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How To See The Grand Canyon In 2 Days

How To See The Grand Canyon In 2 Days

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:January 19, 2021
  • Post category:Arizona
  • Post comments:2 Comments

I remember visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time when I was in high school. I have great memories of that trip, and always wanted to go back, but…

Continue Reading How To See The Grand Canyon In 2 Days
The Perfect Day Trip To Joshua Tree

The Perfect Day Trip To Joshua Tree

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:October 18, 2020
  • Post category:Joshua Tree/Uncategorized
  • Post comments:4 Comments

I’ve fallen in love with Joshua Tree, both the town and national park. In the past year I’ve visited three times and I’m already planning my return trip in spring…

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7 Awesome Things To Do In Santa Monica

7 Awesome Things To Do In Santa Monica

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:September 14, 2020
  • Post category:Los Angeles
  • Post comments:6 Comments

I’ve been to Santa Monica dozens of times over the years, but for some reason I’d never stayed here overnight. Since I’ve lived in Southern California for thirty years, Santa…

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7 Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In the Summer

7 Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In the Summer

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:August 8, 2020
  • Post category:United States/Mammoth Lakes
  • Post comments:13 Comments

I don’t ski, so I never took much interest in Mammoth Lakes. Then a friend familiar with the area--who also doesn’t ski--told me what a great place it is in…

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A Safari In Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

A Safari In Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:July 13, 2020
  • Post category:Uganda
  • Post comments:21 Comments

I didn’t know much about Uganda before visiting in 2019. My friends, Jeanie and Cheryl, and I had been in Rwanda for a week for a mission trip and had…

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Palm Springs In The Summer–Where To Stay And What To Do

Palm Springs In The Summer–Where To Stay And What To Do

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:June 25, 2020
  • Post category:Palm Springs
  • Post comments:6 Comments

You should visit Palm Springs in summer. Seriously. Yes, I know it will be really hot, but you’re going to spend most of the day in the pool drinking margaritas,…

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Hiking In Laguna Beach–5 Trails To Try

Hiking In Laguna Beach–5 Trails To Try

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:June 15, 2020
  • Post category:Orange County
  • Post comments:5 Comments

Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Laguna Beach, but it turns out this city is home to many scenic trails of…

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A Trip Around The World in 5 Cocktails

A Trip Around The World in 5 Cocktails

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:May 31, 2020
  • Post category:Travel Advice
  • Post comments:9 Comments

Last month I took an online Spanish cooking class. The tortilla espanola and gazpacho turned out decently, but the sangria was awesome. As I sipped that strong, red liquid laced…

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Cooking Around The World–My Quarantine Kitchen Adventures, Part 2

Cooking Around The World–My Quarantine Kitchen Adventures, Part 2

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:May 9, 2020
  • Post category:Travel Advice
  • Post comments:8 Comments

Well, I’m still at home, doing my part to flatten the curve of this darn virus. So my cooking around the world adventures continue, this time with an emphasis on…

Continue Reading Cooking Around The World–My Quarantine Kitchen Adventures, Part 2
Cooking Around The World–My Quarantine Kitchen Adventures

Cooking Around The World–My Quarantine Kitchen Adventures

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:April 20, 2020
  • Post category:Travel Advice
  • Post comments:10 Comments

I’m a decent home cook and a less than average baker, but with plenty of time on my hands I decided to spread my wings and try a bunch of…

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About Us

We’re Wendy and Jason Lee and we're Empty Nesters who love to travel. We're always eager to visit new countries, but we get just as excited to explore in our own backyard of Southern California.
Most of the time we travel as a couple, but when schedules permit, we also enjoy traveling as a family with our two grown children. And if friends or family can join us, that's even better!
When we travel we prioritize comfort--a nice hotel room, good food and wine, and great tours. This isn't always the cheapest option, so we've discovered plenty of travel hacks to make it possible.
It's our goal to inspire couples 50+ to travel more. We hope to provide you with plenty of inspiration as well as helpful travel advice.

