May 2003
Welcome
Hi, I’m Ellyn! GoTravEllyn isn’t your typical travel blog, I write about real hikes and national park adventures – but I’m just as likely to tell you which hotel to book and where to get the best meal after. I believe adventure and comfort aren’t opposites. You can chase a sunrise hike and still sleep in a great bed that night.
My rule of thumb: I splurge on things that change the experience, not just things that make it easier. A boat charter to somewhere you genuinely can’t get otherwise? Worth it. A guided tour for a drive that you’re capable of doing yourself? Skip it, save the money. A hotel with an actual sense of place? Worth it. A generic add-on that doesn’t change what you remember? Skip it.
If that sounds like your kind of travel, welcome – I’m glad you’re here.
Dec 2005
My Story
I’ve lived in Florida, Atlanta, Nashville, Washington DC, and I now call the Pacific Northwest home. Somewhere along the way, “vacation” turned into a full blown love of exploring – national parks, mountain towns, wine country, and the cities I’ve lived in, not just visited for a weekend.
My fiancé and I travel together constantly. Some of my favorite trips have been the ones where we got a little outside of our comfort zone – driving an off-road route we weren’t totally sure about, or booking the splurge we almost talked ourselves out of. This blog is where I write those trips down, wins and all.
May 2024
What to Expect
Every post here follows the same idea: where’s worth staying, one thing worth the splurge, one thing you can skip, something to do outside, and a food or drink pick worth seeking out. Whether we’re deep in Death Valley or back in a city I used to call home, that’s the lens.
Want to work together, or just say hi? Reach me at [email protected].
Ready to plan your next trip?
Browse the blog for real itineraries, honest splurge-or-skip advice, and the trips actually worth taking.