One Year of Shutter and Compass: Travel, Photography, and Adventures Around the World

It’s hard to believe that just one year ago, Shutter and Compass was nothing more than two best friends daydreaming about how we could combine our passions for travel, storytelling, and photography. Today, that dream is a thriving travel and lifestyle brand filled with blog posts, podcasts, social media content, and unforgettable adventures.

Shutter and Compass is the result of two photographers—Shelby and Megan—who wanted to share more than just pretty pictures. Megan, with a background as a travel agent, realized that her true calling wasn’t booking trips but living them, documenting them, and inspiring others to follow their wanderlust. With Shelby’s photography expertise and shared love of exploration, the path became clear: create a platform where our imagery, words, and voices could transport people into the heart of travel.

At its core, Shutter and Compass is:

• A travel blog and podcast filled with tips, stories, and insights. Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? If not, this is an open invitation!

• A content creation hub for businesses who want to showcase their experiences, services, or destinations with a professional and creative touch.

• A photography brand that thrives on capturing detail, emotion, and adventure.

• A community for travelers—especially women ages 25–55 who are inspired by exploration, luxury travel, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our Facebook Group is growing to be a wealth of knowledge for newbie travelers and experienced alike.

Whether we’re highlighting a charming winery in Virginia, sailing the Caribbean with Virgin Voyages, or racing through Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, our goal is the same: to bring our imagery and storytelling to the masses and help others discover the beauty and excitement waiting for them.

October 2024

Just one year ago, at the Shutter and Compass Launch Party at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm! Grateful for Sunshine Ridge and Maria Rafferty who graciously allowed us to celebrate there — and Maria and Sunshine were the first official video published!
Grateful for so many who came out to support and offer services, including Ofe Cox and her team at Love Wedding & Events, and Ester Malinowski, of Castle Drive Flowers. We couldn’t do what we do without support from our amazing small business family!

Local Adventures: The Best of the DMV and Northern Virginia

This past year, we leaned into our own backyard and discovered how much there is to see and do right here in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area.

We’ve highlighted some of the region’s most beloved spots:

• Lark Brewing Co - A relatively new local gem that we LOVE hanging out at! Great for relaxing weekends or weeknights, and family friendly.

• Stone Tower Winery – A gorgeous backdrop for wine lovers, where rustic charm meets rolling hills.

• The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm – A hidden gem on the water with a welcoming community and a perfect sunset view. Maria and her team are fantastic, and we’ll always love our adults only time to just chill with a lake view.

• The People’s House in Washington, D.C. – A unique space blending history, architecture, and a sense of national pride. As it’s only a year old, this was a perfect way to check out some of what DC h as to offer, without the craziness.

• Alexandria Colonial Tours Ghost Tour – An after-dark adventure that revealed the spooky (and fascinating) history of Old Town Alexandria.

• Nationals Game from a rooftop — yes, please!

• We didn’t forget the winter festivities - between the Bull Run Festival of Lights and Hi Lawn’s Northern Lights Dome Experience on Union Market’s rooftop, we had it covered with unique and fun visual outings.

And that’s just to name a few amazing opportunities for local travel we’ve enjoyed. Our local content has reached tens of thousands of views and proved that people are hungry to explore what’s right outside their front door. We also had the immense honor of video hosting the opening for one of our favorite local charities, Boxes of Basics. How incredible is it to have people, friends, and groups acknowledge all that we are doing, even as a brand new business?! Truly, we love being able to support our community, and this was a fantastic opportunity to help shed light on the issue of clothing insecurity.

Besties doing what we do…for our favorite charity.

Blessed to be asked by Sarah Tyndall of Boxes of Basics to open for their Dueling Keys for a Cause event. While we were still quite new to being “public” and on video, we got out of our comfort zones and went for it! It was a blast, and using our skills for charity was an honor.

Learn more about Boxes of Basics, volunteer, or donate here: https://boxesofbasics.org

Thank you to Tammy with Sweetheart Photo Booths - so great finally connecting on this special evening!

International Travel: Cruising the Caribbean

Internationally, we spent time in the Caribbean aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady, sailing to some of the most stunning islands in the world. From San Juan, Puerto Rico to Tortola, Bridgetown, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Maarten, we captured and shared a “sample size” of each destination. This particular cruise was either our 2nd (Shelby) or 3rd (Megan) cruise with Virgin, and let us say — we are fans. For adult cruising. Otherwise, I think we’d go Disney all the way!