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emptynestershittheroad

✈️ Travel Lovers
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Wendy Lee
Yesterday we watched the sunset in La Jolla, Calif Yesterday we watched the sunset in La Jolla, California, next to the Torrey Pines Glider Port. I can’t believe I’ve lived in Southern California for over 30 years and never did this! I hate this pandemic and the pain and destruction it’s caused, but it has forced me to better appreciate my own home state. If you’re ever in La Jolla, come see the gliders and then stay for the sunset. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also free. #lajolla #torreypines #torreypinesgliderport #sandiego #sunset #lajollasunset #lajollasunsets #southerncalifornia #ilovecalifornia #visitcalifornia #ilovelajolla #emptynestershittheroad #couplestravelgoals
Last month we made a short trip to Santa Barbara a Last month we made a short trip to Santa Barbara and were blessed by a beautiful, ☀️ day. We spent the afternoon bike riding. I’m definitely missing international travel, but in the meantime I’ve loved exploring California. This is a great state to be in to enjoy the great outdoors. #santabarbara #visitsantabarbara #visitcalifornia #roadtriprepublic #californiabeaches #californialove #travelblogger #travelgram #couplestravel #emptynestershittheroad
I never get tired of watching the sunset in Laguna I never get tired of watching the sunset in Laguna Beach. And can’t imagine a better place to watch it than Heisler Park. #travelgram #travelblogger #postcardsfromtheworld #couplestravel #boomertravels #passportready #lagunabeach #heislerpark #california #californiadreaming #getoutdoors #sunsetphotography #sunset #laguna
While we really enjoyed visiting the Grand Canyon, While we really enjoyed visiting the Grand Canyon, I liked Bryce Canyon even better. It’s smaller, less developed and definitely less crowded. Have you been to Bryce Canyon? #brycecanyon #brycecanyonnationalpark #ilovebrycecanyon #nationalparks #hiking #brycecanyonutah #getoutdoors #postcardsfromtheworld #travelgram #travelblogger #couplestravel #boomertravel #emptynestershittheroad
What a great two days it’s been in Grand Canyon What a great two days it’s been in Grand Canyon National Park! We’ve only explored the South Rim, but hopefully we’ll be back to see more of this natural wonder. Yesterday Jason and I hiked a portion of the Bright Angel Trail. Pretty easy going down, but much harder coming back up. Today we took it easy and hiked the mostly flat Rim Trail. Have you been to Grand Canyon? #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyon #grandcanyonsouthrim #grandcanyonhiking #grandcanyontrip #grandcanyonarizona #hikingadventures #nationalparkservice #boomertravels #travelblogger #ilovehiking #couplestravels #emptynestershittheroad
I was scrolling thru my photo feed and this pic ju I was scrolling thru my photo feed and this pic jumped out at me. We could all use more LOVE these days! This sculpture is at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art which we visited in January. I will look forward to the days when we can visit museums again and see great art like this. What do you look forward to doing again someday? #sfmoma #sanfrancisco #california #californiadreaming #californialove #couplestravel #boomertravel #visitcalifornia #sanfranciscophotography #travelbloggers #postcardsfromtheworld #emptynestershittheroad
My son, Ryan, and I are spending a few days in Mam My son, Ryan, and I are spending a few days in Mammoth Lakes. Today we visited the Devils Postpile National Monument and hiked to Rainbow Falls. I just loved the view of the San Joaquin River along the way. The trail was really crowded, but I guess we all feel the need to get outdoors. If you’ve never been to Mammoth, I highly recommend it. #mammothlakes #rainbowfallstrail #devilspostpilenationalmonument #devilspostpile #easternsierra #hiking #getoutdoors #california #mammoth #mammothmountain #mammothvillage #boomertravel #travelblogger #emptynestershittheroad
It’s been a crazy few months y’all. Could you It’s been a crazy few months y’all. Could you have imagined everything 2020 had in store for us? I had no idea. I’ve been deeply concerned about the well being of people in the midst of COVID-19, and now I am so angry and frustrated by the senseless deaths of people of color. I’m trying to learn more about what I can do and not be part of the problem. When I need to be alone and think I’ve been getting out to hike in these gorgeous canyons near me. Something about being in nature really helps right now. What are you doing to respond and cope during these tough times?
