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The Travel Brats

The Travel Brats

De : Sofia Blanno Natalie Brouwer
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 Your one-stop media destination for inspiration to create a travel-filled life you don't need a vacation from. The Travel Brats are building a community around a love for travel, uncovering hidden gems with locals, and empowering exploration from your home city to around the globe.2020 Who Wear There Podcast Direction Economie Management et direction Sciences sociales Écritures et commentaires de voyage
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    • Life on Two Wheels: Embracing Uncertainty Through Travel with Nathaniel Allenby

      Life on Two Wheels: Embracing Uncertainty Through Travel with Nathaniel Allenby
      Jan 27 2026

      The Unexpected Path to Cycling

      Nathaniel's journey began on a small family farm in rural Oregon, where he faced significant challenges during his childhood. Struggling with family dynamics and a deep-seated desire for justice, he initially pursued a political career, enrolling in a prestigious liberal arts college. However, disillusionment with the political system led him to drop out and seek a new path. This pivotal moment was the catalyst for his life-changing adventure. After a transformative experience in nature with a friend, Nathaniel found himself on a one-way ticket to Europe with a bicycle, ready to embrace the unknown.

      Embracing Minimalism and the Vagabond Lifestyle

      When Nathaniel and his friend set out on their bikes, they embraced a lifestyle of minimalism and spontaneity. With just a few changes of clothes and a commitment to living without money, they relied on the kindness of strangers. One innovative strategy they employed was the "Magic Note"—a simple piece of paper in various languages asking for food donations. This approach not only provided sustenance but also fostered deep connections with the communities they encountered.

      Life Lessons on the Road

      Cycling through Europe, Nathaniel faced numerous challenges that tested his resilience. The duo often found themselves in unpredictable situations, relying on their instincts and the generosity of others. Nathaniel reflects on a particular mindset that guided their journey: to appreciate every moment as if it were the last while also embracing the wonder of new experiences. This perspective allowed them to engage fully with their surroundings.

      Wild Encounters and Unexpected Friendships

      Throughout their travels, Nathaniel experienced both the highs and lows of human interaction. One particularly harrowing experience involved a robbery in London, where a group of street kids took advantage of their hospitality. Despite the danger, Nathaniel managed to stand his ground, which ultimately led to an unexpected bond with another stranger—a former criminal who turned out to be one of the kindest individuals he had ever met. This contrast between danger and kindness underscored a vital life lesson: every experience is an opportunity for growth.

      Nathaniel Allenby’s extraordinary journey is a testament to the power of adventure, resilience, and human connection. His experiences remind us that life is unpredictable, and embracing the unknown can lead to profound personal growth. The key takeaways from Nathaniel's story include the importance of living in the moment, the value of community and kindness, and the realization that every individual we meet has a unique story to tell. Whether through cycling or any other form of travel, Nathaniel’s journey inspires us to seek our own adventures and embrace the beauty of life on the road.
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      50 min
    • Our Top Destinations Visited in 2025 That You Should Hit in 2026

      Our Top Destinations Visited in 2025 That You Should Hit in 2026
      Jan 14 2026
      A Year of Adventure: Why 2025 Set the Bar High

      2025 was stacked. International trips, deep dives into U.S. cities, mountain towns, beach escapes, national parks, and friendships that only happen when you travel together. From Europe to the Caribbean to coast-to-coast U.S. adventures, this year reminded us why we started The Travel Brats in the first place:

      Travel opens doors—to places, people, and moments you never forget.

      🌍 Top Countries We Explored (and Loved)🇧🇪 Belgium: Europe’s Most Underrated Gem

      Belgium surprised us in the best way. From family time in Wallonia to storybook towns like Dinant and Durbuy, this country delivers charm, history, and incredible food without the crowds of its neighbors.

      Why go in 2026:

      • Medieval architecture
      • Cozy river towns
      • Next-level beer & chocolate
      • Easy train travel between cities

      ✨ Belgium is proof you don’t need hype to be incredible.

      🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: All-Inclusive, But Make It Fun

      A spring break trip to Punta Cana’s Hard Rock Hotel changed our minds about all-inclusive resorts. Ocean views, amazing service, and zero stress.

      Perfect for:

      • Group trips
      • Family vacations
      • First international travelers
      • When you want relaxation + fun without planning every detail

      🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Mountains, Beaches & Culture

      Puerto Vallarta gave us a completely different side of Mexico. Think mountain adventures, beach yoga, kayaking, tequila tastings, and coffee roasting—all in one trip.

      Travel Brats Tip:
      If you want Mexico beyond the resort, PV is your place.

      🇮🇹 Italy: A Month of Pure Magic

      Italy wasn’t just a trip—it was a full-on experience. From a wedding in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast to bouncing through Florence, Venice, Milan, Lake Garda, and the Italian Riviera, this country delivered romance, history, food, and jaw-dropping scenery at every turn.

      Why Italy belongs on every 2026 list:

      • Unreal food (obviously)
      • Walkable cities packed with history
      • Coastal towns that feel like a dream
      • Museums, beaches, wine, fashion—everything

      (Pro tip: Save Venice for last. Trust us.)

      🇳🇿 New Zealand: The Teaser That Became a Must-Visit

      While 2025 introduced us to New Zealand planning mode, 2026 is when this adventure really kicks off. From Queenstown to Fiordland National Park, wineries, jet boats, volcanoes, and alpine spas—NZ is about to steal our hearts.

      🇺🇸 Top U.S. Cities & Towns You Shouldn’t Skip🎷 New Orleans, LA

      Food, music, history, and soul. From Commander’s Palace to the Garden District, art galleries, and historic homes—NOLA never disappoints.

      ☀️ Florida Favorites
      • Sanibel Island – Lighthouse Beach & Bubble Room
      • Bonita Springs – Easy parking, chill vibes
      • Naples – Paradise Coast food scene & beaches
      • Orlando – So much more than theme parks
      🍑 Atlanta, GA

      Endless things to do—from the BeltLine to museums, food, and culture.

      🌊 Alabama Surprises
      • Fairhope – Coastal charm
      • Gulf Shores – Hangout Fest energy
      • Mobile – Historic homes, Cajun coastal food, ballet & concerts
      🗽 New York City: The Year’s Most Magical Moments

      NYC showed up BIG in 2025—Broadway nights, jazz at Birdland, museum hopping, food adventures, and a New Year’s engagement in Brooklyn that we’ll never forget.

      Top NYC Experiences:

      • The Met & The Frick
      • Hamilton & Hadestown on Broadway
      • Top of the Rock & The Edge
      • Central Park strolls
      • The US Open
      • Bagels, pizza, and everything in between

      🏔️ Colorado Adventures We Loved

      From ski days to mountain towns:
      Aspen, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs, Boulder, Denver, Idaho Springs & Frisco—Colorado stayed undefeated in 2025.

      🌲 National Parks That Hit Different
      • Joshua Tree
      • Grand Canyon
      • Everglades

      Nature resets are always worth it.

      Final Takeaway: Why 2026 Is Your Year

      Reflecting on 2025 made one thing clear—travel creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a European village, a U.S. road trip, or finally booking that bucket-list destination, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year.

      🌐 Visit us at thetravelbrats.com for guides, blogs, and podcast episodes on all seen (and unseen) adventures.
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      1 h et 5 min
    • How I Tore My ACL Skiing on Tucker Mountain (Ski Accident Lessons Learned)

