Belgium

A Perfect Day in Brussels

I've been using my passport as a drink coaster, be

I've been using my passport as a drink coaster, because: all the new restrictions. I know it can be shocking and upsetting to have the world closed off to you just because of the passport you carry, but this is the reality for many all over the world in non-pandemic conditions.
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This tip is NOT to get around the current restrictions due to COVID but rather to give you another option for restrictions that aren't health related.
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👵🏻Citizenship by Descent👴🏻
This is a process that allows you to apply for citizenship based on having family born in that country. Now, some countries only offer this to people whose parents are citizens of that country but here are 6 fantastic options that allow you look further back into your family tree.
🇮🇪Ireland
🇮🇹Italy
🇵🇱Poland
🇪🇸Spain
🇩🇪Germany
🇭🇺Hungary
... and there are others!
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The catch? Each country has different eligibility, requirements for proving ancestry, and this process can take a very long time, years even! And it's not free.
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Why would you want this? Besides the fact it's pretty cool, you would be able to have a back-up passport plus the benefits to having dual citizenship.
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I wish I could break down all the details for you for each eligible country but unfortunately I cannot, this is where your research begins.
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So who's calling their parents tonight to have a chat about Grammy's birth certificate?

GIVEAWAY: My absolute favorite, bestest, Pacsafe C

GIVEAWAY: My absolute favorite, bestest, Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack in black.
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RULES:
1. Follow @onegirlwandering and @pacsafeofficial
2. Like this post
3. Comment on this post, it can be as simple as an emoji
Bonus entry: Share your favorite photo of mine from 2020 on your stories and make sure you tag me so I get a notification.
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Giveaway not affiliated with Instagram. Open to US entries only. Winner will be announced on August 10 at 5PM CT on my stories.

My fav, National Geographic, published an article,

My fav, National Geographic, published an article, "If you must travel now, here’s how to make it safer" and it had tips in it that I hadn't seen anywhere else. I have it pinned on my Travel and Coronavirus board on Pinterest (follow me over there to stay up to date) but here are the highlights - these are direct quotes:
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➡️Crowded security and boarding areas are likely more of a concern than the planes themselves, given HEPA filters that capture 99 percent of microbes and the new electrostatic disinfection.
➡️Choose a window seat as far from the restroom as possible.
➡️Keep the overhead vent open and toward your face—continuous airflow creates a small, invisible ‘wall’ that restricts (at least slightly) the exhaled air from other passengers.
➡️Treat every surface you touch (seat arm, table tray, etc.) as if it’s radioactive, and wipe it with a disinfecting wipe before plopping down.
➡️There’s no need to shun public restrooms in favor of the side of the road (which is not only illegal in all 50 states, but could also lead to rises in cholera, salmonella, E.coli, typhoid, and other diseases we prevent by treating sewage).
➡️Your bigger public restroom danger is not the theoretical virus aerosolization by a flushing toilet, but congregating with other people in poorly ventilated spaces.
➡️It doesn’t matter whether a hotel is a chain motel or a boutique inn. It’s more important that the property has a good record and follows recommended guidelines.
➡️Be sure to find out if your healthcare plan or travel insurance even cover COVID 19-related costs.
➡️Getting tested close to your travel date can help to put your mind at ease and reduce the likelihood you are infected pre-travel.
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Did you learn something new?
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📸 @sewstratton

A month ago I was informed that my position at my

A month ago I was informed that my position at my theater was being eliminated and I was being laid off. 2020 has sucked in a lot of ways, but this has been the hardest hit for me. My job at Bass Concert Hall was my dream job. 10 years ago I started as a Stage Manager for TPA and it saved my life. It's a long story, but I was lost, depressed, and was engaging in destructive behavior. TPA gave me a home, a community, mentors, and a place where I discovered something I was really good at. Some of the best memories of the last ten years took place at Bass including my engagement to Taha.
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When I joined the staff full-time in 2013 it was my greatest achievement in my career. I applied for this job many times and when I finally got it - it was the best day ever.
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I've gotten to work with the most amazing team, in the most beautiful building, bringing art from all around the world to the Austin community.
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This has been such a hard post to write because this wasn't just my job but part of my core being. It was my home, my happy place, and I feel like I'm being torn apart.
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I know I will be ok. I know I will land on my feet. But in the meantime everything seems dark and chaotic and sad. No, I don't know what's next for me, the events industry has been devastated this year and recovery seems distant and I don't know yet if I want to blog full-time.
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I'm just here, trying to find the bright side of a dark year, telling myself everything will be ok.

