Strong Starts: Vitamins Before Vacations

We’ve all been there: you’re finally on that long-awaited getaway, only to wake up with a scratchy throat or stuffy nose. Nothing derails a dream trip faster than catching a bug from crowded planes, cruise ships, hotels, or big events. The good news? With a little prep (and a lot of wipes), you can outsmart those pesky germs and keep your adventures healthy and fun.


🦠 Why Travel Can Be a Germ Magnet

Airplanes: Recycled air, close quarters, and high-touch surfaces like tray tables and armrests.

Cruises: Thousands of passengers sharing buffets, lounges, and pool decks.

Hotels: Remote controls, light switches, and door handles that see more action than you’d think.

Events: Concerts, conferences, and festivals where handshakes and shared spaces are unavoidable.


💊 My Immune-Boosting Routine

Before I even pack my bags, I start taking Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour Vitamin C, D3 & Zinc. I keep it going during my trip and after I return home. It’s my way of giving my immune system a head start so I can focus on enjoying the journey instead of fighting off a cold.


✨ My Secret Weapon: Wet Ones®

I never board a plane without them. Here’s how I use Wet Ones® to stay one step ahead of germs:

On planes: I wipe down the tray table, armrests, air vent, and even the window shade before settling in.

Restrooms onboard: Let’s be real—I avoid airplane restrooms unless absolutely necessary. But when I do, Wet Ones® are my go-to for a quick, clean refresh. They leave no sticky residue and my hands feel genuinely clean afterward.

Cruises & hotels: Perfect for wiping down door handles, remotes, or even gym equipment.

👉 Bonus: Wet Ones® come in 20-count resealable travel packs (easy to toss in your carry-on) or 24-count boxes of individually wrapped singles (great for slipping into your pocket or purse).


🍽️ Buffets: Friend or Foe?

Here’s the truth: I usually try to avoid buffets. They’re high-touch, high-traffic, and a hotspot for germs. But let’s face it—buffets are often part of the travel package and where you can get the best bang for your buck. Hotels love offering breakfast buffets as perks, and cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts practically revolve around them.

My advice? Eat well, but with caution.

  • Use serving utensils carefully. If the handles are touching the food - avoid that item.
  • Sanitize before and after eating.
  • Scope out freshly replenished dishes rather than ones that have been sitting.
  • Balance indulgence with smart choices—you’ll enjoy the perks without the pitfalls.


🌍 Other Germ-Busting Travel Hacks

Hydrate like a pro: Water keeps your immune system humming.

Pack a mini wellness kit: Think hand sanitizer, tissues, and Bismuth subsalicylate.

Rest well: Sleep is your body’s best defense against illness.


🎉 Bottom Line

Travel should be about joy, discovery, and indulgence—not fighting off a cold. With a little planning, a trusty pack of Wet Ones®, and a daily dose of Nature’s Bounty Immune 24 Hour, you can keep germs at bay and focus on making memories.


So go ahead—book that flight, board that cruise, check into that hotel, or dance the night away at that festival. Just remember: the best souvenir is coming home healthy!



*Disclaimer: I mention products in this post simply because I use and love them—they’re part of my personal travel routine. I’m not paid, sponsored, or compensated in any way for these mentions. Just sharing what works for me in hopes it helps you pack with confidence!

Haunted, Historical, and a Little Bit Hungry: Why I Travel Toward the Eerie

By Sharon Bridge • March 6, 2026
Some travelers chase sunshine (on occasion I do to!). Others chase skyline views. Me? I love to chase the strange, the shadowy, and the wonderfully offbeat corners of every destination. If a place has a ghost story, a creaky floorboard, or a rumor of “something” lingering in the attic, you can bet it’s already on my itinerary. I’ve always been drawn to the eerie side of travel—the places where history feels alive, where the past whispers, and where the atmosphere is just a little… different. Not scary. Not gory. Just deliciously mysterious. 🪦 Cemeteries: My Favorite Outdoor Museums Cemeteries tell stories in a way no guidebook ever could. I love wandering through old headstones, tracing names worn down by time, and imagining the lives behind them. From moss‑covered Southern burial grounds to tiny pioneer plots in the middle of nowhere, these spaces are peaceful, beautiful, and full of history. 🏚 Old Homes With Creaky Floors and Creepier Histories Give me a historic home with peeling wallpaper and a questionable backstory, and I’m in heaven. Whether it’s a Victorian mansion rumored to be haunted or a preserved homestead with a tragic past, these places offer a glimpse into the lives—and sometimes the lingering spirits—of those who came before us. 👻 Ghost Tours: The Perfect Night Out Forget bar crawls. A ghost tour is my idea of nightlife. I love hearing the legends locals whisper, the sightings they swear by, and the mysteries that still don’t have answers. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you’ll walk away with stories you’ll retell for years. 📚 Used Bookstores & Vintage Shops: Where the Past Lives On There’s something magical about flipping through a book that’s passed through dozens of hands or digging through a vintage shop where every item has a secret. These places feel like treasure hunts—sometimes spooky, sometimes quirky, always full of character. 🍽 Spooky Restaurants, Speakeasies & Oddball Eats Food tastes better when the atmosphere has a story. I’m always on the lookout for restaurants tucked into old buildings, bars hidden behind false walls, and speakeasies with moody lighting and a hint of mystery. Bonus points if the menu leans witchy, gothic, or ghost‑themed. Why I Seek Out the Strange Traveling this way isn’t about fear—it’s about curiosity. It’s about peeling back the layers of a place and discovering the stories that don’t make the glossy brochures. The eerie, the historic, and the odd remind me that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about feeling them. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a good ghost story, who gets excited about abandoned spaces, or who can’t resist a quirky shop with a weird vibe, you’re in the right place. This is the corner of the travel world where the shadows are friendly, the history is rich, and the adventures are unforgettable.

