One of the reasons I love to travel so much is getting to learn about new places, new cultures and if I’m being honest, eat their yummy, local food. Two places that I had the opportunity to go to, on back to back weekends this past Spring, were Mexico and Nashville. It was my first time to Mexico and my second to Nashville. Both were very different trips and probably couldn’t be on more opposite ends of the spectrum. Mexico was just Mike and I at an all-inclusive resort and Nashville was an all girls trip for my cousin’s 21st birthday.

Mike and I knew we had a small window to get away and I told him he had to plan this one because I missed out on our Korea trip two years ago because Ava was only a couple of weeks old. I pointed him in the direction of Costco Travel and told him to make magic with his miles and he did! Needless to say, the main thing I was looking forward to, food-wise, in Mexico was the guacamole and margaritas and they did not disappoint. The main thing I was looking forward to on our itinerary in Nashville was something a little more basic… the pancakes at Pancake Pantry. I wish I could explain what makes these pancakes so delicious but you really need to try them for yourself. We also took a trip to Arrington Vineyards (last photo below) which was a picturesque little afternoon if you’re looking to get just outside the city during your stay.

Don’t get me wrong, it can definitely be more of a logistical challenge with a toddler to try to get away, even if it is for the weekend and I miss her like crazy but the way I see it, if you make travel a priority, just like anything else, you will see to it that it gets done.

Here are some highlights from my trips: