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Passions and Places

A travel + outdoors blog

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About Jen Ambrose

Jen Ambrose was born and raised in Montana, but has lived on both coasts and abroad. She and Ryan got married in 2016, and promptly got rid of their stuff, quit their office jobs, and left their Boston apartment to travel long-term. Now, they travel together (and occasionally apart) while working remotely, often housesitting along the way. Jen previously served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda and earned a Masters degree in International Development - both of which have shaped her passion for responsible tourism. She's also a yoga teacher and personal trainer, working both online and in many of the places she visits.

23 Unforgettable Things to Do on Orcas Island, Washington

December 24, 2024 By Jen Ambrose Leave a Comment

A grass hillside overlooks a large body of water with forested islands.

Part of the San Juan Islands chain in Washington, Orcas Island is one of our favorite places ever. Read about all the amazing things to do there, and you’ll see why!

Filed Under: Nature and Outdoors, North America, U.S., Washington

Our 6th & 7th Years of (Getting Back to) Travel: The Highs & Lows

March 10, 2024 By Jen Ambrose 2 Comments

The last two years were a breath of fresh air compared to the two that came before them. From the highs of getting back to “normal” to the lows of AI taking over, plus bucket list items and complete travel disasters, this recap of our sixth and seventh years covers it all.

Filed Under: Reflections Tagged With: annual review

27+ Fun Things to Do in Driggs, ID & the Teton Valley

March 23, 2023 By Jen Ambrose 12 Comments

A road leading toward a mountain range with two distinct peaks

Idaho’s Teton Valley is an offbeat getaway that’s packed with year-round adventures, mouth-watering food, and gorgeous nature. Check out all the fun things to do in the charming towns of Driggs and Victor, and all throughout the Valley.

Filed Under: Idaho, Nature and Outdoors, North America, U.S.

40+ Things to Do in Casper, Wyoming (and Where to Eat!)

September 28, 2022 By Jen Ambrose 3 Comments

Brick wall covered in pink and blue street art mural that says "Casper, Where Wander Meets Wonder".

Casper, Wyoming, may be an unassuming town, but it will keep you busy! From art and museums to breweries and restaurants to year-round outdoor adventures, these are all the can’t-miss things to do.

Filed Under: North America, Off the Beaten Path, U.S., Wyoming

Our 4th & 5th Years of (Not Really) Traveling: Making the Best of Unprecedented Times

May 1, 2022 By Jen Ambrose Leave a Comment

Two-lane highway curving between mountains, with a yellow 45MPH sign pointing around the corner.

The last two years have been…nothing like the three that preceded them. But we’ve done our best to find the silver linings, and are so grateful that we’ve stayed healthy and still managed to find some adventures.

Filed Under: Long-Term Travel, Reflections Tagged With: annual review

49 Gifts for Outdoorsy Women + 3 Things NOT to Give (2023)

November 24, 2021 By Jen Ambrose 17 Comments

Woman in dark T-shirt and capris looking toward tan rock formations.

This list has all the best fun and practical gifts to give the outdoorsy woman in your life – plus three things NOT to give her!

Filed Under: Gear and Packing, Nature and Outdoors Tagged With: gifts, maps, travel decor

50 Inspiring & Funny Quotes about Vermont

September 24, 2021 By Jen Ambrose 2 Comments

Landscape of tree-covered rock in front of rolling hills.

Let these quotes, sayings, and jokes about Vermont remind you of the magic of this small but mighty state.

Filed Under: North America, U.S., Vermont Tagged With: New England, quotes

Visiting Scottsbluff, NE: Things to Do, Eat, Drink, & See

August 27, 2021 By Jen Ambrose 22 Comments

Slow moving river framed by prarie grasses and a very large mesa in the background.

For a fun offbeat trip in the Midwest, look no further than Scottsbluff, Nebraska. This list of things to do there will keep you busy – and it’s got some surprises in store!

Filed Under: Nebraska, Off the Beaten Path, U.S.

Eat, Pray, Learn: 37 Interesting Facts about Bali, Indonesia

May 21, 2021 By Jen Ambrose 27 Comments

Ornate pagoda temple that appears to rise out of a swampy lake.

There’s no doubt about it, Bali is a one-of-a-kind destination. But what makes this island so special? And what should you know before you go? This list has all the basics about Bali’s people, culture, and history, plus our top tips for visiting!

Filed Under: Asia, Indonesia Tagged With: Bali, Southeast Asia, travel facts

5 Offbeat Road Trip Stops: Unique Places to Visit in Arizona

December 15, 2020 By Jen Ambrose 16 Comments

Desert landscape of shrubs and red rocks with a blue sky.

Take it from us – there’s so much more to Arizona than the Grand Canyon. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, put some of these stops on your itinerary!

Filed Under: Arizona, North America, Off the Beaten Path, Road Trips, U.S. Tagged With: national parks

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Close-up of a white man and woman both wearing black with trees in the background, and an overlaying green banner that says "Welcome!"

Hi! We’re Jen and Ryan, an American couple on a journey to travel the world while working from the road. We’re passionate about outdoor adventure, responsible travel, and getting off the beaten path. Passions and Places is a space for us to share our stories and tips with you, but most importantly, we hope to inspire you to seek your own adventure.

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