Cruising allows us to experience beaches, local culture, and community life in quick snapshots—whether it’s soaking up the sun, tasting fresh island flavors, or wandering cobblestone streets. And the beauty is, if a place captures our hearts (and many of these islands did), we know we can always go back for a longer stay. Megan will be heading back to Jost van Dyke in February and is excited about the opportunity to bring you images and stories from our favorite island!! Truly, it’s a must-do.

Our podcasts and videos about Virgin Voyages have inspired others to consider cruising as their next vacation. It’s a lifestyle we’ve fallen in love with—relaxing, adventurous, and filled with stories to tell. We are also thrilled to share that we’ve opened up our podcasts to include guest speakers to share guidance and experiences, and you’ll want to keep listening for more!

National Travel: A Day at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe

Closer to home, we traveled to Florida to experience the newest Universal theme park: Epic Universe. Even though we had only one day, we made it count, traveling through each portal and fully immersing ourselves in the magic.

Highlights included:

• Helios Grand Hotel – Elegant and stunning, a luxurious anchor to the park. We highly recommend this amazing hotel if you can swing it. Yes, it’s expensive, and there’s no real way around that. But the ease of getting into and out of the park, plus the captivating views makes it worth it. At least once.

• Ministry of Magic (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) – A stunningly detailed expansion that transports you straight into the magical heart of Harry Potter’s world. From intricate architecture to immersive storytelling, this new land is a must-see for fans who want to step inside the Ministry itself.

• Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon) – Shelby met Toothless (a true bucket-list moment!) and we all felt like Vikings flying through the skies. From the moment you walk in to see this “Isle”…you are fully immersed. It’s not just magical, it’s transformative. You’ll walk right alongside your favorite HTTYD characters!

• Mario World (Super Nintendo World) – Our teenagers were in heaven, racing through Donkey Kong, meeting Luigi, and dining at Toadstool Café. The only thing we all wish we had more of — time in the park!

• Dark Universe – Creepy, thrilling, and a must-see for fans of Universal’s iconic monsters. Truth be told, we weren’t ‘as’ excited about this Universe. That said - it was VERY well done. Go at night. You’ll thank us.

• Celestial Park – A beautifully designed hub that ties everything together. The food, the atmosphere and the Stardust Racers Coaster are all fantastic! Again, the ONLY thing we needed at Epic was more time.

We were especially impressed with Universal’s attention to dietary needs, making it easy for allergy-conscious families to enjoy their visit. And beyond the rides and restaurants, we treasured the chance to create memories with our children—whether they’re small kids or (like ours) 19-year-old college students who still light up at the magic of theme parks.

Beyond Epic Universe, we also spent two regular park days at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. These days were packed with thrills, from riding the heart-pounding VelociCoaster to soaking in every magical detail of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal always delivers when it comes to immersive worlds and adrenaline-pumping attractions, and it’s a destination we never get tired of returning to.

We also dedicated a full week to Walt Disney World. While Universal is our go-to for big-kid rides and roller coasters, Disney will forever hold a special, nostalgic place in our hearts. We are, and always will be, Disney kids at heart—captivated by the magic, the storytelling, and the joy that fills every corner of the parks. From Cinderella’s Castle to EPCOT evenings, Disney remains a place where our family makes memories that last a lifetime.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shutter and Compass

While our first year has been filled with growth, exploration, and storytelling, we’re just getting started. Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting projects and collaborations that we can’t wait to share with you.

And looking further ahead, we’re thrilled to announce our First Annual Shutter and Compass Group Trip to Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica in May 2026! We’ll be partnering with our friend and travel expert, Kristen Faye Alfred (@Travel.With.Kristen), to host an unforgettable all-inclusive getaway. If you’ve been inspired by our travels and want to experience the Shutter and Compass community in person, this is your chance. Whether you join us for the full group experience or simply want an excuse to escape to Jamaica, we’d love to see you there.

Thank You for a Wonderful First Year

This journey would not be possible without all of you—our readers, listeners, collaborators, and fellow travelers. Your encouragement and support have helped Shutter and Compass grow from an idea into a brand that inspires, connects, and creates. And, in our first year, we are honored to have even won our very first award! Each year, Inside Nova hosts a competition, and we are beyond grateful to have won The Best of Prince William County - Best Blogger Award. Seriously, y’all. Pinch us!! We love what we do, and we are blessed to share it with an audience who supports and encourages our work.

