Why I Love Summer Travel and Sunday Morning Coffee

Summer travel has always been my favorite. Something about the warm sunshine, longer days, and slower pace makes everything feel possible.

It’s a season that invites exploration and connection—a chance to get outside, soak in beauty, and make unforgettable memories. Over the years, summer travel has become a cherished part of my life. Whether biking through the vineyards of Bordeaux or treasure-hunting in the charming flea markets of Provence, these trips fill my heart with joy.

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

Season 5 Volume 25

Collage with a cozy interior featuring a dining area, kitchen, and coffee-themed text: "Sunday Morning Coffee.

About Me

A woman stands on a walkway in front of a house, holding the handle of a rolling suitcase with a duffel bag beside her on the grass, ready to begin her summer travel adventure.

The Joy of Summer Travel Adventures

What I love most about summer travel is how free it feels. You can spend entire days outdoors, try new things, eat meals alfresco, and end the evening with your favorite people watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Summer encourages spontaneity, wonder, and play; no matter where I go, I find myself leaning into that energy. It’s restorative, inspiring, and so much fun.

Banff, Canada: Backroads and Breathtaking Views

Spectacular views of the lakes and rivers in the Canadian Rockies.

One of the most incredible summer trips we’ve taken was to Banff, Canada. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is simply breathtaking. Towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and dense pine forests create a natural landscape that feels almost surreal. We explored it all on a Backroads bike trip, the perfect way to experience the area.

Dave and I with friends in the Canadian Rockies on our bike trip.

Backroads trips are a favorite because they combine exercise, luxury, and adventure. In Banff, we biked through quiet valleys and scenic trails, stopping for delicious meals and taking in the views at every turn. After a day of biking, there’s nothing better than arriving at a beautiful lodge, enjoying a gourmet dinner, and swapping stories with friends and fellow travelers. You can read more about that trip here.

Provence, France: Flea Markets and Friendship

Two people are standing in a field of blooming lavender under a clear blue sky. Trees line the horizon in the background.

While I love a well-planned itinerary, sometimes the best trips are the ones where the only goal is to wander and discover. That’s precisely what happened when I traveled to Provence with my best friend, Maryliz. This wasn’t a biking trip or a tour-led large adventure—it was a small group girls’ getaway focused on flea market treasure hunting and soaking up the beauty of the French countryside.

We wandered through charming villages, filled our baskets with vintage linens and French antiques, and spent evenings laughing over rosé and cheese. There’s something so special about traveling with a close friend. We didn’t rush. We followed our curiosity. And we came home with incredible finds and memories that will last a lifetime.

If you love antiques, brocante markets, and exploring off-the-beaten-path places, Provence is a dream. I shared more about this magical trip in this post.

Bordeaux, France: Biking, Wine, and Backroads Bliss

Aerial view of a vast agricultural landscape with green fields, scattered farms, and a small village in the background under a cloudy sky.

Last summer, Dave and I found ourselves back in France, this time for another Backroads bike trip to Bordeaux. My sister Jeni and her husband Tom joined us, and we had a magical time.

This region is famous for its wine; seeing it by bike was the perfect way to experience it. We rode past endless rows of vineyards, toured family-run wineries, and indulged in multi-course meals that celebrated the best of French cuisine.

Two cyclists in bright green jackets and helmets stand on a cliffside path overlooking a vast, green landscape with rolling hills and a cloudy sky.

The Backroads team thinks of everything, from smooth bike routes to impeccable accommodations. Each day felt like a perfectly curated blend of challenge, beauty, and reward.

One of my favorite parts was riding into a tiny village and stopping for a casual lunch that felt straight out of a movie: fresh baguettes, local cheese, juicy peaches, and chilled rosé under the shade of a tree.

And yes, we drank a lot of wine too!

Four adults stand and smile at a wine bar during their summer travel, with wine bottles and glasses in front of them and shelves of wine bottles in the background.

You can read more about that incredible trip here.

Traveling with Family and Friends

A group of seven adults and one baby stand outdoors, all wearing Ventura Beach sweatshirts, posing together in front of a scenic landscape during their summer travel.

What makes every summer trip truly special for me is our traveling companions. Some of my favorite memories have been made while traveling with family—sharing awe-inspiring views, trying new foods, and laughing until our stomachs hurt. When we travel together, we leave behind the busy schedules and distractions and enjoy each other.

Whether it’s a biking adventure with my husband or a vintage shopping spree with my best friend, I always come home feeling closer to the people I love. Travel has a way of deepening relationships and creating stories you’ll tell for years.

What’s Next: Ventura, Hawaii, and Portugal

This summer, we have even more adventures ahead. The entire family will be here in Ventura in a week. Next month we are heading to Hawaii with the whole family, and I can already imagine the sound of the waves, the scent of tropical flowers, and long, carefree days spent on the beach. Hawaii is perfect for families of all ages—whether you’re swimming, hiking, or just lounging in the sand, there’s something for everyone.

