travel blog Archives - Cruisin with the Colemans

2025 Travel Plans – Where We Are Going Next & How We Plan

Posted on April 1, 2025 by CruisinColemans

By this time of year (end of March), we usually have our travel plans finalized. We love to plan early because it helps us secure the campsites we want and assists with our budget planning. Most importantly, we enjoy planning throughout the school year. The school year is almost over, so it’s uncomfortable not to have our plans in place.

We didn’t know what we wanted to do or where to go; who knew there was a reason! But our travel plans are nearly finalized now! We have planned several RV trips in the Midwest, including one along the Bourbon Trail through Kentucky.

In June, we will walk the Way of St. Francis (La Via di Francesco) from Florence to Assisi. The trail continues to Rome; we are confident we will eventually complete it, just not this year. It will be a challenging walk with significant elevation gain, but we have hiked through Italy before, and the views are breathtaking!

Photo credit: https://caminoist.org/st-francis-way/

Here’s a quick overview of how we start planning our trips.

What Can We Do
As we are both over 50, one of the biggest factors in deciding what to do and where to go is asking ourselves, “What can we do before our bodies will no longer allow us?” We are acutely aware that we are not getting any younger. I hope we have plenty of years ahead, but you never know where life will take you. We want to keep doing hard things, like hiking through Tuscany or climbing Machu Picchu, before it’s something we can’t do.

Early Planning Stages
With plans in mind, the real fun begins: we love coming up with what we want to see and do. We start by watching YouTube videos, as it’s enjoyable to observe what others consider important about the area we plan to visit. These videos present genuine experiences, often unrefined, offering a true account of the experience.

Time to Budget
Regardless of where we want to travel, our budget constraints largely determine the destinations we choose. I wish we could live budget-free lives, but that will never happen during our travels. Haha! We begin by considering what we want to spend and then move on to what we need. We include lodging, food, airfare, excursions, potential side trips we may wish to add, and souvenirs.

Dates and Routes
We look at the calendar and make sure we are making the smartest plans for the time we have to travel. It doesn’t make sense to travel all the way to Europe and spend the most amount of time. We always try to go over there for at least a month. There is so much to do and see in Europe, and your biggest expense is getting there.

Then, we consider which RV routes are sensible. If we have the time, we make plenty of stops along the way, meaning the actual destination isn’t very far. For instance, we don’t have much time for a long trip in June, so planning a Bourbon Trail trip through Kentucky is perfect for us. The destination is only a few hours away, and we’ll be staying at Harvest Hosts, so the stays will be free. If you are an RVer and not a member of Harvest Hosts, sign up here.

Creating a Spreadsheet
We love to create good spreadsheets. We have them for walking Caminos and RV trips with lots of stops. The spreadsheet includes where we are going, the miles/km to get there, what we want to do when we are there, our budget, etc. We are happy to share spreadsheets with you. Just drop us a message.

Trip planning doesn’t have to be a daunting task; in fact, it should be quite fun. It’s like a pre-vacation where your imagination can take you anywhere for free. If you need help, we LOVE to help people plan trips, drop us an email at cruisinwiththecolemans@gmail.com.

If you have any travel questions, send them our way! We love to help others. Who knows, you may inspire our next blog post. We hope you will follow our travels this year. We will highlight them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, making reels and posting photos in real time as we travel.

Until next time – we hope your travels are fulfilling!

Group Travel Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on March 19, 2025 by CruisinColemans

These are frequently asked questions about the Camino de Santiago. This blog post addresses common inquiries regarding preparation for the walk and specific questions for those traveling with us. I have broken it down into four categories: Phones and Wifi, Money and Financial Concerns, Preparations and Daily Concerns, and Social Media. If you have a question not addressed in this blog, please reach out so we can add the question/answer.

Phones and Wi-Fi

Will my phone work?
1. The easy answer is yes! However, you need to decide what you do for coverage. Because of the cost, we don’t use our regular cell phone plan when we travel to Europe. Instead, we order a European SIM card from Orange right before we leave and activate it when we arrive in Spain. This is the link to their holiday plan. It’s an eSIM, so you can complete this online. Your phone has to be unlocked. Reach out to us if you have questions.
Will there be cell service?
1. Yes! You will be walking in populated areas with lots of cell coverage.
Will there be wi-fi?
1. Almost every bar, restaurant, and lodging will have wi-fi. I cannot guarantee it will be fast, but you will have phone access when needed.

