Talley Your Adventure – The Blog

Adventure Awaits!

At Talley Your Adventure, we don’t just plan luxury and culturally rich travel experiences—we live and breathe them. Our blog, travelingtalleys.blog, is where we share the real stories behind our adventures: kayaking alongside glaciers in Alaska, exploring temples in Japan, chasing waterfalls in Iceland, and wandering through storybook towns in Germany. If it’s unforgettable, chances are we’ve done it—or we’re planning it next.

Nicolette brings deep experience in travel and heritage. With a Master’s in Public History, she’s worked as a Supervisory Park Ranger, Revenue Manager, and Program Analyst across multiple national parks for over a decade. Her career has taken her from managing interpretive boat tours in Alaska’s wild backcountry to overseeing large-scale visitor service projects with million-dollar budgets. And yes—she’s also a licensed 100-Ton Inland Master Boat Captain who’s led cultural and ecological tours from riverboats to remote beaches.

Clinton’s travel roots run just as deep. He’s worked in logistics and operations for the National Park Service and was a key member of the hospitality team aboard National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions. From managing guest services on remote international voyages to coordinating facility software systems stateside, he knows what it takes to deliver seamless, high-end travel experiences—even in the most unpredictable places.

Together, we created Talley Your Adventure to bring our experience, passion, and attention to detail to your travel planning. Whether it’s a fully curated group trip or a personalized vacation built just for you, we combine expert-level service with insider know-how—so you can focus on the magic of the journey.

Want us to help you on your next adventure? Head over to www.talleyyouradventure.com!

@talleyyouradventure_dv
Sakura Blooms – Inuyama, Japan

  • First International Travel Experiences #Advice #TravelingTalleys #TalleyYourAdventure

    Drinking Absinthe in Prague, Czech Republic

    Recent personal events have lead me to planning my next trip to Europe! #TalleyYourAdventure thought this is a great time to talk about personal experiences traveling abroad and a few tips from our adventures.

    Europe 2010

    The first time that I traveled internationally was about a year out of college to work for Lindblad Expeditions. I had previous experience working on a ship, so at least I knew about boat life. The first country I ever visited was Panama City, Panama. (Photo disclaimer –I did not have a cool, high tech smart phone back then so no pictures– this one is when Clinton and I first went to Europe in 2010!)From there I got into a taxi and drove a few hours to Colon, Panama where I stayed in a hotel for a few nights before getting on the boat. Our destination was through the Panama Canal to Costa Rica, and from there Mexico. While those stories are for another time, looking back on my travels I remember trying to be as smart as I could before leaving to a country where I would have no communication for possibly a few weeks. No cell phone plans that I could afford included the same things they do today and most hotels did not have internet. I gave my parents the information that Lindblad provided (ship information, flight itinerary, even emergency contact information)and told her that I would send her an email when I got internet access. I ended up getting internet access for free when I got on the boat because as a new crew member I received internet credit. 

    Guess where we were!?

    After that you paid for internet while working on the ship. If you actually got internet! We were on a boat in remote areas, remember! I actually typed my letters in a word document so that when/if I got internet access I could copy/paste my letters into an email and send it really quickly. I finally was able to contact my mom about a week after I left the United States. During my travels, I tried to make sure I was as safe as possible.I had specific instructions from Lindblad on where and who would be driving the taxi. I verified that information before I got into the taxi. When I got into the hotel I met the other new employee as well, and she was from the area. She walked around with me that night. I did not travel or walk away from her, and she in turn stayed with me as well. We both walked back to the hotel together. We communicated and had a plan!

    Trying goat cheese and plum brandy in Romania!

    Clinton’s first time traveling was when he was sixteen and he flew all the way to Tasmania, Australia! Under a great program called Youth for Understanding, Clinton lived with an older, retired couple close by other kids in the program. They studied the culture and history, including hiking Ayers Rock.. He was even more cut off from contacting his family back in the United States because of the time (1999) and it was literally on the other side of the world. Immersion in the program provided a great opportunity to really connect to the area and learn as much as possible while away from family. Many of the friends that he met during this time in his life he still remembers fondly because of the shared experiences they had. Programs like this we highly encourage because we’ve found that the best times are spent with others out in nature. One of the most important thing to remember with long trips such as the United States to Australia is to give yourself a break and make sure that you don’t overwhelm your brain. If you need more time for a layover, take it. If you need more time after you arrive and need to take a day extra off, do that as well. Don’t forget that you’ll need to go through customs and FOLLOW THEIR LAWS. They are not kidding and don’t be disrespectful!

