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About Sarah Puckett
I'm so happy to have you here on my little corner of the internet, Organized Adventurer. My name is Sarah Puckett, and I've been traveling and writing about my journeys since 2013.
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Instagram Photo Spots in Madison, Wisconsin
I’m doing it guys – I’m finally writing a guide to the BEST Instagram photo spots in Madison, Wisconsin. Normally, I’m one to roll my eyes at blog posts claiming to share the “top Instagram locations” in whatever city. After all, we should be traveling to immerse ourselves in the experience, not check off a list of photo ops. But after coming home to Madison, Wisconsin from our 500 day round-the-world-honeymoon, I realized my city is hella photogenic! For better or worse, photography is a big part of the travel experience for many people. Likewise, so is sharing that experience on social media. Many travelers overlook Madison, Wisconsin, because it…
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How to Travel with Anxiety Without it Keeping You Down
I’ve lived with generalized anxiety pretty much my entire life, though I never admitted it to myself until one very scary panic attack I had on a road trip in California in 2013. Sometimes the anxiety keeps me in bed all day, making it feel impossible to function at home, much less travel. Thankfully, I’ve adopted many methods and tips that enable me to manage my anxiety, especially when I’m traveling. Whether you feel anxious only when traveling, or your anxiety is generalized like mine, these tips for managing anxiety and stress can help you make the most of your travel adventures, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the…
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Tongariro Crossing Hike – Guide to NZ’s Best Day Trek
If you are traveling through New Zealand’s North Island, and you enjoy the outdoors and hiking (and honestly what are you doing in NZ if you don’t?), then the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike should absolutely be a priority in your plans! This was easily one of the best things Tim and I did during our 6 weeks road tripping through both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Of course, the trail can be challenging and you might be wondering what to expect on the Tongariro Crossing hike. Never fear, this guide is here! I’ve got you covered, detailing how you should prepare for the trek, what each section…
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Cape Reinga Day Trip New Zealand
The very first big tourism activity we did in New Zealand was a day trip up to Cape Reinga from Paihia, on the North Island. Full of Maori history, epic coastal views, and adventures in the sand dunes, a Cape Reinga day trip is a great way to experience the northernmost tip of New Zealand! Admittedly, this wasn’t even a day trip that was on my radar. But, it was included in the Stray hop-on/hop-off bus pass we had booked for touring around the north and south islands. I am so glad it was! This day was easily one of our favorites on the north island. Cape Reinga Day Trip…
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Port Arthur Day Trip
If you have a few days in Hobart, Tasmania, a day trip to Port Arthur is an incredible experience, especially if, like me, you have a fascination with the darker side of history. Imagine being sent to the other side of the world as a prisoner, to a remote island with nothing but ocean between it and Antarctica. It’s windy, rainy and erratic weather conditions most of the year as you spend each day in the back-breaking work of building a colony. Imagine moving the bodies of those who die to another island just offshore – you call it the “Isle of the Dead”. You finish serving your prison sentence…
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Maria Island Day Trip Tasmania, Australia
Want to spend a day frolicking with kangaroos, spotting wombats, and searching for fossils? Ok duh of course you do! And a day trip to Maria Island, off the coast of Tasmania, is the perfect way to do it. Even better, Maria Island is an easy day trip from Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart! If you have a few days in Hobart, a day trip to Maria Island (pronounced like Mariah Carey) is a fantastic way to get your fix of history, geology, and wildlife! Why Make a Day Trip to Maria Island Wildlife sightings of Forester kangaroos and wombats are all but guaranteed You can view fossils that are…
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Cradle Mountain Summit Hike
Standing at the summit of Cradle Mountain after a rewarding and challenging hike has to be one of the highlights of adventure travel in Tasmania, Australia. Whether you are completing the full Overland Trek through the alpine landscape of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, or just going on a day walk, a hike to the summit of Cradle Mountain is an exciting and challenging way for experienced hikers to enjoy the heart of Tasmania. If this sounds like the adventure for you, my guide has everything you need to know to summit Cradle Mountain on a day hike. Here’s what you’ll find in this post. Preparing for the Cradle…
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Three Week Tasmania Itinerary
Tasmania, Australia is one of those places I could return to again and again, which is why three weeks is the shortest itinerary I could write about this amazing island! When Tim and I first visited Tasmania in 2014, people had one of two reactions. The first was, “Is that in Africa?” and the second was, “Why? There’s nothing to do there.” Now, four years later, the attitude towards Tasmania has changed dramatically! Australia’s island state (by the way, no, Tasmania is not in Africa) has become a hot destination for those who love hiking, wildlife, and locally sourced food. While Tasmania has always had a lot to offer, the…
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Snorkeling with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks in Australia’s Ningaloo Reef
His fins curved effortlessly as his torso barrel rolled just a few meters below me. His mouth agape to collect krill, he looked as if he could swallow me whole if I got too close. However, the manta ray seemed to not even notice my presence as he continued with roll after roll. This is just a glimpse of what it’s like snorkeling in the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, where you can see manta rays and giant whale sharks. Here is what you will find in this comprehensive guide to snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays in the Ningaloo Reef of the coast of Western Australia: About Manta…
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Guide to Visiting Rottnest Island on a Day Trip from Perth
If you’re making it out to Western Australia, chances are high you are spending at least a little bit of time in Perth, the state’s capital and largest city. Even if you are only in Perth a few days, Rottnest Island, or Rottie (as the locals call it) is a worthwhile day trip out of the city. This guide will tell you everything you need to know when visiting Rottnest Island on a day trip from Perth, plus an ideal biking itinerary to follow on the island! Here’s what you’ll find in this Rottnest Island day trip guide: Getting to Rottnest Island Many companies run ferries from Perth or Fremantle,…
Planning Adventures Big and Small