Here’s to more adventures, more stories, and more memories in the year ahead. ✨

Why You Can’t Visit San Francisco Without Stopping at Boudin Bakery

If you ever find yourself wandering the salt-sprayed piers of San Francisco, chasing sea breeze and the occasional sea lion bark, there’s one stop I always treasure: Boudin Bakery. On my recent trip, I couldn’t resist revisiting this Californian icon — a place where history, carbs, and nostalgia all happily collide.

A Bite of History (and Yes, That Mother Dough)

Boudin isn’t just a San Francisco thing — it’s a California classic. Their claim to fame? A sourdough starter that stretches back to 1849, born of French baking tradition and local wild yeast that survived the Gold Rush.

Legend has it, one of the original “49ers” passed along the mother dough to Isidore Boudin, who merged it with his French technique to bake something uniquely San Franciscan. In the 1906 quake and fire, the bakery was destroyed — but Louise Boudin famously scooped up the mother dough in a bucket and fled, ensuring the line stayed alive.

And that same mother dough (or a faithful descendant) is still used today — making every loaf a little echo of the past.

Walking the Wharf & Touring the Bakery

The Boudin flagship at Fisherman’s Wharf is more than just a bakery. It’s part café, part show kitchen, part souvenir shop — a one-stop for your bread dreams (and your instagram).

You can peek behind glass windows at bakers mixing, shaping, and baking those tangy loaves. Tours are offered — you get to see how the sourdough rises, how the ovens work, and yes, sample fresh bread.

One tip: time your visit so you're there near bread-baking times, when things are busiest- and smell-iest, in the best possible way. And don’t skip the restaurant, Bistro Boudin, for waterfront dining — there’s something delightful about pairing clam chowder (in a sourdough bowl, naturally) with a view of the bay.

Also — sneak over to the gift shop afterward. I adore their “fog globe” — basically a snow globe with the Golden Gate Bridge inside, but where the glitter swirls like fog rolling over the bridge. It’s part souvenir, part perfect tiny encapsulation of SF’s moody weather.

Disneyland & The Mickey Sourdough Connection

Here’s a fun twist: if you’ve ever visited Disneyland or Disney California Adventure, there’s a replica Boudin Bakery tucked into San Fransokyo Square (formerly Pacific Wharf). They host a Bakery Tour there, and yes — you can buy sourdough loaves shaped like Mickey’s head, and sometimes other characters. Plus, the tour gives out free samples — hard to argue with that.)

When Disney’s version of the bakery first opened in 2001, it was more structured (video + guided route). In 2015, they updated it into a more open, free-flowing walkthrough, but kept the historical intro video.

Why You Should Stop By on Your San Francisco Itinerary

• It’s iconic. Boudin is the oldest continuously operating business in San Francisco.

• Sensory overload (in a good way). The smell of fresh bread, the sight of bakers at work, the taste of crusty sourdough — it’s a full experience, not just a snack stop.

• Perfect photo fodder. From loaves to ovens to the fog globe — your camera will thank you.

• Food + ambiance. Grab a sandwich, a soup in a sourdough bowl, a pastry, or just a loaf to go. Sit by the water, watch the ships, breathe the salty air.

• Gift potential. That fog globe, specialty bread, packaged goods — you’ll find something unique to bring home.

• For the nostalgia lovers. If California was a fixture of your family vacations (as it was for me), revisiting Boudin feels like reuniting with an old friend.

A Few Pro Tips & Tidbits

• Mornings tend to be fresher (bread that’s hot from the oven) and less crowded.

• Watch out for “bread bowl + chowder” combo specials — they often maximize deliciousness and value.

• Ask staff what the “fresh batch” schedule is — you’ll get your loaf just as it emerges.

• Bring a sturdy tote or reusable bag for souvenirs — that fog globe, bottles, or specialty packaged loaves can be heavier than expected.

• Don’t skip exploring the historic displays inside the bakery; you’ll find tidbits about the starter’s lineage, the quake-era history, and more.

Walking into Boudin feels like stepping into a warm, yeasty hug. It’s about roots, tradition, and memory. For me, it’s the tingle in the air reminding me of road trips to California, of my mom’s fondness for sourdough, of Disneyland’s Bakery Tour when I was younger. Reconnecting with it on this trip felt like honoring all those memories — and creating new ones (with extra butter).

