About Take Time for the Trip
Hi, I'm Char.
Travel Writer & Storyteller
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
I believe travel isn't just about where you go, but how you experience it. It's about discovering new places, sharing experiences, and creating memories that stay with us long after we return home.
My love of travel began close to home.
I’m a Michigan native, born and raised in Detroit, where I learned early that some of the best adventures start right in your own backyard.
Over the years, I built a long and rewarding career in leadership, serving as a COO and CFO in higher education and the world of media. But no matter how busy life became, travel was always something I looked forward to and made time for. It was an opportunity to step away from everyday responsibilities, discover new places, and spend time with the people who matter most — my family and friends.
Somewhere along the way, I began thinking more about how I was spending my time, not just in my travels, but in life.
And I realized something important: Time is one of the most valuable things we have. Why not make the most of it while we can?
That realization became the inspiration behind Take Time for the Trip — a reminder to myself, and now to others, to make time for the trips we've been dreaming about and to remember that the best trips don't ask us to choose between seeing the highlights and truly experiencing a destination.
The best trips make time for both.
TRAVEL BEYOND THE HIGHLIGHTS
The best trips balance the iconic places we've dreamed about with the unexpected moments that become our favorite memories.
It's seeing the Eiffel Tower...
... and lingering over dinner at a neighborhood cafe.
It's visiting Mackinac Island...
...and watching the sunrise before the first ferry arrives.
It's taking the scenic coastal route...
...and stopping somewhere unexpected along the way.
THE APPROACH BEHIND
Take Time for the Trip is a reminder that the best journeys aren't defined by how much we fit into them, but by how fully we experience them.
It's taking an unexpected detour, exploring the streets of a new city, or discovering a local tradition that makes a destination memorable.
That perspective shapes the stories I tell, the destinations I explore, and the planning resources I create. Through my travel writing and guides, I hope to inspire others to discover places they've been dreaming about while making room for experiences they might not have expected.
It's also the thinking behind my Plan with Purpose Method, which helps travelers plan around what matters most to them, balance must-see highlights with personal interests, and leave room for discovery along the way.
Take Time for the Trip
WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE
Firsthand travel guides, destination insights, and inspiration to help you discover memorable places and experiences, near and far.
Practical advice, planning tools, and helpful resources to turn your travel ideas into well-planned, memorable trips.
Personal stories, reflections, and discoveries that offer a different perspective on the places we visit and the experiences we share.
The Experience Behind the Stories
Travel has taken me across 18 countries, 35 U.S. states, and more than 20 cruises, with each journey adding to the experiences and perspectives I share through Take Time for the Trip.
From the cities and countryside of Italy to destinations closer to home in Michigan, my writing is shaped by firsthand experiences, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the places I visit and the people I meet along the way.
Every journey brings a new perspective, and I believe there's always more to discover beyond the places we came to see. It's that curiosity and appreciation for the experience of travel that I hope to share with you.
Let's Stay Connected
Travel is even more rewarding when we share what we've discovered along the way.
I'd love for Take Time for the Trip to be a place where we exchange travel stories, share recommendations, discover new destinations, and inspire one another to keep exploring.
Whether you're planning your next adventure or dreaming about where to go, I'd love for you to join the journey.
Have a question or want to connect? I'd love to hear from you.
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