Sunset view over the ocean with palm trees silhouetted against the colorful sky and sunlight reflecting on the water.

Later this summer, we’ll be taking another Backroads bike trip, this time to Portugal. I’ve never been before and can’t wait to explore the rolling hills, charming villages, and coastal views. Knowing Backroads, the biking routes will be scenic, the meals will be incredible, and every detail will be thoughtfully planned. I’m counting down the days for the Portugal Algarve & Alentejo Bike Tour.

Why Summer Travel Matters

Two white cushioned chairs on a patio overlook the ocean at sunset. A black water bottle and a glass candle sit on the table in front of the chairs. Patchy clouds fill the sky above the horizon.

Summer travel is about so much more than seeing beautiful places. It’s about creating space to connect, recharge, and be present. It’s about waking up with anticipation and going to bed full of new memories. And it’s about tasting the world, soaking in nature, and saying “yes” to new experiences.

The entire family is coming to Ventura for a fun summer week at the beach house. Remember my post about Staycations? They are affordable and so much fun. We cannot wait for our staycation.

Whether biking through a mountain pass, bargaining at a French flea market, or sipping coffee on a hotel balcony, I find joy in summer travel that stays with me long after the trip. It fills me with gratitude, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the world around me.

The large picture window at our beach house with an amazing view of the ocean.

If you’re thinking of planning a summer getaway, do it. It doesn’t have to be far or fancy. Even a few days away can spark inspiration and bring you closer to the people you care about most.

And if you’re looking for a travel experience that blends adventure with luxury, I can’t recommend Backroads highly enough.

Here’s to the road ahead, meaningful journeys, and the magic of summer travel.

Summer Travel Shopping Ideas

Summer Travel Outfits

Carry-On Summer Travel Ideas

A collage of travel items including luggage, water bottle, e-reader, headphones, toiletry bottles, backpack, organizer pouch, packing containers, and a toiletry bag, labeled "Amazon Carry-On Travel Ideas. — SHOP HERE

Summer Travel Must-Haves

A collage of summer travel essentials from Amazon, including a sunhat, sunscreen, woven bag, sunglasses, fan, dress, makeup bag, sneakers, and a pink planner. — SHOP HERE

A matching beige short-sleeve knit top with buttons on the neckline and wide-leg pants set laid flat.

Lounge Sets for Women

A set of three cream-colored travel bags, including a hard-shell suitcase with wheels, a large duffel bag, and a small toiletry pouch, all featuring brown handles and accents.

Suitcase Set 3 Piece

16 Pack Travel Bottles Set – TSA Approved

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror

Taygeer Travel Backpack

A matching navy blue lounge set featuring a short-sleeve oversized T-shirt and wide-leg pants with a side pocket, both made from soft, lightweight fabric. — Short Sleeve Pullover Tops & Wide Leg Pants Lounge Sets Tracksuit

A black Amazon Kindle e-reader displays an excerpt from Kenneth Slessor’s poem "Five Visions of Captain Cook"; another Kindle shows its back. — Amazon Kindle 16 GB

A person wearing a white button-down maxi dress with short sleeves and a thigh-high slit, holding a woven handbag. — Summer Beach Dress

Woman wearing a white crochet long-sleeve cover-up dress over a bikini, holding a woven handbag. — Women Swimsuit Crochet Swim Cover Up

My Latest Project

A modern living room features a white sofa, wooden coffee table, striped rug, fireplace with wall art above, wooden cabinet with a mirror, and a window with a view of buildings.

Getting the Beach House Ready for the Family

Our family arrives at the beach house in a week for a fun week of 4th of July celebrations. Dave and I have been busy preparing for their arrival. We had a few things to fix at the beach house, and those have been completed.

So what’s the most significant project? Getting ready for Graham’s arrival!

We packed all of Graham’s items from our 100 year old home in South Pasadena, and two full cars later, the beach house is stocked. Who knew a tiny little two-year-old boy needed so much stuff?

It is shocking.

I added a new Folding Bed Rail to the bottom bunk in one of the bedrooms, as we hope Graham might want to sleep here.

We will definitely use it on the top bunk when the grandkids are old enough to sleep up there.

A bedroom with a patterned bed, an armchair, a nightstand with a lamp, bunk beds, and an en suite bathroom visible in the background.

