In Search of Pretty Places

Very rarely do I call attention to or endorse other travel bloggers and enthusiasts, but when I do, it's either because I know them personally or have followed them long enough to trust their content and have developed a cyber-relationship with them over a mutual love for all things travel. Emily falls into both categories. I've known her personally for over 16 years, having grown up in the same county, attended the same social settings, and everything else that comes with growing up in a rural small-town.

Emily currently lives in Colorado Springs, working as an accountant by day and developing her skills as a hiking enthusiast, nature photographer, and insatiable wanderluster at every chance she gets. She recently returned from a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands and can be found 'gramming and blogging at InSearchOfPrettyPlaces.

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🌎 Hi! Tell us a little about yourself.

Pocahontas State Park, Virginia

I'm Emily, a 32 year old accountant with an insatiable love for all things travel! I grew up in a little town outside of Richmond, Virginia, but recently packed up everything and moved 1,700 miles away to Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am married to a wonderful man I met in college, who is in the army now. We have two cats and a very outgoing husky that we like to take hiking with us. We are both very passionate about the outdoors and try to hike something every weekend we are home. I'm an avid postcard collector an a very amateur photographer. But learning to take a good picture and using PhotoShop to enhance my photos has become one of my favorite hobbies!


🌎 What was your first trip in search of a pretty place?
The first trip I remember inspiring my love of travel was beginning our annual pilgrimage to New York City and Boston to visit our extended family. We would all pile into our family minivan and head north. Since I come from a relatively large family of six, my parents tried to keep the spending low by taking us tent-camping instead of staying in hotels. I developed a strong love for camping at an early age and have camped in many of the states on the eastern seaboard. My parents love camping as well and have spent a considerable amount of time hiking and camping in the United States and abroad. I'm so thankful that they shared their love with us from the beginning, and I'm always surprised to meet someone who has never camped before!

🌎 Where was one of your recent "pretty places" trips?

Pacific Northwest

One of my recent trips was driving the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles to Seattle! It has been a goal of mine since I made the drive from San Diego to LA years ago. The entire coast is absolutely stunning, and it’s a trip I think everyone should take. We camped along the way and it truly added to our experience! Plus, I got to add two more states to my list (Oregon and Washington)!

🌎 What is your travel style?
I love luxury, and I love the outdoors. My interest tends to gravitate toward places where I can experience both if possible. But I can stand to “rough it” a little if it means getting to enjoy nature in an intimate way. When we planned our PCH trip we decided to camp for two nights since the scenery is so beautiful. It truly added to our experience, and even though we were in a tent, I was comfortable both nights! Falling asleep to the wind in the trees and the waves on the Oregon coast was so peaceful!

🌎 What is the hardest part about traveling?
Traveling is hard for everyone at times. Missed flights, lost reservations, not speaking the language, etc. Of course those things are difficult, but for me the hardest part about traveling is my health. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was in college, and it requires some vigilance. Fortunately, I have been in remission for the better part of a decade and usually feel okay if I’m doing all the right things. When I travel, inevitably, I will face some stress which makes me sick. Each trip I take I’m learning more and getting better at knowing how to handle it. I make sure I give myself enough downtime, have a comfortable place to stay (luxury!), keep my medicine handy, and eat foods that I know are safe. I try to keep in mind that it will pass and that I have never regretted take a trip yet!

Glacier National Park

🌎 Where to next?
We would like to visit Japan! I have read so many excellent reviews and heard so many people speak highly of the culture that I can’t wait to get there! Because we are military, we are going to try staying on the base there since it is cheaper but still nice accommodations. I am reading everything I can get my hands on about Japan and starting to plan our trip.

We’re also planning to take a few day trips nearby. There is so much of Colorado I have yet to explore! Places on our list include hiking Pike’s Peak, visiting Breckenridge and Estes Park, and spending a long weekend in Crested Butte!

You can follow Emily on Instagram and her blog for more pretty places!

Drake's Seat, St. Thomas Virgin Islands. 

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All photos in this post are the property of In Search Of Pretty Places and are used with permission. Unauthorized use of the photos is strictly prohibited.

Linking up with: Lauren of Lauren on Location, Van of Snow in Tromso, Isabel of The Sunny Side of This and Marcella of What a Wonderful World.