Like many people, I’m really missing travel. But Like many people, I’m really missing travel. But the best I can do right now is take a stroll down memory lane. This was tea time at The Pump Room Restaurant in Bath, England. It’s a part of the Roman Baths complex. I’ve always been a Jane Austen fan so I was eager to visit Bath and it didn’t disappoint! Where is memory lane taking you these days? #england #bath #britain #janeausten #europe #europetravel #englandtravel #england_insta #traveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #couplestravel #boomertravel #emptynestershittheroad #thepumproomrestaurant #ilovetotravel
I’m loving the turquoise color of the water here I’m loving the turquoise color of the water here in Punta Cana! This is my first time in the Dominican Republic thanks to TRS Turquesa Hotel and I’m very impressed so far. Have you been to the DR? #trsturquesahotel #dominicanrepublic #puntacana #emptynestershittheroad
The Ferry Building is one of the top attractions i The Ferry Building is one of the top attractions in San Francisco and a great place to eat! When Jason and I were here in December we had the chance to dine at the Slanted Door—an excellent restaurant! And my favorite coffee place—Blue Bottle—is also located here. If you’ve never been, be sure to check it out during your next visit to San Francisco. #sanfrancisco #ferrybuilding #ilovesanfrancisco #ferrybuildingfarmersmarket #california #postcardsfromtheworld #bayarea #sf #baybridge #emptynestershittheroad #sanfranciscobay #couplestravel #boomertravel #travelblogger
Have you ever been to Joshua Tree National Park in Have you ever been to Joshua Tree National Park in California? Jason and I went for the first time last year—I have no idea why it took us so long to get there! It was seriously cold and windy the first day, but the second day was clear and sunny so we went for a hike. We chose the 29 Palms Oasis trail which was a challenge, but also beautiful. I hope to get back here this spring to see the wildflowers. And to try another hike. #nationalparkservice #joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #hiking #nationalparksusa #nationalparks #optoutside #hikersofinstagram #hikecalifornia #hikerslife #exploretheoutdoors #exploretheworld #ilovenationalparks #boomertravel #couplestravel #travelphotography #travelblogger #emptynestershittheroad #wowmyplanet #thegreatoutdoors
Have you been to Catalina Island off the coast of Have you been to Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California? Jason and I spent two days here and loved it! We’ve both been before, but not for many years. I had forgotten how beautiful it is. This is the classic photo of the Casino and the harbor. But there is much more to see. We spent almost three hours exploring the wild side of the island on a hummer and saw bison, an island fox and some great sunset views. #catalinaisland #catalina #catalinaislandconservancy #avalon #visitcatalinaisland #catalinaexpress #california #visitcalifornia #catalinagram #emptynestershittheroad #boomertravel #couplestravel #travelgram #travelwriter #travelblogger #postcardsfromtheworld #travelphotography
I fell in love with the Cotswolds! If you're not f I fell in love with the Cotswolds! If you're not familiar with this area, it's located in West England. While the villages throughout the region are simliar, they each have their own unique charms. This photo was taken in Bourton-on-the-Water. The town gets its name from the Windrush River that runs through it. I just wrote a new piece about my five favorite villages in the Cotswolds--see the link in bio. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #cotswold #cotswalds #england ⁣ #britain #thecotswoldway⁣ #cotswoldvillages #photosofbritain #greatbritain #bourtononthewater #winchcombe #moretoninthemarsh #stowonthewold #broadwaycotswolds #englandgram #travelblogger ⁣ #travelgram #travelphoto⁣ #postcardsfromtheworld⁣ #Ilovetotravel #Ilovetotraveltheworld⁣ #travelwriter #travel⁣ #boomertravel #emptynestershittheroad⁣ #ilovetravel #passportready #english #photosofengland #visitengland #visitthecotswolds
Have you been to Berlin’s East Side Gallery? Cov Have you been to Berlin’s East Side Gallery? Covered with 101 murals, it’s the longest remaining portion of the Berlin Wall. I was very excited to see this when we were in Berlin and it did not disappoint. Scroll thru the photos to see the most famous mural, The Fraternal Kiss. To learn more about the East Side Gallery check our our new post—see link in bio. #berlin #berlinwall #germany #eastsidegallery #fraternalkiss #streetart #streetmurals #streetartmurals #streetartberlin #berlingermany #visitberlin #visitgermany #streetarteverywhere #couplestravel #boomertravel #travelwriter #ilovetotravel #berlingram #postcardsfromtheworld #emptynestershittheroad