If you’re planning a San Francisco escape, give yourself a little time to linger at Boudin. Let the smells pull you in, let your camera click on crusty loaves, and let your tastebuds revel. It’s a detour worth taking.

San Francisco sourdough · Boudin Bakery Fisherman’s Wharf · Best places to eat in San Francisco · Clam chowder bread bowl · Things to do near Pier 39

🍁 Falling into Traditions That Last: Northern Virginia and DMV Fall Happenings

There’s something magical about autumn in the DMV — crisp air, golden leaves, pumpkin spice everywhere, and the chance to slow down a bit with family and friends. Megan here, fresh off planning some fall activities, and Shelby can’t wait to get outside with her camera again. It’s tough to be a photographer who can’t use a shoulder — but no worries, physical therapy is going well, and she’ll be back at it soon. Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here forever, fall gives us an excuse to explore, connect, and build memories. And of course our favorite part, is capturing all of the joy and sharing it with you!

Below we’ve pulled together a curated list of some of the best fall events in Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, and beyond — family-friendly, festive, and full of tradition.

🍂 Nothing says fall like diving into a giant pile of leaves! 🍁
📸: Shelby Leigh Photography, LLC

These are some of our favorites for this season (late September through mid-November). We’ve grouped them so you can pick what fits your vibe or schedule. And trust us, this is a short list! Wherever you are in the DMV, take some time to scout out what activities work best for you and your family!

🌾 Outdoor & Farm-Style Fun

• Great Country Farms Fall Pumpkin Harvest (Loudoun area)
  A staple for folks who love pumpkin patches, cider donuts, hayrides, and picking pumpkins. (Dates: full October, likely through end of the month; check local site for exact calendar.)

• Leesburg Animal Park — Pumpkin Village Fall Fest (Loudoun County)
  Opens September 20, 2025, through November 4. Preview weekend September 13-14. Attractions include giant hill slides, moon bounces, wagon rides, a corn bin, pedal carts, lots of animal encounters (petting, feeding), pony rides, weekend entertainment, seasonal food, and more.

• Cox Farms Fall Festival (Centreville / Fairfax County)
  Runs September 20 – November 9, 2025, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in September & October, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November. Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Their Fall Festival includes hayrides, the “Cornundrum” cornfield maze, giant slides, goat village, huge pumpkins, rope swings, toddlers’ play zones, live music, and much more. Big hit for families.

🎉 Festivals & Community Events

• Reston Multicultural Festival (Reston, Fairfax County) — celebrate the many cultures that make up our community with food, performances, kids’ activities. (September 20)

• Bluemont Fair — art, crafts, jams, music in Bluemont; lovely chance to wander, shop local, eat good food. (September 20-21)

• Leesburg Air Show — aerial performances, static tarmac displays, kids activities, food and fun. (September 27)

• Vienna Oktoberfest (Vienna, Fairfax County) — music, food, and festive atmosphere. (October 4)

• City of Fairfax Fall Festival — crafts, kids’ play, everything to make an easy afternoon of fall fun. (October 11)

• Manassas Fall Jubilee (Prince William County) — heritage crafts, food, music, community feel. (October 5)

• Haymarket Day 2025 — a lovely hometown city-wide street festival, complete with parade, performances, live music, delicious food and fun. (October 18)
  (we’d totally be remiss not to mention this one, as we love the small “Stars Hollow” vibe of our town!)

🍷 Arts, Wine, & Evening Events

• Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon — beautiful backdrop, good for couples who enjoy a relaxed evening with views and wine. This one may sell out, so get your tickets early if you plan to go. (October 10-12)

• Mount Vernon Fall Harvest Festival — bring the kids! Seasonal foods, crafts, tours of gardens, beautiful foliage to enjoy. (October 18-19)

• Waterford Fair — arts and crafts fair, picturesque setting (historic village). (October 3-5)

🎨 Arts & Crafts / Markets

• Heritage Harvest Festival at Loudoun Heritage Museum — offers a blend of history, harvest, and artisanal crafts. (September 27)

• Fall Festival + Artisan Market at Fairfax Corner — shop local artisans, seasonal food, family-friendly environment. (October 18)

• Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show — browsing vendors, nice walk, food options, good for a laid-back weekend. (September 27-28)

👍 Why Fall Events Make Great Tradition

Shelby here: there’s more to fall than pumpkins and leaves. These events are how traditions begin — the moments when kids’ faces light up on the hayride, the smell of cider donuts, that chill in the air just before sunset. They’re simple, but rich. Visiting the same farm, walking through the same fair every year, learning new things about your county — it builds roots.

