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United States

Why You Should Visit Sequoia National Park In Winter

Why You Should Visit Sequoia National Park In Winter

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:April 5, 2021
  • Post category:California/Sequoia National Park
  • Post comments:6 Comments

I remember visiting Sequoia National Park as a kid, but just barely. My memories are of really big trees and that’s about it. So when I was invited by Visit…

Continue Reading Why You Should Visit Sequoia National Park In Winter
Fun Things To Do On Balboa Island

Fun Things To Do On Balboa Island

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:February 8, 2021
  • Post category:Travel in the USA/Balboa Island
  • Post comments:1 Comment

Recently we moved from Irvine to Newport Beach. Specifically we moved to Balboa Peninsula, a small section of the city wedged between the Pacific Ocean and Newport Harbor. Since we…

Continue Reading Fun Things To Do On Balboa Island
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:5 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…

Continue Reading The Perfect Day Trip To Joshua Tree
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…

Continue Reading 7 Awesome Things To Do In Santa Monica
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…

Continue Reading 7 Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In the Summer
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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Why Visit Los Angeles? 7 Things You Need To Know

Why Visit Los Angeles? 7 Things You Need To Know

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:March 9, 2020
  • Post category:United States/Los Angeles
  • Post comments:4 Comments

Maybe I’m biased, but I think Los Angeles is one of the greatest cities in the world. Despite living in the area for over thirty years, I still haven’t experienced…

Continue Reading Why Visit Los Angeles? 7 Things You Need To Know
21 Free Things To Do In LA

21 Free Things To Do In LA

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:February 27, 2020
  • Post category:United States/Los Angeles
  • Post comments:17 Comments

Recently I wrote about free museums in Los Angeles, and that got me thinking about all the free things to do in LA. So I decided to write about the…

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Romantic Things To Do On Catalina Island

Romantic Things To Do On Catalina Island

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:February 13, 2020
  • Post category:Catalina Island
  • Post comments:28 Comments

I love rediscovering great destinations in my own backyard! Jason and I have both been to Catalina Island before, but it had been many years. And for some reason all of…

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Weekend In Chicago – Where To Go & What To See

Weekend In Chicago – Where To Go & What To See

  • Post author:Wendy
  • Post published:February 13, 2020
  • Post category:Chicago
  • Post comments:2 Comments

Chicago is definitely one of the best places to visit in the United States. If you're planning to spend two days in Chicago, then you'll want to familiarise yourself with…

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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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emptynesters_hittheroad

❤️Traveling couple
🍷Love good food & wine
🌞Love the outdoors
🌅 Inspiring couples 50+ to travel.
✈️Offering tips & advice
Where will you go next? 🔽

Wendy and Jason Lee
Last October Jason and I make the trek to Bryce Ca Last October Jason and I make the trek to Bryce Canyon National Park for a few days of hiking 🥾. Bryce is kind of like Zion National Park's lesser known sibling. Zion gets all the glory and praise, but we really enjoyed Bryce. There were still many restrictions in place, but that was ok, it just meant even fewer visitors.

Another advantage to Bryce is that it's higher elevation means it typically has cooler weather than nearby Zion. We hiked into the canyon amongst the hoodoos and it never got above 70 degrees fahrenheit. ☀️

One of our favorite things to do on a hike is to pack a lunch and find a scenic spot to enjoy it. ⛰️ Despite all the fancy dinners we've enjoyed around the world (and believe me, I really love fancy dinners!), it's the views from our picnic lunches that make these meals our most memorable. This day we hiked the Navajo Trail and found a little spur with no one else in sight. 

Fortunately, it's easy to combine a trip to Zion and Bryce. We didn't do it for this trip, but I plan to do so the next time we're in Utah. In fact someday I hope to plan a trip that will include all five of Utah's National Parks! 😀

#brycecanyon #brycecanyonnationalpark #brycecanyonutah #hikingcouples #nationalparkhiking #nationalparksusa #couplestravel #couplestraveling #visitutah #roadtriputah #outdooradventures
While Spring Break season can be crazy crowded in While Spring Break season can be crazy crowded in Newport Beach, it’s always quiet early in the morning. This picture was taken at 7 am, just a few surfers out this early. Getting up early is always worth it when trying to avoid crowds. Today I was rewarded with a beautiful blue sky and plenty of seabirds strolling on the sand. 

#newportbeachca #beachlifeisthebestlife #earlymorningwalk #visitnewportbeach #emptynestershittheroad
Jason and I had the opportunity to visit @oakfarmv Jason and I had the opportunity to visit @oakfarmvineyards last week. First we toured the grounds, then we enjoyed a wine tasting with owners, Heather and Dan Panella. As we were leaving, the sun was beginning to set—what a perfect way to spend an afternoon. We came home with a couple bottles of their Estate Chardonnay, which I highly recommend. If you’re ever in the Lodi area, be sure to visit Oak Farms.

#lodi #oakfarmvineyards #winetasting #wine #chardonnay #visitcalifornia #visitlodi #california #winelover #vino #vin #vineyard #cheers
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” Joh “The mountains are calling and I must go.” John Muir

Yesterday we had the privilege of spending the day snowshoeing in Sequoia National Park. At 7,000 feet we were met with the beautiful scenery of a Giant Sequoia grove blanketed in snow. Occasionally we saw the tracks of the forests inhabitants like rabbits, deer and bobcats. We so appreciate @sequoiaguides and @visitvisalia for making this all happen. 

#nationalparkservice #sequoianationalpark #visitvisalia #sequoiaguides #tularecounty #snowshoeing #getoutdoors #visitcalifornia #sequoiatrees #roadtrip #sierranevada
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. ⁣
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#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
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