A white bunk bed with tan bedding and patterned pillows; the lower bunk has a white bed rail labeled "UPGOGO" and a ladder is positioned on the left side.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

A toddler sleeps on a bed with a gray mesh safety rail labeled "UPGOGO"; an inset shows the rail folded down. — UPGOGO Folding Bed Rail

A toddler sleeps on a bed with a white mesh safety rail labeled "UPGOGO"; an inset shows a close-up of the folded bed rail on the floor. — Baby Bed Rail Guard

Perfect for summer travel, these two rectangular silicone mats—one light gray and one light green—feature rounded corners and handy circular raised areas near the edges. — WeeSprout Silicone Suction Placemats for Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Three sets of children’s utensils featuring spoons and forks with gray, green, and blue silicone handles, arranged in a row on a white background—perfect for summer travel and on-the-go meals. — Elk and Friends Kids Silverware with Silicone Handle

A tall, mint green and white diaper pail with a domed lid and a foot pedal at the base, perfect for keeping nurseries fresh during summer travel. — Tall Diaper Pail

A gray fabric clip-on high chair is securely attached to the edge of a wooden table, designed for infants or toddlers—perfect for summer travel with your little one. — Hook On High Chair – Portable & Foldable

A beige portable playpen with mesh sides, a soft white padded top edge, and foldable legs—perfect for summer travel adventures. — Pack and Play

OXO Tot Perfect Pull Wipes Dispenser

Zak Designs Campout and Camping Kelso Tumbler Set

If you enjoy my blog, you can sign up to receive my updates here.

My Biggest Challenge This Week

Bright, modern living room with two white armchairs, a glass coffee table, and large windows overlooking a beach and ocean.

I am pretty sure I am addicted to reading and likely need help.

How do I know that?

When I open my Kindle app, this is what I see.

A digital calendar for June 2025 shows 809 days of continuous reading and 240 weeks in a row, with blue water drop icons marking each day read.

Yep. How is it that I have read 809 days in a row? Without even realizing it!

I don’t think you must read a whole chapter for “a day” to count. I do read before I fall asleep every night. And I take breaks in the day to read, which is relaxing.

What do I read?

Romance novels, historical fiction, and an occasional biography. And I do read very fast.

But I can’t help but think that there’s something else I should be doing instead. Do you have any ideas?

A green Amazon Kindle e-reader is shown from the front and back, perfect for summer travel. The front display features an excerpt from a book titled "Book One: The First Navigator of Europe. — Amazon Kindle 16 GB

A tablet displaying handwritten notes titled "Project Brainstorming," with diagrams and lists about team roles, review dates, summer travel plans, and meeting logistics. A stylus rests in front of the device. — Amazon Kindle Scribe 64GB

Finish organizing and stocking the beach house with food and beach stuff.
Find a dress to wear to a black-tie wedding next weekend.
Start a new hand-building clay session with a new type of clay – porcelain!

A close-up view of chocolate chip cookies topped with mini marshmallows, stacked and overlapping each other.

These S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies are to die for!

A checkered floor hallway with a bench, boots, a textured wall art piece, a geometric stone table with a plant, and a red arched doorway in the background.

I love this post by Em Henderson titled Why You Should Choose Bigger Art.

A side-by-side comparison of a living room before and after renovation, showing an empty room with blue walls on the left and a furnished, updated space on the right.

I can’t believe how this $6000 Glass Wall transformed this living room!

Close-up view of green grass on a lawn with modern buildings and a fence visible in the background under a clear sky.

Artificial Grass — The Green Revolution for Your Lawn. Do you agree?

A glass jar filled with a chocolate smoothie, topped with chocolate syrup and chocolate shavings, with a clear straw inserted.

This Chocolate Protein Shake has over 55 grams of protein!

Copper Measuring Cups and Spoons

Three nested rectangular stainless steel baking sheets of different sizes are stacked together on a white background. — Set of 3 Cookie Sheets

Four ribbed glass tumblers with bamboo lids and glass straws contain different colored drinks; two straw cleaning brushes are shown beside them. — 16Oz glasses drinking set of 4

And what a week it was!

To Die For Christmas Cookie Recipes
There’s nothing quite like baking Christmas cookie recipes that fill your home with the smell of butter, sugar, and pure holiday joy. Every December, I find myself searching for new treats to share at our family gatherings and parties, cookies that…
10 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Hosting Christmas
The holiday season is magical, but let’s face it, it can also be stressful, especially if you’re hosting Christmas. Between planning meals, decorating your home, and ensuring everyone has a wonderful time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, you can reduce…
Christmas Living Room Decor
Every year, when December arrives, our living room decor becomes the heart of our home. It’s where we gather, unwind, sip cocoa, admire the lights, and reflect on the memories tucked into every ornament and garland. And this year, continuing my…
The Best DIY Christmas Pillow
This is one of my favorite Christmas craft DIYs: my Christmas Tree Pillow. It’s easy to make and looks store-bought, but it’s handmade. Shapes and colors are the key to this easy DIY Christmas pillow. Are you ready to see just…
Christmas Decor in the Family Room and Sunday Morning Coffee
What a week it’s been! Between adding Christmas decor to our family room, a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, and attending a beautiful wedding in Georgia, my heart feels full. I love weeks like this, the kind where your calendar is busy, but…
DIY Velvet Christmas Ornaments – A Handmade Christmas
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached week thirteen of my A Handmade Christmas series! Here are my handmade velvet ornaments. Every week, I look forward to creating this series: sixteen weeks of handmade holiday projects designed to bring creativity, warmth, and…