Megan adds: for us photographers, fall is also one of the most magical seasons for lighting, color, and capturing warmth. Getting out to these events is a way to slow time, to see familiar places in new light. And for your family or friend group, these can become “the thing we do every fall.” Something to to look forward to.

🔎 Know…Before You Go

• Always check event websites or social media beforehand — times, ticketing, or even schedule shifts can change. And as much as we hate to admit it, once in a while, we may get it wrong, too! We try hard to get it right, but better safe than sorry as we don’t want to be responsible for a date mistake!

• Dress in layers. Fall mornings are crisp, afternoons warm, and evenings chilly.

• Bring cash or small bills if there are artisan vendors or food trucks — sometimes payment options are limited.

• Weekdays or preview weekends can be less busy, more relaxing if you want a calmer experience.

🌟 Which Event Should You Pick First?

If you’ve only got one weekend, here are two we think are must-does:

1. Great Country Farms Fall Pumpkin Harvest (Loudoun area)
   A staple for folks who love pumpkin patches, cider donuts, hayrides, and picking pumpkins. (Dates: full October, likely through end of the month; check local site for exact calendar.)

2. Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park — great mix of animals + classic fall fun + photo-friendly settings.

3. Bealeton Hot Air Balloon Festival — mostly because we wanted to make sure you are paying attention to ALLLL of the activities offered…and, it’s on our bucket list!

Let us know what you end up doing! If you go, share your photos. If you have an event we didn’t list but love, we’d love to hear about it.

Affordable Adventures: Travel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank

Let’s bust a myth right away: You don’t have to be rich (or retired) to travel well. With a little intention and some strategic planning, you can enjoy incredible adventures without draining your savings account. From cash back tools to credit card perks to point strategies, here’s how we make travel work for our budget — and how you can too. We’re breaking down the practical and the lesser-known ways to save, plus real-life examples from our own trips.

1. Points Are Your Passport: Make Your Spending Work for You

One of the easiest ways to make travel more affordable is to earn points or miles on the money you already spend. Two of our favorite cards for this are the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the American Express Platinum.

• Capital One Venture offers 2x miles on every purchase. The real win? You can erase travel purchases using points, or transfer them to airline and hotel partners.

• Amex Platinum is ideal if you fly often and value perks like Centurion Lounge access, airline credits, hotel upgrades, and 5x points on flights booked through Amex Travel.

Real-Life Example: We booked round-trip flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico using American Express points, covering over $500 in airfare with points alone. I can’t remember exact flights at the moment, but I know we’ve used points for free airfare before we even started Shutter and Compass. So, If you aren’t using those credit cards in this way…here’s your sign to start. NOW!

Tip: Keep an eye on sign-up bonuses. These often range from 60,000–100,000 points when you meet minimum spending requirements — enough to cover one or two round-trip tickets!

2. Rakuten = Free Money for Travel

We try to use Rakuten every time we shop online. We’re getting better, but you can see that we have a long way to go to fully maximize it — but, we still believe every little bit helps! Rakuten is a cash back platform that gives you money back just for clicking through their site to see if where your shopping is a partner, before you buy from stores like Sephora, Walmart, or even travel sites like Expedia and Booking.com.

If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s our referral link to get started and score a welcome bonus:
👉 Rakuten Referral Link

Insider Tip: Link your Amex or Visa card to earn in-store cashback at places like Ulta and Walgreens, and if we just realized it works for Giant, too! So…all those groceries…Dominion Valley and Haymarket people, I’m talking to you…go ahead and link it for those points!

RAKUTEN POINTS

It’s not a ton, but honestly, we’re still excited we’re getting paid for literally our regular shopping trips.