      How I Tore My ACL Skiing on Tucker Mountain (Ski Accident Lessons Learned)
      Dec 30 2025
      President’s Day Weekend 2025 started like any other legendary Colorado ski day: fresh “pow,” bluebird vibes, and me—Skier Sof—feeling like the queen of Tucker Mountain. Copper locals know Tucker used to be snowcat- and hike-only, which gave it this mysterious backcountry allure. Now it’s still expert terrain, but with lift access…and on Presidents Day, that means crowded.But hey, what’s a little crowd when you’re vibing on run #5, skiing powder next to Valentine’s and Boulderado with a good friend, and life feels like a Patagonia commercial?Spoiler: It all goes downhill. Literally. And painfully. The Scene: Fresh Powder, Bad Visibility, and One Very Unpredictable Skier (and no, the unpredictable skier was not me)My friend Ryan and I were shredding through some fantastic powder. We reached the bottom of Boulderado, where you have to cut hard left through a tree trail to avoid looping all the way back to the chair.Only two sketchy paths go through these trees. You need to keep up the speed, loosen your legs, and blast through bouncing along till you get to the chair. One dude was sitting in the absolute worst possible spot. Not moving. Not looking around. Not reading the room!I told Ryan, “Follow me, I’m going now!”And that’s when the guy—out of nowhere—decides to stand up and slowly drift right into my line without looking uphill.PSA: ALWAYS look uphill before you move. Don’t be a “Jerry.” Yield to the above skiers. These things matter.I tried to change my line to the lower track, but visibility was trash: I had my sun lenses on when I should have swapped to snow lenses (don’t get lazy, ladies and gents!). I caught the top of a massive mogul, went flying, landed, but my feet were suddenly two feet apart—never a good sign when skiing trees.Then came mogul #2.The left leg slid down it.The right leg stayed at the top.My legs did a pretty epic split that nobody asked for.Cue: the pop of my ACL Fired off like a gunshot (I have the video to prove it). A full tear. I also partially tore my right MCL and my meniscus (just for funsies). The Fall, the Flailing, and the Insta360 That Captured It AllI twisted, flew over the “do not cross” rope (10/10 do not recommend), and slammed into soft powder at the base of a tree. My left ski did NOT release—because my bindings weren’t adjusted after losing weight—and my leg twisted way farther than human legs should.I screamed like an angry man who just lost a Mill in the stock market. It was not cute.Ryan came over the hill, saw me lying up with my heat against a tree, panicked, thinking I broke my neck or something like that, whipped off his snowboard, climbed down into the powder, and dug my buried leg out like a heroic golden retriever. “My Hero.” No, seriously, this guy is a great friend, especially since I just ruined his epic ski day. As I writhed in pain, I told him, “Find the camera,” because naturally that matters more… He found the Insta360.Another skier—who had literally followed my line earlier went to call ski patrol.Ski irony is alive and well. Ski Patrol to the Rescue (Eventually)There’s a patrol hut at the top of Tucker, but storms were rolling in, and it took about 45 minutes before they reached me. By then, I’d somehow crawled out of the trees (pain makes you feral) and tried to stand on that leg—nope.Once the full patrol team arrived, they loaded me into the rescue sled for the hour-long journey to Copper Mountain’s Center Village. There were blizzard-like snow conditions that covered my face in about 5 minutes. It was about 15 degrees Fahrenheit. A full team of 5 was needed to get me out of the trees. They snowmobiled me up Copper Bowl and skied me down the front face of the mountain. At least I finally got to go snowmobiling!Crowds gasped like I was being transported post-avalanche. I could see nothing, and hear a whole lot, so I was desperately hoping no one T-boned the sled while the patrol kept yelling, “MOVE! LOOK UP! ON YOUR LEFT! YIELD!”It was like being royalty—if royalty were frozen, freaking out, and strapped to a tiny snow coffin. At least the ski patrol guy even kept checking on me to make sure I was still alive. Diagnosis: Basically… Everything ToreUrgent Care X-rays said: “Good news, no broken bones!”MRI later said: “Bad news…everything else is broken.”Final injury roster:Full ACL tearPartial right MCL tearTorn meniscusMassive bone bruise on the left side of my kneeA whole lot of regret I stayed in Colorado for a month doing PT and trying to maintain dignity and not slip on the ice with crutches. Eventually, I flew home, got an MRI, and scheduled surgery for April 24. ACL Surgery & the Recovery GrindSurgery went great, but recovery? OOF.Two weeks of sleeping in the braceCrutches for two monthsPT bending (which basically felt like they were breaking), my knee twice a weekPain meds (which my body hated), but I so needed because the pain...
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      38 min
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