Money and Financial Concerns

How much should I budget for lunch and snacks?
1. This depends greatly on how much you eat and if you are a drinker. Cocktails are a lot more expensive than wine. Water usually comes in a bottle unless you specifically ask for tap water (agua del grifo), but I cannot guarantee that will always work. If you budget 25-30€ daily, that should be plenty (unless you are a cocktail drinker, those can be 5-8€ each). Don’t forget money for souvenirs.
How much cash should I have with me?
1. You should always keep a small amount of cash, but not too much in case something happens and you lose your wallet. We recommend no more than €100 on hand time.
Will there be ATMs along the way?
1. You will find ATMs everywhere along the way, but those can have hefty fees if you don’t know what you are doing. Use a bank card that doesn’t have international fees or ATM fees. For cash, we use our Charles Schwab checking account debit card. Schwab does not charge ATM or international fees; they also reimburse you for any ATM fees the other bank charges.
2. We strongly advise against using currency exchange locations! Although they are visible, they are expensive, and there are much better alternatives for accessing cash.
Beyond the fee, what other expenses should I expect?
1. The only expenses you should incur are meals throughout the day (second breakfast, lunch, snacks, cocktails), pharmacy needs, and souvenirs.
2. Tips and gratuities from our group members are appreciated by our tour guides, drivers, and cooking class instructors..
What happens if I can’t go on the trip?
1. The $500 deposit is non-refundable. We will work on the rest with you. If your travel insurance is active when that decision is made, that is a great way to ensure we are still paid. At a minimum, we expect you to cover any expenses we will be out (museum tickets, etc).

Preparations, Daily Concerns, and Itineraries

What is the schedule going to be like?
1. We will start our day at about 7 a.m. Your walking will be done between 1-3 p.m. Then it’s time for washing clothes, grabbing a nap, and some self-reflection. We will have dinner at about 7 p.m. as a group. We will not only enjoy a meal but also reflect together. Lights out is about 10 p.m. so we can start again the next day.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
1. Please let us know ASAP so we can ensure you have breakfasts and dinners that meet your dietary needs. Please understand that a typical breakfast is coffee and a pastry.
Should I have a guidebook with me?
1. If you get lost, you should have a phone app with GPX tracks to help you find your way. Some people also like a guidebook. Here is an example of one we like to carry with us. Also, note that Google Maps will help you get back on a main road but not necessarily the trail.
Do I need to know the local language?
1. It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the language. This will help you greet people properly and order food when you are hungry. Listening to podcasts like Coffee Break or working through lessons on Duolingo are very helpful.
Will there be pharmacies?
1. You will walk through multiple villages throughout the day, and pharmacies are everywhere. They will have everything you need, just like you would find in a CVS or Walgreens.
Will there be access to water on the trail?
1. Yes! There will be many places to grab water from fountains along the trail. It will be unfiltered water from a fountain. However, the fountains are used by locals and pilgrims alike, and we have not had any issues with them.
Will we all walk together?
1. Yes and no, that depends on the group. We will let the group decide what they are most comfortable with for the daily walks. We will not leave anyone alone unless they want to walk alone. We may start our day together and spread out throughout the day. Don’t stress – we are there to support you!

Social Media

I want to be off-grid while on the trip; is that possible?
1. Yes! Tell your friends to follow Cruisin’ with the Colemans on Facebook or Instagram. We will post photos and videos throughout the day on Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, we will be posting daily vlogs on YouTube during the trip. Your friends and family will have a lot to watch without bothering you!
How do I get the photos you took?
1. We will share a drive with you containing photos and videos that you can download. They are yours forever!

I hope this blog answers your questions. However, if it does not, please reach out. Leave a comment below so we can add your question to this post.