If you haven’t tried it yet, here’s our referral link to get started and score a welcome bonus:
👉 Rakuten Referral Link

How we use it: When we started our Rakuten account in November, 2024, we earned 4,000 points just to start, and then we quickly added points, without even realizing it! From our regular purchases (some even in-store!) at Adidas, Giant (again - how cool!), Shutterfly, Madison Reed (because…hello, we’re in our 40’s) and legit, I JUST saw that my TACO BUENO purchases in Oklahoma earned me points…all because my American Express is linked. Like really, why would one NOT do this?! while you can convert the points to dollars, we actually send them right over to American Express to keep as points for our travel. I know that there’s a mathematical or better way to figure out what works best, but this is what we’re choosing for now. While I know I still need to thank her, I know I’ve read a lot of my travel credit card information from Jen Woodhouse - https://jenwoodhouse.com/category/travel/ - I’ve known Jen for somewhere around a decade, and she’s the real deal. Excited to hopefully connect soon (once she’s in the country for a hot minute from all of her travels) so we can learn more from her! But we highly recommend checking her site out — she is incredibly knowledgeable. Like really — not just in travel. She does it ALL!

3. Stack the Savings: Cashback + Points + Coupons

Combine these methods for serious savings:

• Use Rakuten (or a similar browser extension like Honey or Capital One Shopping).

• Book with a rewards credit card.

• Search for discount codes or use hotel loyalty programs (e.g., Hilton Honors).

Pro Tip: Book your hotel through Rakuten, use your Amex to pay, and make sure it’s a property you can earn hotel points on. That’s a triple win.

4. Fly Smart: Timing is Everything

• Fly midweek. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the best fares.

• Set fare alerts with tools like Google Flights or Hopper.

• Travel off-season or during shoulder seasons (e.g., late April or early October).

You can score $49 one-way fares on Southwest just by flying on a Wednesday in October — peak weather, low prices.

5. JGOOT: Just Get Out of Town

We’re just diving into JGOOT (Just Get Out of Town) — a subscription-based platform that teaches you how to use points and find mistake fares. So far, we’re impressed by how it encourages thinking differently about travel. Definitely legit, and depending on your needs, they can walk you through an amazing process for making your travel not only more affordable, and also getting you into those business class and luxury flights!

JGOOT teaches:

• How to book flights with fewer points by transferring to partners.

• How to find deals where points are valued 2-4x more than booking directly.

We haven’t booked a full trip using it yet, but we’ll report back when we do! It’s worth checking out if you want to level-up your points game.
https://www.jgoot.com

6. Look Local First

Adventure doesn’t always require a passport.

• Check your state’s tourism board for discounts and deals.

• Plan a short road trip to a nearby vineyard, historic town, or hiking trail.

• Search Airbnb Experiences or Groupon for things to do within 2 hours of home.

Some of our favorite days have been 45 minutes from our doorstep. If you’re in Northern Virginia, this is your healthy reminder that you are likely within an hour or two from our Nation’s Capital, Washington DC. There is always so much to see and do there. And what we’ve noticed is that a lot of people who have lived here the longest, STILL haven’t been to our Nation’s Capital. Y’all are missing out! BUT, no fear. If the DC traffic and city life are either intimidating or just aren’t your thing, there are so many beautiful wineries, breweries, restaurants, hiking trails, and so much more close by.

7. Use Travel Communities for Deals and Ideas

Facebook groups, Reddit threads (like r/travelhacks), and even TikTok are full of travelers sharing real-time deals, itineraries, and budget tips. Join the conversation, ask questions, and share what’s worked for you. And as always, hop on over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/shutterandcompass to share your thoughts and questions, or even share about your latest travels and awesome finds.

8. Create a "Travel Fund" Jar (Seriously)

Yes, we love points. But nothing beats cash.

• Start with $10/week.

• Add every time you skip a takeout meal or cancel a subscription you’re not using. Also, if you haven’t canceled those subscriptions you aren’t using…go do that!! You may be shocked by how much you’re not even realizing you’re spending. >>>ask us how we know<<<

We’ve funded everything from cruise excursions to a new carry-on just with what we stock l away over a few months.

You Can Afford to Go

Whether it's a luxe cruise booked with miles, or a weekend Airbnb funded by cashback and a travel jar, there are so many ways to make adventure more accessible.Start where you are. Use what you have. Learn a few new tricks along the way. And remember, a good hike, a free museum…those are still in our travel realm! Enjoy what you can, when you can. And remember: it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. Just go and make the memories. You’ll thank yourself (and us!) when you realize how much you love it.

XO,

P.S. We’re working on a future post specifically about how to maximize credit card points like a pro — so stay tuned! Let us know what questions you have so we can get some guest speakers lined up and so we can share more with you!

Disclosures: We may earn a small commission when you use our affiliate links, including Amazon and Rakuten. This comes at no cost to you and helps support future content for Shutter and Compass. Thank you for your support!