I've often been called the "mom" of a travel group

I've often been called the "mom" of a travel group, which is kinda funny because I don't have kids, but mostly it's because I carry some random, useful things that everyone seems to forget or need.
Here are the random things I keep in my bag:
🔸Tissues
🔸Floss
🔸Ibuprofen
🔸Moist towelettes
🔸Clean Ziploc bags
🔸Hand sanitizer (I hope all of you are carrying this now)
🔸Back-up battery to charge electronics
🔸Extra phone cable
🔸Zip ties
🔸AA and AAA batteries
🔸band-aids
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How about you? What are some random things you keep in your bag?

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Bisou and I want you to escape to

GIVEAWAY CLOSED: Bisou and I want you to escape to your own modern cabin so we've teamed up with @getawayhouse to give away one night at any of their locations.
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Rules:
⭐️Follow @onegirlwandering and @getawayhouse
⭐️Like this post
⭐️Tag a friend in the comments, each tag is an entry and they are unlimited!
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Giveaway ends on August 1 at 5pm and the winner will be announced on my stories. Giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.
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Can't wait to book your stay? Use code WANDERING and save $25.
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Getaway House locations:⁣
📍 Atlanta⁣
📍 Austin + San Antonio⁣
📍 Boston⁣
📍 Charlotte + Raleigh⁣
📍 Dallas⁣
📍 Houston⁣
📍 Los Angeles⁣
📍 New York⁣
📍 Pittsburgh + Cleveland⁣
📍 Portland⁣
📍 Washington, DC⁣

Your luggage is NASTY. Yeah, I said it. I want you

Your luggage is NASTY. Yeah, I said it. I want you to think for a minute about how many people touch your luggage and everything your luggage touches. Think real hard about all the stuff you drag your luggage through. 🤢
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Here is what you are going to do about it:
🧳Keep it off your bed.
🧳Take a damp cloth with the disinfectant of your choice and give the bottom of the bag and the handles a once-over (do a color test first to make sure the cleaning agent won't damage the suitcase.)
🧳For a deeper cleaning, check with your luggage manufacturer on the best cleaning products and technique.
🧳Avoid nesting suitcases when storing them (I'm totally guilty of doing this), if you are going to do this cover it with a plastic garbage bag before placing it inside another suitcase.
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Have you ever cleaned your luggage?

Let me tell you about the cutest Texas Hill Countr

Let me tell you about the cutest Texas Hill Country city whose name you probably aren't pronouncing correctly. Greetings from Boerne! First things first, you need to learn how to pronounce Boerne like a local. Say it with me “Bur-nee.” Great! Now you’re ready to explore this beautiful Texas city.
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Boerne is located just 35 minutes from the middle of San Antonio and less than 2 hours from South Austin. It’s picture perfect Hill Country location makes it a great escape for a weekend or a day.
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You are going to need to bring your stretchy pants because the food in this city is phenomenal, from authentic Central European cuisine to locally sourced farm-to-table fare.
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Next, you will want to explore the Hill Country Mile a stretch along Main Street in downtown Boerne of locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants in beautiful historic buildings.
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After that, escape out of the city and explore the beautiful Cave Without a Name and then taste 100% Texas wines at the picturesque Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyards.
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Looking to plan your own trip to Boerne? I've got you covered! New post on the blog goes into all the details and the Boerne highlight on my page shows off this beautiful Hill Country gem.
#visitboerne #boernetexas