    First real Italian pizza!

    We have lasting friendships with many of the friends that we’ve met throughout our travles or those who’ve used a program to come to the United States. We’ve both been to Europe twice and many different states throughout our travels. We always try and make sure that someone, usually my mom (thanks mom!) knows where we are going or a general camping area if out in the middle of nowhere. If she doesn’t hear from me after a few days she starts calling. We keep tabs on things like what we are packing, how everyone feels, and what energy level we really have. If you do end up traveling internationally alone, just be smart about it, and have fun! Don’t let language, custom, or food hold you back from visiting places! Get out there and #TalleyYourAdventure #International soon!

  • From Summit to Kīpahulu District: Visiting Haleakalā National Park

    One of the best experiences I have had so far in 2023 is visiting three of the islands of Hawai’i. Oahu, the Big Island of Hawai’i, and Maui were stunning examples of history and culture that blended so well it created its own identity. My first stop along our trip was the Summit District. At over 10,000 ft, it was COLD!

    It was awesome having the clouds part as we drove to the top. Close to the parking lot at the top of the summit – House of the Sun – is a small visitor center and a hike to see the land that Pele and her sister Namakaokahaʻi found over centuries ago. Today, their battle continues at Kilauea (which we also were able to view in all her glory later in our trip!) The short hike further uphill to the viewpoint is easy and short, but be aware you are already at over 10,000 feet – it is no joke! I stopped a few times to catch my breath. Even in the middle of summer, at the top of a summit in the middle of the ocean can still catch you short of breath. It is worth the hike and drive to the top. The view is stunning. The picture I took does not do the colors and beauty of the crater justice. Hearing a talk from the park ranger on the cultural story of the Deity Pele was the perfect way to end our trip to the summit. If you are able to listen to a ranger talk, make sure you do take the time. I learned a lot over the thirty minute program. Spent time realizing how quite the area really is – walk away from others!

    The next day we went to the second part of our trip. The Kīpahulu District can be accessed after driving 12 miles along the Hāna Highway. Not for the faint of heart – I warn you now! The road is incredibly windy and narrow. Parts of the road become one way – mostly over a bridge or the bend in the road – and yield signs will be on both signs for the drivers to figure out based on their arrival time. Confused? Yeah. I was glad that someone else was driving, but that someone else was a very erratic driver. So, my advice to you: Definitely do not miss this part of the island, but if you plan to drive, make sure you know who your driver is and make sure if you get car sick you take precautions based on that driver. When you arrive, you will be greeted by amazing views of volcanic rocks meeting ocean waves. It is a gorgeous site no matter where you walk – and the culture is predominant on this part of the island. Mostly Native Hawaiians live in this district, and it shows. They were welcoming and full of smiles in all instances, and we had a great time interacting with any cultural interpreter we met during the day. We had a blast eating fresh tropical fruit while listening to the waves hit the side of the rocks. It was definitely a completely different world when compared to the side of the island we had left the other day!

    I loved the fact that, as long as you can make it out there, you are able to camp in the Kipahulu District. The campsites are fantastic! Absolutely gorgeous views like the one in my picture, with incredible access to a serene landscape and neighboring hikes. The district is small and feels like there isn’t much around, but that is because most of the homes and areas where people come together are integrated into the surrounding forest and landscape. Roads are narrow and usually one way – people seem to know each other at every intersection, routinely resulting in a small traffic jam while they exchange pleasantries. It was a slower pace and one that was evidently more intimate and peaceful, which was appreciated after such a long and harrowing drive. It will take you the whole day to drive back and forth if you start in Kahului like we did, so plan accordingly. I don’t remember really seeing many accommodations on this part of the island. I loved the area and hope to go back in the near future!