Just published my post about the Cotswold Way and Just published my post about the Cotswold Way and our three day walk through this beautiful part of England—see link in bio. Have you been to this part of the world? It’s so lovely and I am really eager to go back. #cotswolds #cotswoldway #cotswoldslife #england #thecotswolds #britain #unitedkingdom #discovercotswolds #visitcotswolds #cotswoldsuk #ilovethecotswolds #macsadventures #walking #englandgram #visitengland #emptynestershittheroad #boomertravel #travelblogger #travelphoto #travelphotography #traveltuesdays #ilovetotraveltheworld #travelwriterslife
During our recent trip to Florence, we had profess During our recent trip to Florence, we had professional photos taken by Shoot My Travel. If you've ever tried to have a picture taken by strangers while traveling, you know that getting a decent shot can be tough. And Jason and I really suck at taking selfies. So we spent an hour and a half with Samantha Pennini and had a great time. She knew all the ideal spots for pictures and since we scheduled the shoot early in the morning, the light was lovely and crowds non-existent. We ended up with 30 great pictures in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Shoot My Travel offers their services in cities around the world, so if you are in need of quality family photos, I highly recommend them.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #europe #italy_vacations #italy #florenceitaly #florence #firenze #awesomepix #italian_places #couplestravel #couplestraveling #boomertravel #visititalia #italiagram #iloveflorence #iloveitaly #tuscany #italytravel #seetheworld #travelblogger #travelgram #travelphoto⁣ #postcardsfromtheworld⁣ #Ilovetotravel #Ilovetotraveltheworld⁣ #travelwriter #travel⁣ #boomertravel #emptynestershittheroad⁣ #toscana #ilovetravel
Getting this photo required a climb of 414 steps t Getting this photo required a climb of 414 steps to the top of the campanile—or bell tower—next to the Duomo. With dozens of people going both up and down simultaneously on a narrow staircase made this quite an adventure. But the views were soooo worth it. #duomo #florencecathedral #theduomo #duomoflorence #florenceduomo #florence #firenze #italy #iloveflorence #tuscany #florenceitaly #europe #traveleurope #emptynestershittheroad #couplestravel #boomertravels #travelblogger #travelgram #florencegram #italia #ilovetotraveltheworld #postcardsfromtheworld #travelphotography #travelawaits
We are currently traveling with our 24 year old da We are currently traveling with our 24 year old daughter, Jessica, in Madrid, Spain. She suggested a visit to Azotea rooftop bar where we enjoyed this view at sunset. Great idea Jess! We are looking down on two of Madrid’s most beautiful boulevards, Calle de Alcalá and Gran Via. After a drink here we walked across the street to a restaurant known for its excellent paella—what a perfect evening! #madrid #spaintravel #espana #madridgram #travelgram #europe #europetravel #traveleurope #visitmadrid #visitspain #visiteurope #circulodebellasartesmadrid #azoteacirculodebellasartes #granviamadrid #emptynestershittheroad #couplestravel #boomertravel #travelawaits #travelgram #travelphotography #explorespain #exploremadrid #travelwriter #travelblogger #postcardsfromtheworld #ilovetotravel #ilovetotraveltheworld
Have you been to Stonehenge? We visited a few days Have you been to Stonehenge? We visited a few days ago. It was a bucket list item for me and it did not disappoint. We also toured the Avebury stone circle which is in the same part of England. In fact there are several pre-historic sites here including many ancient burial mounds. The purpose of stone circles is unknown, but the fact is they were engineering marvels. Some of the stones at Stonehenge came all the way from Wales! We took a tour that took us to all these sites in one day, and while it was a very long day, it was worth it. #Stonehenge #avebury #aveburystonecircle #stonehengeengland #england #britain #visitstonehenge #visitengland #europe #englandgram #europegrammers #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #travelphoto #postcardsfromtheworld #aveburyhenge #ilovetotravel #ilovetotraveltheworld #couplestravel #boomertravel #emptynestershittheroad #traveling #travelholic #travelblogger
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