Window Seats & Wanderlust

By Sharon Bridge • November 1, 2025
🚂 Why Train Travel Might Be the Most Underrated Joyride in America Let’s bust a myth right out of the station: train travel isn’t just for European backpackers or vintage movie buffs. In fact, hopping aboard a train might just be the most relaxing, scenic, and soul-satisfying way to explore the U.S.—especially if you’re craving a slower pace, a window seat to wonder, and zero baggage fees (looking at you, airlines). Whether you're planning a girls’ getaway, a solo soul-search, or a cozy couple’s escape, here’s why train travel deserves a spot on your itinerary: 🌄 1. The Journey Is the Destination Unlike planes that whisk you above the clouds or cars that demand your full attention, trains let you see the country. Think rolling vineyards, misty mountains, sleepy towns, and golden fields—all from a wide window with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s like watching a living postcard unfold in real time. Bonus: no need to navigate, refuel, or reroute. Just sit back and let the rhythm of the rails do its thing. 🧘‍♀️ 2. Stress-Free Vibes, All Aboard No TSA lines. No middle seats. No “your gate has changed for the third time” announcements. Train stations are often centrally located, boarding is a breeze, and you can arrive minutes—not hours—before departure. Once on board? Stretch out. Walk around. Grab a snack from the café car. Or just curl up with a book and let the gentle sway lull you into a state of pure travel zen. 🧳 3. Pack What You Want (Within Reason) Most trains have generous baggage allowances—often two carry-ons and two checked bags for free. That means you can bring your favorite boots and that extra bottle of wine from Napa without playing suitcase Tetris. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 4. Built-In Bonding Time Train travel is surprisingly social. Whether you're catching up with your besties over wine in the observation car or striking up a convo with a fellow traveler, there’s something about the shared rhythm of the ride that invites connection. Planning a girls’ trip? A train car becomes your mobile lounge. No one’s stuck driving, and everyone gets to enjoy the ride. 🌎 5. Eco-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Trains are one of the most sustainable ways to travel, with a lower carbon footprint than flying or driving. And with flexible fares, rail passes, and discounts for students, seniors, and groups, it can be surprisingly affordable—especially when you factor in the savings on gas, parking, and hotel nights (hello, overnight sleeper cars!). 🚫 6. No Sketchy Pit Stops Required Let’s be honest: road trips can be fun… until someone needs a bathroom break in the middle of nowhere. Train travel skips the whole “seedy gas station” and “greasy spoon with one Yelp star” experience. Onboard restrooms? Clean and accessible. Café car? Stocked with snacks, drinks, and actual tables. Better yet bring your own picnic! You can sip wine, nibble on cheese, and never once wonder if the bathroom key is attached to a hubcap. 💡 Train Travel Tip: Try Your Luck with Amtrak’s Bid Up Feeling fancy? Amtrak’s Bid Up program lets you name your price to upgrade to Business Class or a Roomette. After booking your ticket, you might get an email inviting you to bid for an upgrade. If your offer wins, you’ll enjoy extra space, priority boarding, and other perks—without paying full price. It’s like travel roulette, but with legroom and free coffee. ✨ Final Boarding Thoughts Train travel invites you to slow down, look out the window, and fall in love with the in-between. It’s not just about getting from A to B—it’s about rediscovering the joy of the journey itself. So next time you're planning a trip—whether it’s a weekend escape to a charming small town or a cross-country adventure—consider trading the fast lane for the rail line. Your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
More Posts