She Goes Anyway: Why Women Deserve the World (and How to Start Exploring It Now)

There’s a little spark in many of us — a moment when we hear the name of a faraway place, or scroll past a breathtaking view and think, "I want to go there." But for women, especially those who wear multiple hats — mom, partner, caregiver, professional — that spark can quickly be buried under the weight of responsibility or fear.

I’ve felt it too. As a mom and small business owner, the idea of leaving my daily responsibilities behind for a week (or even a weekend) felt selfish at times. But here’s what I’ve learned: travel isn’t an escape — it’s a homecoming. A return to the you that existed before the to-do lists, the diaper changes, or the late-night conference calls. And that woman deserves to be seen, heard, and inspired by the world around her.

Whether you’re a young mom with toddlers, an empty nester rediscovering your freedom, or someone who has always dreamt of going somewhere — this is your nudge.

1. Why Women Don’t Travel — And Why We Should

Let’s start by naming it: fear. Fear of traveling alone, of something going wrong, of leaving our families, of spending money on ourselves. Sound familiar?

According to a 2023 study by Condé Nast Traveler, 72% of women express an interest in solo travel, but far fewer actually go. Time, safety concerns, and guilt are the main culprits. But here’s the thing — travel doesn't have to mean disappearing for weeks in Bali. It can be a weekend road trip to a nearby winery, a solo cruise, or a girls’ getaway.

Travel builds confidence. Research published by the Journal of Travel Research found that travel improves emotional well-being and cognitive flexibility. Translation? It helps you breathe deeper, problem-solve better, and reconnect with your sense of self.

2. You Don’t Have to Go Alone (But You Can)

One of the most powerful travel moments I’ve ever experienced was standing on a quiet beach in St. Lucia, just me and the waves. I wasn’t lonely — I was full. Full of gratitude, clarity, and peace.

That said, traveling with others can be magical too. Virgin Voyages, for example, is a favorite of mine for women in all stages of life — especially moms who want a no-kids getaway. (Check out our blog post on their restaurants here). Whether it’s a best friend, sister, or travel group, finding your people can ease the fear and double the fun.

3. Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

One of the biggest myths is that travel is only for the wealthy or retired. Not true. With smart planning, even international travel can be accessible. A few tips to start:

• Travel in shoulder seasons. Prices drop significantly just before or after peak travel times.

• Use travel rewards credit cards. (We love this one to track points and perks — affiliate link.)

• Set fare alerts. Google Flights and Hopper are great for this.

• Cruise! It sounds counterintuitive, but cruises can be cheaper than many land-based trips, especially with meals and entertainment included.

We’ll share a more detailed “How to Travel for Less” guide in our next blog post — stay tuned.

4. For Moms, Empty Nesters, and Every Woman in Between

If you're a mom: traveling sets an example. Our kids watch us. When they see us value our joy, our friendships, our sense of curiosity — they learn to do the same. Whether it's a weekend with girlfriends or a family trip that includes a moment just for you, every mile matters.

If your kids are grown: this is your moment. You've given so much to others — now it's time to re-meet yourself. What better way than with a passport in hand?

If you’ve never traveled much: it’s never too late. Start small, start smart, but start. Join a group trip, pick a destination close to home, or follow a favorite travel blogger (like us!) for tips and ideas.

5. Practical Ways to Begin

• Start a travel fund. $10 a week adds up fast — and you deserve it.

• Make a vision board. Seeing your dream destinations daily can fuel your motivation.

• Join travel communities. Facebook groups, Instagram pages, and local meetups are great ways to connect with like-minded women. Of course, we are fans and encourage you to join us at www.facebook.com/shutterandcompass or at our group page, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shutterandcompass

• Pack smart. You don’t need 12 outfits — you need 3 that mix and match. We have found these packing cubes for keeping things organized - we were skeptical, but have grown to see true utility in them!

She Goes Anyway

You don’t need permission to see the world. You don’t need the perfect time, a fancy wardrobe, or a travel partner. You just need a spark — and a little courage to fan the flame.

So here’s your sign. Take the trip. Book the ticket. Or at the very least, start dreaming louder.

And when you do, we’d love to hear about it. Share your story with us at @shutterandcompass on Instagram, or tag us in your travel photos. Let’s build a movement of women who go — and grow — together.

Until next time, keep exploring.

xo,

P.S. Don’t miss next week’s post: “Affordable Adventures: Travel Tips That Won’t Break the Bank”