Broadway in NYC
A reflective New York City night—Wicked on Broadway, historic Lower Manhattan, legendary bars, and a quiet moment of gratitude for how far life can take you.
colesjoholm
Nov 22, 20243 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


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


Iguazú Falls: Getting Soaked at One of South America's Most Powerful Natural Wonders
A soaked, sweaty, unforgettable day exploring Iguazu Falls in Argentina—from boat tours and costs to heat, humidity, and raw travel reality.
colesjoholm
Dec 17, 20233 min read


Buenos Aires Travel Diary Day 1: Recoleta, Food & First Impressions
A chaotic, cultural, and unforgettable first day in Buenos Aires—from Recoleta Cemetery to street performers, currency hacks, and steak in Palermo.
colesjoholm
Dec 16, 20235 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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