Beyond Your Backyard Travel

A travel blog with useful tips and trip ideas for solo travelers and families.

  • Zoo w/ Children 5 Must Haves

    I love taking my little one with the zoo with friends, but I know firsthand how difficult it can be to simply leave the house with littles let alone spend the day at the zoo. Let me share with you some of my must-haves that make it easier for me and more enjoyable for the…

  • How to Store Your Souvenirs/Keepsakes

    You finish up a wonderful trip or adventure and now you are home wondering what you are going to do with your souvenirs and memories. Or you might be sitting at home wanting to remember a trip or share with a friend but can’t find all your items because they are in separate boxes all…

  • Taking a Train with a Baby!

    Looking to find an easier or cheaper way to travel with kids rather than stick them in a car hours? Take a train! Living near an Amtrak station with a direct line to Chicago has been a lifesaver. With family up in that area and so many attractions to offer it is a great day…

  • Best and Worst Souvenirs to Collect

    Love traveling and want to keep a souvenir but don’t know what to start collecting or have nowhere to keep them? Keep reading while I share my experiences and thoughts on travel keepsakes! Like most, I have friends and family members who have traveled and now have trinkets all over the house. This can add…

  • Top 10 Must-See Things in New York City at Christmas Time

    If you want to visit New York City, I recommend visiting during Christmastime! As someone who has seen NYC at different times of the year, I would say Christmas is the best. The city has a different feel to it. Everything seems brighter and the people seem happier. With the joy of the Christmas spirit,…

  • My Stadium Tour!

    Trying to think outside of the box on new travel destinations? Maybe you are thinking about doing more activities or experiences versus sightseeing. Think about including some of your other interests! Keep reading to see how I have mashed my interests together! Growing up playing travel hockey I had the opportunity to travel all over…

Theme Travel

Visiting places with a similar theme based on your personal likes. i.e. sets of a your favorite movie, sport, or hobby.

Dream Travel

Seeing magical places that you have dreamed about! i.e. Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon, Hawaii

Adventurous Travel

Doing something adventurous! i.e. hiking, zip-lining in the rain forest, surfing.