Thanks, Michelle & Brian

Preparing for a Hiking Vacation

Posted on March 16, 2025 by CruisinColemans

When we think about vacations, we often imagine relaxation, sightseeing, and indulgence. However, when planning a hiking vacation, it’s essential to shift that mindset to one of preparation and training. Just as we wouldn’t head to an amusement park without some knowledge of the attractions, we shouldn’t embark on a hiking adventure without getting our bodies and minds ready for the journey ahead.

It’s amusing that no one “trains” for a vacation, even when they are headed to places like Disney World, where they’ll walk 6 to 10 miles a day, or Rome, Italy, where they may walk even further in a single day. We just don’t consider training for a traditional vacation. You know, because it’s a vacation; the place you go to relax and unwind.

But if we are planning a hiking vacation, we need to train. We must consider the gear we carry, what clothing to wear, and how to manage ourselves if a problem arises. When hiking, you might find yourself in the middle of nowhere. Do you have a plan? Do you have basic first aid knowledge? There are many considerations. I’m not addressing all of that today (maybe another day). Today, I’m focusing on training to be physically and emotionally prepared.

Understand the Terrain
First, get to know the trails you plan to hike. Research the elevation, terrain type, and estimated distance. Understanding what to expect will help you customize your training regimen. For example, hiking in the Rocky Mountains requires different training than trekking through the Appalachian foothills. A hiking trail like the Camino de Santiago is entirely different. On most routes of the Camino, there are villages every 3-4 miles, which provide a break, a snack, and a distraction that you won’t find on other trails.

“I love hiking, but I don’t love every minute of every hike.”

Building Physical Endurance
Any long-distance trek will challenge your physical abilities, and that shouldn’t scare you; it should excite you to push your limits. We often say, “I love hiking, but I don’t love every minute of every hike.” So why do we still love it even when we don’t enjoy every moment? Because during tough challenges on difficult days, things can be overwhelming; however, when you overcome something you once thought was impossible, the sense of achievement is incredibly rewarding.

Start Walking. The best way to prepare for hiking is to start walking regularly. If you’re not already doing so, aim for at least 30 minutes of walking three to five times a week. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your walks, aiming for longer distances over time. Set a manageable plan, one that feels attainable for you. This is not about being the fastest or best walker; it’s about improving what you can do today.
Incorporate Hills. Explore local trails or spots with inclines. Walking uphill helps develop the leg strength and endurance necessary for hiking. Take your time on the hills; this isn’t a race. You’re only competing against yourself. If you don’t have hills where you live, then walk on a treadmill and slowly increase the incline.
Cross-training. To boost overall fitness, consider exploring other forms of exercise. Activities such as cycling, swimming, or even strength training can improve your cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, which are essential for navigating rugged trails. Yoga is excellent for enhancing flexibility, which your muscles will appreciate when they feel tired and tight after a long day of walking. We have a local yoga studio that offers a punch card for drop-ins, so you don’t need a membership.
Practice with Gear. Don’t forget to train with the actual gear you plan to take on your trip. Get used to wearing your hiking boots or shoes, carrying your backpack, and using trekking poles. This way, you’ll break in your equipment and evaluate what adjustments might be necessary. Continue adding weight to your pack as you become comfortable, simulating the gear you’ll carry on your trip. Start with an empty pack, then add water, followed by a bit of clothing, and so on, until you have exactly what you will take on your trip. One thing we do to practice with our gear is add bags of rice to mimic gear and weight.

Mental Preparation
Hiking is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one. Some days, the trail can feel short and beautifully enjoyable, while other days may feel long and even tedious. To prepare yourself, set realistic expectations and establish mental goals for your hikes.

Set Your Intention. Before I start walking, I like to set a daily intention: What do I want to think about today? What do I want to be thankful for today? What do I want to discuss with my partner or my higher power today? This intention helps me focus my mind when the day is long and gives my walk a greater purpose.
Balance Your Mind. Include mindfulness or meditative practices in your training routine. Recognizing that hiking can sometimes be tough will help you stay calm and focused during challenging sections of the trail. While you’re on the trail, you’ll have plenty of time to lose yourself in your thoughts. Is that beneficial for you? Do you prefer music? Be ready for long periods of silence.
Visualize Success. Spend time visualizing yourself completing your hike. Picture the stunning views, the sense of accomplishment at reaching the summit or the destination, and how to manage any physical challenges you might face. This practice can be a powerful motivator.
Learn Basic Navigation and Safety. Familiarize yourself with map reading and compass skills, or consider taking a wilderness first aid course. Being mentally prepared for emergencies boosts confidence and can make your hiking experience safer and more enjoyable.

