Notes from the Road

Real trip stories, planning tips, and a little midlife honesty, one post at a time.

Destinations | Sample Itineraries | Midlife Perspectives | Travel Tips

The Woman Who Almost Said No to Herself

Francine Azel 4/17/26 Francine Azel 4/17/26

The Woman Who Almost Said No to Herself

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The Trips I Kept Putting Off… and Why I’m Not Anymore

Francine Azel 3/26/26 Francine Azel 3/26/26

The Trips I Kept Putting Off… and Why I’m Not Anymore

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A Cozy Cabin Girls Weekend Near Nashville You Can Recreate

Francine Azel 3/19/26 Francine Azel 3/19/26

A Cozy Cabin Girls Weekend Near Nashville You Can Recreate

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The Difference Between a Fun Trip and a Meaningful One

Francine Azel 3/4/26 Francine Azel 3/4/26

The Difference Between a Fun Trip and a Meaningful One

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The One Mistake Midlife Women Make When Planning a Big Trip

Francine Azel 2/28/26 Francine Azel 2/28/26

The One Mistake Midlife Women Make When Planning a Big Trip

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How I Surprised My Friends With a Birthday Girls Trip at 53

Francine Azel 2/20/26 Francine Azel 2/20/26

How I Surprised My Friends With a Birthday Girls Trip at 53

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Why I Leave on This Trip Every Year (And What It Gives Me Back)

Francine Azel 1/28/26 Francine Azel 1/28/26

Why I Leave on This Trip Every Year (And What It Gives Me Back)

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Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto (Our Favorite Stops + Honest Tips)

Francine Azel 1/17/26 Francine Azel 1/17/26

Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto (Our Favorite Stops + Honest Tips)

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From Falling Trees to Waterfall Tears

Francine Azel 11/22/25 Francine Azel 11/22/25

From Falling Trees to Waterfall Tears

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Medellín & Santa Marta, Colombia: A Candid Review of Our Trip

Francine Azel 9/30/25 Francine Azel 9/30/25

Medellín & Santa Marta, Colombia: A Candid Review of Our Trip

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Being There Where You’re Not”: The Lost Art of Postcards

Francine Azel 8/16/25 Francine Azel 8/16/25

Being There Where You’re Not”: The Lost Art of Postcards

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Rediscovering Your “Un-Potential” in Midlife

Francine Azel 7/10/25 Francine Azel 7/10/25

Rediscovering Your “Un-Potential” in Midlife

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🎢 From Disney Dreams to Amalfi Coast Plans: Why Even This Travel Pro Uses a Travel Advisor

Francine Azel 7/4/25 Francine Azel 7/4/25

🎢 From Disney Dreams to Amalfi Coast Plans: Why Even This Travel Pro Uses a Travel Advisor

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Why You Might Need a Personalized Destination Management Company

Francine Azel 6/19/25 Francine Azel 6/19/25

Why You Might Need a Personalized Destination Management Company

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5 Things I Never Skip When Planning My Own Trip

Francine Azel 6/10/25 Francine Azel 6/10/25

5 Things I Never Skip When Planning My Own Trip

When planning my own trip… Because every trip deserves a little magic - and a lot of good food!

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From Overthinking to Overjoyed:

Francine Azel 5/29/25 Francine Azel 5/29/25

From Overthinking to Overjoyed:

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Bonjour from Bordeaux, Paris & Mont Saint Michel

Francine Azel 5/4/25 Francine Azel 5/4/25

Bonjour from Bordeaux, Paris & Mont Saint Michel

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Midlife Girlfriends Grits & Giggles

Francine Azel 4/5/25 Francine Azel 4/5/25

Midlife Girlfriends Grits & Giggles

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Sippin' Parcha Mojito in PR

Francine Azel 2/20/25 Francine Azel 2/20/25

Sippin' Parcha Mojito in PR

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Sore Body, but Full ♥️

Francine Azel 2/8/25 Francine Azel 2/8/25

Sore Body, but Full ♥️

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