    The food and drinks of Maui are amazing – but a bit expensive. Mai Tai’s are the way to go and they make them pretty strong no matter the place you eat! This island was by far the most expensive of all the places we visited in our two weeks of island hopping. As long as you are good with tropical fruit, which I am, then you will have a great time with any drinks that are offered. I have never had such a great time with coconut options! Feel free to stop by the stands alongside the road – they are AMAZING. We ended up trying a lot of random fruit – most I don’t even remember their name – so definitely experiment. If you like seafood – THIS IS YOUR PLACE! Everything was fresh and each place seemed to experiment with their own recipe or take on a simple concept, like fish tacos. Which I also recommend. 🙂

    Renting a car is highly recommended as that was the only way we could get from one part of the island to the other, or even around time. This island did not seem as big with public transportation as others. Make sure you take time and swim in the ocean! We had a hotel that was right across from a small beach and I went every day – either morning or evening – to swim in the ocean. Even if all you do is watch sunset or sunrise, it is a must when visiting Hawaii. Have a great time no matter which part of the island you visit, but when going to Maui, try to visit both the Summit and Kipahulu Districts! The roads are usually only a few lands on each side. It isn’t like back on the continent where they have multiple highways intersecting in cities. Even their most major city on Maui, Kahului, is rather small. I loved that when we landed I was able to walk across the terminal and find my teammates with ease! Hawaiian Airlines has great prices between the Hawaiian islands, so be sure to look through their flight options if you plan to island hop. Have fun!!

  • #EmpireState of Mind with Talley Your Adventure #NewYorkState #DreamVacations

    While we both enjoy international travel, there is something truly amazing about getting in our car and driving around, visiting new places, and experiencing new cultures and fantastic food. Clinton and I decided that we wanted to spend a week driving from our home in Virginia through New York state, deciding where we would be the next day by searching the day before. Getting back to our original travel roots!

    One of the places that we visited during our journey through New York was the Erie Canal. With my experience working for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Potomac, Maryland, it was really cool to go to the main source of the idea!

    With over 380 miles of traversable water and 83 lock lifts, the Erie Canal is an American engineering marvel – especially considering that it was built between 1817 – 1825. No large machinery, no examples to rely on past mistakes or lessons learned. The construction of the Erie Canal was the first of its kind in the United States. While it did model much off their European counterparts, the project as a whole still relied on mostly American techniques. Now, a trip that normally took two weeks could take less than five days with over twice the amount of product. American was moving towards a new industrial era!

    Another stop along our trip brought us to Saratoga Battlefield. We don’t usually see or go to American Revolutionary War battlefields, so it was a treat to have this show up on our recommendation list while driving through the state! Stop by the Visitor Center to get a map and maybe make a purchase at their gift shop before driving through the one-way loop through the battlefield. They have ten stops with informational panels as well as short trails to viewpoints. The field was kept pristine, and we really enjoyed learning as much as we did with the time that we had driving through the fields. We had our dog with us, and as long as we kept him on the paved trails, he was okay to walk with us. The viewpoints along the drive were gorgeous – though, thinking about late 1700s and picturing yourself in the middle of war did bring a bit of it into perspective!

    New York is full of so many different National Parks, and as we continued our journey we were met with yet another place that we felt we could not pass up – Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, New York. The town is small and it seems almost impossible that such a historic place was nestled into such a sleepy, adorable town – but don’t let it fool you! Make sure to find long term parking so that you can walking around the town and really get a good feel for how it must have been to live and work during the women’s rights movement. Inside the museum/visitor center are wonderful exhibits that go into more depth about the stories and voices of the amazing women who led the charge for equal rights for women. Women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton have a statue of their silhouette dedicated to them inside the Visitor Center, while others have their words plastered on plaques and in murals along the brick walls outside the building. Take a walk down the block to see more of the area. Find a place to sit to read the document that was produced from the women’s rights movement in July 19-20, 1848: the Declaration of Sentiments. This declares, without sympathy and unwavering, that women’s rights are equal to men’s and should be respected and acknowledged as such.

    Our drive was breathtaking in many places as we drove from one side of the state to the other. We enjoyed staying in IHG hotels, which always meet our standards for overnight accommodations! They also usually have a solution for traveling with a dog. At each hotel we stayed at, not only did we have the ability to have our dog stay with us but he was met with pets, treats, and hugs in most instances!

    What I really enjoyed was the ability to plan the next day the night before after we arrived to the hotel and had the chance to settle in. We made sure not to drive more than five hours in a day to avoid long stretches of time behind the wheel, and we were pretty liberal with the amount of times that we pulled over so that Kyzer (the dog!) could walk around and go to the bathroom. I didn’t feel like there wasn’t an opportunity to do this and really loved that New York entertained us with so many lovely viewpoints!