Preparing for a hiking vacation is an investment in the great outdoors. It’s an investment in you—the health of your mind and body. By training both physically and mentally before you go, you’ll not only enhance your hiking experience but also ensure that you’re ready for any challenges that arise with confidence and resilience. Remember, it’s about enjoying the journey just as much as the destination. So lace up those hiking shoes, hit the trail right now, and let your adventure begin!

Have a question? Reach out to us! Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you know when new blog posts are published!

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From Travel Blog/Vloggers to Tour Guides

Posted on February 21, 2025 by CruisinColemans

When we started this blog in 2018, we had a long-term goal of leading groups* on adventure travel. Initially, we envisioned this goal for after retirement. However, the time has now come for us to pursue it. We have been inspired and are ready to lean into this new direction. But before I share more about that, let me provide some background on our story. When we started this blog in 2018, we had a long-term goal of leading groups on adventure travel. Initially, we envisioned this goal for after retirement. However, the time has now come for us to pursue it. We have been inspired and are ready to lean into this new direction. But before I share more about that, let me provide some background on our story. Brian and I used to lead sedentary lifestyles. When we met and got married, we both weighed over 300 pounds. Although we both enjoyed traveling, we never imagined the adventures we’d had since then. The photo from the mud run (above) was a huge leap for us. We used to joke, “If we’re running, it must be because something bad is happening—like a bear is chasing us!” Haha! We started walking our neighborhood because we had put on even more weight after a year of dating and planning a wedding. I remember when the scale surpassed 300 pounds. I was mortified and needed a change. I was extremely fortunate to be with a man who was up for any crazy idea I had. We started walking our neighborhood, which led to fad diets but a bit of hope that change was possible. This hope led to trying more realistic diets; we did Weight Watchers and transitioned from walking to hiking in local parks. By 2012, we had both lost over 100 pounds. We spent our time tent camping and hiking epic trails all over the country. Our passion for travel had always been present, but we fully committed to planning significant trips, taking advantage of our ability as teachers to travel for a couple of months at a time.

June 2017 – the moment that changed us forever

In 2017, we embarked on our first Camino de Santiago, backpacking 500 miles across Spain from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela and continuing on to Finisterre. This experience was life-changing, igniting a passion for travel that grew in ways we never anticipated. In fact, the lessons we learned on that first Camino are still unfolding for us. Less than a week after completing the Camino, we purchased an RV for more travel adventures. Since then, we have RV’d over 50,000 miles through 36 states. We have walked five more Caminos, including the Camino Portuguese, the Camino del Norte, and the Via Francigena. In 2018, during our first major RV road trip through Ohio, Michigan, Canada, and New York, we launched this blog. We also established our brand, Cruisin’ with the Colemans, because we anticipated that one day—though a long time from now—we would lead group trips. Given our background as teachers and experience leading groups, this felt like a natural progression for us. We have taken students abroad, on cruises, and to New York City, so pursuing this long-term goal seemed like a perfect fit. Foreward to now, Brian is only a couple of years from retirement, and my retirement date depends on our financial stability. But more importantly, we have typically made our summer plans by this time of the year. It’s not for a lack of trying, but nothing felt right. This week, we were honored to host Bill Bennett and his beautiful wife, Jennifer Cluff. We had an outstanding time talking about Camino, travel, and our mutual interests. By the last day, on our last drive together, during a conversation about destinations we should explore, Jennifer asked why we were not leading groups. Our answer has always been, “Because we are waiting until we retire.” I need to reflect on what I just typed. I realized that my previous statement is the complete opposite of everything we stand for. It’s a revelation for me. We’re not about waiting for retirement but about taking action and starting now. Ok, back on track. Our travel plans for 2025 are taking shape, and it is time for you to join us on our first group travel experience*. This will be a 12-day trip walking the Camino de Santiago from Samos to Santiago de Compostela, where you can walk the full 120 kilometers from Sarria to Santiago to earn a Compostela.

