Skip to content

Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

  • The Books!
    • Hi, Honey!
    • Sparent
      • The Audiobook
    • What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting
      • The Audiobook
    • Awards | Reviews
    • Media
  • Which Way’s Up?, The Blog
    • Blog Archives
  • Whine & Wine, The Podcast
  • Bearly Home, The Travel Page
  • About Me
    • Other Places I Write

Tag: Travel

Vacation Alert: Back to Alaska.

I'm off on another adventure! Want to follow along? I mean, why wouldn't you? Join me on the socials under Bearly Home Travel.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment June 1, 2026May 28, 2026 2 Minutes

Wave Season? Tsunami, Actually.

January's tsunami has not mixed well with a quiet morning, a cup of coffee within arm's reach, and a few hours dedicated to mapping out my Monday morning epiphany.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 1 Minute

An Unexpected Reminder of My “Why”.

In the land of travel planning, not every booking is a big one, but sometimes, the smallest booking of all is the one that offers the biggest reward. Sometimes, that means an early drive to the airport on a day that I'm not going anywhere at all.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 4 Minutes

FORCED!!! Okay, Calm Down, People.

Forced?  Well, that’s a strong word. Mixed in with this week’s news salad of sabotaged escalators and songs from a showgirl was a variety of reports on the Serenade of the Seas–a story reported as a whisper on some news channels and a scream on others. The report that finally sent me over the railing … Continue reading FORCED!!! Okay, Calm Down, People. →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment October 6, 2025October 5, 2025 3 Minutes

Is This The Line?

It never fails, when I hear this, the devil on my shoulder goes into overdrive with snarky responses while the angel on the other gently places her hand over my mouth. 

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Travel 1 Comment September 15, 2025September 14, 2025 3 Minutes

Happy New Year! Kind of.

When we dropped our youngest off last weekend, Rich and I both felt this weird mix of doom and delight. As it was just after we’d dropped him off last year that the first shoe dropped, there was a natural gurgle of PTSD. Could everyone just be cool this year and…stay alive? 

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment August 25, 2025August 23, 2025 4 Minutes

Life Outside the Disney Bubble

What is life like outside the Disney bubble? Look around. Do you see any Mickey waffles on the stove?

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment August 4, 2025 6 Minutes

A Prime Time to Grab Some Travel Musts!

It’s been an interesting week in the land of travel as the now viral Netflix documentary “Train Wreck: Poop Cruise” has been the talk of the town. If you have watched it (or plan to), be sure to follow that viewing with a listen to this month’s episode of Whine & Wine, where we interview … Continue reading A Prime Time to Grab Some Travel Musts! →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear Leave a comment July 7, 2025July 6, 2025 6 Minutes

At Some Point, Their Journey Becomes Their Journey.

At some point, the travel planning mantra goes, their vacation becomes their vacation. I'm learning that the same is true when raising children.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Parenting, Thoughts on Travel 2 Comments June 16, 2025June 13, 2025 3 Minutes

On a Break: Just the Tip

If I'm on vacation, that means you are, too! Well, kind of. Enjoy this piece from one of my favorite travelers, Rick Steves!

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment June 2, 2025May 30, 2025 4 Minutes

Posts navigation

Older posts
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin

Subscribe Here!

I promise not to send coupons, spam, or pleas for friendship. Well, at least not two of those things.

Join 974 other subscribers

Hi, Honey! is now available! Click here for a hard copy, here for Kindle, or here for additional ebook platforms.

Book cover for 'Hi, Honey! A Dementia Diary' featuring a woman in a floral swimsuit holding a snorkel mask, set against a nature background. The cover includes quotes and the author's name, JYL CJ BARLOW.
A descriptive text about the book 'Hi, Honey!' by Jyl Barlow, focusing on themes of grief, love, and loss, alongside testimonials highlighting its emotional depth and insights into the grieving process.

How do you like your books? Click The Books! tab to purchase one of mine in your favorite format!

  • Literary Titan Award Winner
  • IPPY Award Winner
  • Today Parenting
  • Grown & Flown
  • Dream It!
  • Disney Earmarked Agency
  • Certified Autism Travel Professional

Aren't all writers gazillionaires? It turns out...no. If you love to travel and have someone else organize your life, reach out! I'd love to plan your next adventure! There's no cost to you as travel planners are compensated by destination vendors. Read more here.

Interviews, Podcasts, etc.

Other places I write!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Blogs that you just missed:

No Contact Kids: Finding the Quiet Relief

No Contact Kids: Finding the Quiet Relief

What’s the big deal with going no contact?

Well, for one, it’s dangerous, devastating and, often, unjustified. Beyond that, it’s not healthy. It stunts emotional maturity and growth.

by Jyl Barlow August 17, 2026August 16, 2026
No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

I’ve become an expert at baiting my no-contact kid into a conversation.

My methods?

Forwarding mail, paying for college, having a death in the family, etc.

by Jyl Barlow August 3, 2026August 3, 2026
When a Calendar Fail &  Lack of E.S.P. Collide.

When a Calendar Fail & Lack of E.S.P. Collide.

Look, it was my mistake, okay?

Still, having hope for my husband’s E.S.P. to come in is fine, as long as I consider that a very loose and unpredictable fallback plan.

by Jyl Barlow July 20, 2026July 19, 2026
The Price of Pets (is totally worth it)

The Price of Pets (is totally worth it)

“She brought an emotional support toy into the appointment.”

The price of pets? Worth it.

by Jyl Barlow July 6, 2026July 5, 2026

Hiking the Mendenhall Glacier: A Questionable Adventure

Did I have any business hiking across a glacier in Alaska?

Probably not.

Did I live to tell about it?

Mostly.

by Jyl Barlow June 22, 2026June 21, 2026
Banana Ball: Six for Six

Banana Ball: Six for Six

Banana Ball’s season may be short but for a super-fan, seeing every game just takes a little creativity and coordination.

Oh, and maybe a few friends who will say “yes” to anything.

by Jyl Barlow June 8, 2026June 8, 2026
Blog at WordPress.com.
Loading Comments...