Author: Jenn

Winter is one of the best times to see different parts of the US at its brightest and most festive. In some places of the country, the coziness of the seasonal chill is quintessential to the winter experience. But in other places, winter is basically nonexistent, save for a few holiday decorations!

Here are 9 of the best vacations you can take this upcoming season:

California Desert Trip

Though winter frost is usually associated with snow-covered trees, the desert is a great place to visit in the winter. Scorching summer temperatures in California (which sometimes reach over 120°F!) mean that the cooler seasons make the desert bearable. There are plenty of deserts, like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Mojave, Death Valley, and more, to spend your winter in the Southern California area. For a little bit of inspiration, check out BMTM’s perfect California deserts road trip itinerary.

If you

At first thought, 2020 wouldn’t seem like the year to start a travel blog. With so many travel bans in place and a big shift in the industry, why jump into a profession that has been hit so hard?

From the outside it may look grim, but if you ask me, this is actually one of the best times to start a travel blog.

Why? When things get tough, those who can stay the course and work through it have a fantastic opportunity. For the first time in the short span of travel blogging as a career, this shake up will cause many to quit, lose dedication, and decide to pursue something else.

While unfortunate for them, this creates an opportunity for those who are willing to go all in, to fill those gaps left behind, and to innovate to rise to the current times.

Jennifer Bourbon is one of

The travel blogging industry has always been volatile, with a low barrier to entry and platforms for growth changing almost overnight. I mean, remember when Twitter was the big measurement of success? Then it was Facebook, and nowadays I don’t even know if it’s Instagram or TikTok.

It’s always been the type of job that requires one to roll with the punches, yet more than anything before, 2020 has brought the biggest shakeup. When many are choosing not to travel internationally, how can a travel blog survive, or even thrive?

I’ve been exploring this question since March – how can I keep showing up and being of service in ways that are appropriate to our current environment without giving up the heart and soul of Be My Travel Muse?

Around the time that COVID hit, I launched the Travel Blog Accelerator, a place for female bloggers to work

Sunny skies, laidback vibes, and pretty coastlines—these descriptions only capture a bit of Southern California’s charm. While most of the world may visit this half of California solely for Los Angeles, SoCal is home to plenty of natural and manmade spots worth visiting.

From day trips to weekend getaways, check out the best things to do in Southern California, organized by region:

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is typically considered the northernmost part of Southern California. And although the city doesn’t carry the same reputation as L.A., it has its own special charm. In fact, people call Santa Barbara “The American Riviera” because of its gorgeous Mediterranean architecture, climate, and coastal lifestyle.

• State Street: This main road runs through downtown Santa Barbara to the beach and is a must for anyone exploring the area. Check out the Spanish-style architecture of buildings

When it comes to fascinating land formations, incredible stargazing, and some of the best sunrises on earth, you can’t beat the deserts of the American west.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while (if not, welcome!), you know I’m a big fan of this part of the world for the adventure it provides and the peaceful moments of desolation.

A couple of years ago, my brother and I decided to head out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park northeast of San Diego for Christmas. We had the best time camping out, driving around in the 4-wheel drive, and exploring this beautiful part of California. Here are some of the best things to do in Anza-Borrego:

Font’s Point Sunrise

In a state famous for its sunsets, where can you find the best sunrise in California? IMHO, Font’s Point is not only the most impressive part of Anza-Borrego, but

I think there’s something we have to get straight between you and me. I love traveling and having adventures, but when I’m at home I’m unbelievably lazy and for some reason, really into watching cake.

Not making it. Not even eating it. Just watching it.

I’ve logged hours watching a certain cheesecake recipe from Tasty on loop (like honestly 50 times or more). I follow a lot of cake decorating accounts on Instagram, and I just got way too into the Great British Bake Off on Netflix. Is it just me or does it start off wholesome and then get way too high stakes and engaging to turn off?!

So I think it’s probably obvious that I am grasping at things to share here, because my life at home isn’t all that exciting. I’m a girl who watches cake in order to stop myself from working all day and night.