Finalized trip details can be found in this more recent blog.

Here is what you can expect on this trip from us:

You will have the option to walk all day, every day. If you don’t want to earn the Compostela, you can walk part of the day with less mileage. If you want to bike, okay, we have you covered (this will not earn you a Compostela). You don’t have to walk at all. There will be plenty to do for people of varying physical abilities.
The walk will be about 17-25 kilometers or 10-15 miles per day; you can do as much or as little as you want
Light continental breakfast, typically coffee and a pastry
Communal dinner every night, including multiple courses and wine
Private or semi-private (with another group member) rooms that fit your needs. If you want to save a bit of money here, we can work with you on the other types of room/bed accommodations
Daily luggage transfer, so all you have to worry about is carrying a light pack with just your snacks and water
Transfer to/from Santiago airport at the start of the trip
Daytime transfer if you need to skip a part of the walk or just don’t want to walk that much in a day
Rest day at the beginning of the trip in Samos to explore the Monastery of San Xulián de Samos, built in the sixth century
Rest day near the end of the trip in Santiago de Compostela
On the rest day in Santiago, we will explore the Cathedral and do a rooftop tour of the church
Enjoy a traditional guiemada ceremony after dinner in Santiago de Compostela
Group bus trip to Finisterre to walk to the lighthouse for sunset and celebratory dinner
Transfer back to Santiago de Compostela for the end of the trip
Advance support for planning your trip
Camino 101 Zoom sessions to get ready and get familiar with those you will be traveling with
Help to make travel arrangements to/from Spain, including suggested flights from the US to Spain
Credential, pilgrim shell, and travel wallet to carry your pilgrim credential and passport
Thumb drive of photos and completed summary videos of your trip

When is this happening? July 2025, shortly after the 4th of July holiday. The trip will be 12 days, so with your travel days, you are well within a solid two-week vacation. We will have a lot more details very soon.

How much will this cost? We will have details about the final cost of the trip very soon. Your only additional costs will be airfare to/from Spain, lunch, snacks, and personal equipment. We aim to keep this trip around $3,000 per person. From our research, we feel quite good about that number, but we need just a bit more time for a solid number. A deposit of $500 will be due shortly after the trip announcement. We are limiting participation to 12 people. A payment plan will be arranged, with the total amount due 10 days before departure.

This trip will not include:

Church or museum admissions outside of Santiago
Lunches and snacks
Travel insurance (but you are required to show proof of personal medical and travel insurance)
Transportation to and from Santiago
Personal equipment, such as backpacks, hiking poles, etc.

What’s the next step? Honestly, be ready to make a deposit. We expect the 12 slots will fill fast. We anticipate making the complete announcement next week. We have a few details to implement to ensure the highest quality trip possible. If you go Cruisin’ with the Colemans, you are going in style! Thank you for following this blog adventure to the end. Our goal remains the same—we want to inspire you to take adventures, but even more so, we want you to take an adventure with us this year!!

Do you have questions? Do you want to make a deposit? Do you want me to know that you are considering making a deposit? Whatever your questions, our email address is cruisinwiththecolemans@gmail.com—we would love to hear from you!

*We are not certified travel agents, but we are experienced travelers and educators with over 25 years of leading group experiences. We organize travel experiences to destinations we know well from our own journeys. However, we do not claim to be experts on the various cultures or locations we visit. We may hire a local expert to enhance your travel experience if available.

You can subscribe to our email list right here. We promise not to spam you and will not share your email with anyone!

How We Choose Brand Partners. Is It All About the Free Stuff?

Posted on February 2, 2025 by CruisinColemans

In a world where influencers can easily “get free stuff” from companies, we tend to be selective. There are many reasons for this, but two stand out. (1) We don’t need that much stuff as we continue to downsize. (2) We want to support companies whose products we believe in.

Long before we became “influencers,” we were just two people who traveled extensively! For a decade, we had been tent campers and international travelers who enjoyed hiking and backpacking. In 2017, we bought our first RV but had no intention of having a social media presence. We launched this blog in 2018 and started our YouTube channel in 2019. We had no idea what would come of our little Cruisin’ with the Colemans. It’s become more than we imagined, and we are thankful for that. We didn’t force it; it just continues to evolve.

