About
Hi, I’m Mary – and yes, that’s me above, wandering around a centuries-old mountain fortress in Bulgaria and apparently still making questionable decisions involving steep stone staircases.
Still En Route began strictly as a travel blog, but over time, I realized it was really about something much bigger: like what happens when the traditional script for aging, retirement, and “slowing down” no longer feels like the right fit.
Because for many of us, it doesn’t.
If that resonates with you, you’ve found your people.
We go places here – both on the map & off it!
Designing Life Intentionally
Life by design, at least to me, means making intentional choices about how you want to spend your time – rather than automatically following somebody else’s idea of what this stage of life is supposed to look like.
Well over a decade ago, I started simplifying my own life and eventually created a lifestyle that allows me to spend at least three months in Europe each year while continuing to work, learn, travel, and build projects I genuinely enjoy.
I haven’t retired from life. I’ve just gotten a little more particular about how I want to spend it.
And yes, I’m still figuring things out. Despite the fact that I’m a baby boomer who should presumably have all the answers by now.
That’s really what Still En Route is about.
What You’ll Find Here
Yes, there’s travel here – plenty of it.
I’ve spent more than 42 years in the travel industry creating custom trips for people who wanted something more thoughtful than a race through seven cities before collapsing at the airport. Travel remains one of the ways I stay mentally engaged and connected to the world.
But this site also explores so much more.
Life By Design – figuring out what’s next, trying new things, staying curious, and creating a life that fits who you are now.
Travel – long stays, independent adventures, tours and cruises, practical advice, travel mishaps, and more than four decades of professional travel experience mixed with plenty of firsthand wandering.
Flexible Income – practical ways to keep earning, build something of your own, or create a little more financial breathing room without letting work take over your life.
They may sound like three different subjects, but to me they’re all connected.
What do I want my life to look like? Where do I want to go? And how can I give myself the freedom to do it?
Because this chapter isn’t really about “retirement” for me. It’s about continuing to build a life that still feels interesting, flexible, and fully your own.
Why Flexible Income Is Part of the Conversation
Freedom and flexibility rarely happen by accident.
I’ve been self-employed for decades, and I’ve spent years experimenting with blogging, niche websites, affiliate marketing, online business, and other ways of working that aren’t tied to a traditional office or schedule.
I’m not interested in hustle culture or promises of becoming an internet millionaire by next Tuesday. Frankly, that sounds exhausting.
I am interested in realistic ways to create more options – and I know I’m not the only one. Whether it’s extra spending money, a business of your own, the ability to work from wherever you happen to be, or simply more control over how much you work in the first place, having more options can give you more freedom to shape the life you want.
And because no good About page is complete without a few completely unnecessary facts…
Funny Facts (About Me)
- I would usually rather shop for new blog themes than clothes.
- I only found my inner geek late in life – now I’m all in!
- I’m a lifelong reader and unapologetic romance novel fan. The romance book industry doesn’t make billions of dollars by accident, people.
- Since I love to read, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I have a book blog.
- I’ve loved cooked spinach (even the canned stuff) since I was a little kid.
- I remain deeply committed to comfortable shoes, realistic expectations (this doesn’t always work out), and snacks.
Mostly, though, I’m someone who still believes curiosity matters. That you’re allowed to keep changing your mind, trying things, going places, and wondering what might be around the next corner.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to keep going.
So pull up a chair, pour yourself a coffee (or wine), and stay awhile.
We go places here – both on the map and off it.
Until the next stop (preferably with snacks),
~ Mary