At this point in our online journey, many companies have contacted us. We see that as a huge compliment—at least, we did until we remembered the impact of our decisions and what we chose to promote. Yes, we have made mistakes along the way. We have accepted free products and created a video or reel about them, only to later realize that wasn’t a wise choice. We are much more careful and selective now. I will never forget that awful drone we promoted for a short time. It wouldn’t harm anyone, but it was a terrible drone.

There is a significant difference between free products and a brand partnership. However, let me clarify: we have decided that if we either can’t or won’t use an item, we don’t want the free products at all. People can expect quality reviews of the brands and products we support. We might review a single item from a company without it being a brand partner; it will always be a product we believe we can use.

For instance, the company “Airplane Pockets” sent us two free samples of their pockets. We tried them out, enjoyed them, and created a reel about them. Since we liked them so much, we added them to our Amazon Storefront under “Travel Gear.” We avoid receiving gear that we wouldn’t use. While these Airplane Pockets aren’t something we’d use if we were only traveling with a backpack, we love using them when traveling with a suitcase. This is a perfect example of a company we will collaborate with that isn’t a brand partner.

An example of a brand partner is RecPro—we LOVE their products for our RV. We had been purchasing from RecPro long before we connected with them as a brand partner. We began remodeling our RV within the first six months of owning it. From removing the jackknife sofa and installing a backup camera to upgrading our blinds, RecPro has everything we need for our renovations. They became a brand partner in 2023 when we reached out to them. What we appreciate about this partnership is that we already knew we loved their products.

That’s the same reason we partnered with Coachmen Apex. We loved our rig even before we bought it. In fact, we purchased it sight unseen! We viewed similar models and many online tours, but we knew the Coachmen Apex 269RBKS was the right choice for us! We researched it while backpacking across Spain in 2017 and bought it within a week of returning home so we could explore and travel more

It wasn’t until 2023 that we partnered with Coachmen, and we signed the contract on Christmas Day. It was the best Christmas gift we could receive because we love Apex. We adore our rig, but most importantly, we appreciate the people who work for Apex. What they admire about us is who we are – people who love to travel and embrace the way they travel. They don’t ask us to change. And thank goodness, because we have no intention of being anyone other than who we have always been.

Another example of a brand partner is a husband and wife duo who founded Rivet Supply Co. They create “adventure boards” designed for your RV. We instantly fell in love with their board when we first spotted it on Instagram. They qualify as a brand partner because we continue to work with them as their company grows.

Our channel will continue to focus on us, covering RV travel, international travel, hiking, backpacking, beaches, and everyday life. The products and brands we connect with will simply be part of the story we tell. Perhaps discussing Coachmen will inspire you to consider RV life, even if you choose another brand; we love that you are getting outdoors. If we feature the products we use when renovating our house or RV, we make them accessible to you so you feel it’s something you can tackle when you are renovating.

What’s in it for us? If we do a product review, it’s just free product(s) to evaluate. Every brand we collaborate with is a little different. Sometimes, we receive free product(s) and also have a discount code to share with you. Other times, we get a discount code for you while also receiving a percentage back. Those partnerships help Cruisin’ with the Colemans feel more worthwhile when we are tired from our day jobs but have blogs to write or videos to create.

Clear Source Water Filter is a brand partner and a product we’ve used for many years prior to partnering with them.

This is a labor of love—we enjoy sharing our adventures with you. We hope our grandchild(ren) will read about and watch our travels to learn more about who we were when we were younger. We certainly aren’t getting rich from being influencers, and that’s completely fine with us! But our travels now have another layer, and that’s pretty cool!

How do we generate revenue? A few brand partners provide a small percentage of compensation for items purchased, but it’s not substantial. We also earn a bit from our Amazon Storefront. When you buy products through our affiliate link, we receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you more to use our link, but it helps us. Our accountant appreciates it when we earn some money because it shows the distinction between this being a hobby and a business.

Our Amazon Storefront is filled with all the products we use and love!

If you watch our YouTube videos, we earn a small income. So please watch those ads—we appreciate it! Brian creates our videos, and I manage the blog and social media. These roles help us determine what needs to be done and who should do it. We like to call Cruisin’ with the Colemans our 5-9 job, meaning we work on it after our 9-5 jobs that pay the real bills. Haha! But, as I mentioned earlier, it gives our travels more purpose, and that’s a huge win!

Thank you for reading this blog. If you have any questions about the products we use or the companies we partner with, please comment. We appreciate you following our adventures, and we hope they inspire you to take an adventure with us.

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Upcoming Presentations!

Posted on January 29, 2025 by CruisinColemans

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[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]Want to connect with us and hear about our adventures? Here is where you will find us this Spring 2025:

February 15, 2025, at the Dayton RV Show located at the Dayton Convention Center in Dayton, Ohio. At 9 a.m., we will talk about “From Florida to Maine: The Blunders and Beaches along a 2,000-mile RV Roadtrip.” At 1 p.m., we will talk about “Part-Time, Full-Time, Anytime RVers: Tips for Planning your Next Adventure!”

February 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Base Camp Outdoors Co., to talk about “Hidden Gems Around Dayton, Ohio,” where we will discuss Dayton as the Gem City because there are so many treasures to explore! The Colemans have been exploring and hiking Dayton’s trails for over 10 years. Join us to learn about their favorite trails and biggest surprises, and maybe you will discover a new hidden gem to check out.

March 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Base Camp Outdoors Co., to talk about “Navigating Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks Hiking Trails,” where we will discuss how, like most people, we walked our neighborhood to lose weight and be more active. When we got bored of their neighborhood, we bravely ventured to our local MetroParks. With no experience in trail navigation and zero hiking gear, we started hiking short trails in jeans and sneakers. The Colemans have hiked every mile of the MetroParks trail system multiple times. This Hiking 101 seminar will encourage you to hit the trail with what you have and begin your adventure. Further, we will give you a few gear tips to level up your hiking game.

Mark April 17th and May 15th on your calendar; we will be back at Base Camp Outdoors Co. with more topics!

If you have questions, email us at cruisinwiththecolemans@gmail.com
Of course, always follow our socials!
Happy adventuring!
Michelle[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
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Day 1 in Paris and This Happened

Posted on June 4, 2024 by CruisinColemans

Why are we enjoying dinner tonight in our Paris apartment? Well, it’s been a rough first day. 😔 I can’t believe it happened but I (Michelle) took a terrible fall. Unfortunately, I saw the inside of a Paris hospital within the first 24 hours of being in Europe. 🤦🏻‍♀️

We had a leisurely morning, slept in and recuperated from our jet lag a bit. We enjoyed the most delicious café and gluten free treats (more on the gluten free food in Paris in another blog). We took the metro to Montmartre, wandered up to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, and then decided to walk the 300 steps to the top of the dome of the basilica.

So far so good, then I landed on one step wrong as we were walking back down the tower. I slipped backwards and slammed my head on 100 year old stone. There was a lot of blood, as there usually is with head trauma.

So much blood even I was startled, not to mention Brian. The look on his face was pure shock and fear. Immediately I was mad at myself. I should have looked better, I should have walked more carefully, I should have worn better shoes, and then I realized I had to get back down those stupid spiral stairs.

By the time I was ready to walk, security had made its way up because they heard about the fall and an ambulance was on its way. They said it was protocol and I had to go to the hospital. It was a good thing I went as I ended up with 4 staples in my head. I only went to the hospital because they insisted and I wasn’t going willingly.

Yep, my first full day in Paris and I end up at a hospital to get staples in my head. The experience at a Parisian hospital is another story entirely. However, in short, if you have a medical emergency in Paris please go to the local American hospital. You will thank me. Seriously, write that down and don’t forget.

My poor blood soaked sweater and my impractical (yet cute) shoes

Now it’s time to move on from this experience and salvage the rest of our time in Paris. Fortunately we were able to rearrange our schedule so nothing was a total loss. Unfortunately in 7-10 days I have to find a clinic to remove my staples. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Wish me luck.

As for Paris, I pray this was our only meal indoors.