Duffelbagspouse Travels the World

26/05/2026

A Weekend at The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center in Muscatine, Iowa

The Merrill is a polished riverfront hotel in Muscatine, Iowa that blends modern design, rooftop Mississippi views, and walkable small-town charm into one surprisingly relaxing Midwest getaway. Using Marriott Bonvoy points made the stay even better, but the real surprise came from how connected the hotel feels to Muscatine’s history, riverfront, and downtown atmosphere....

Travel tips from an Army Wife, Air Force & Navy Mom loving life in 40+ countries, currently exploring Asia while stationed in South Korea.

21/05/2026

Top 10 Things to Do in Beloit, Wisconsin

Beloit surprised us in the best way. What started as a quick Midwest weekend turned into long walks downtown, good food, quiet mornings by the river, and the kind of small moments that make a trip feel memorable. If you like walkable towns with character and an easy pace, Beloit makes a genuinely enjoyable weekend getaway....

Discover the best things to do in Beloit, Wisconsin, wine walks, riverfront trails, local coffee shops, bookstores, art, and shopping.

18/05/2026

Ubud, Indonesia: Jungle Views, Rice Terraces, Cafes, and Balinese Culture

Ubud surprised me. One minute I sat in traffic behind scooters, then minutes later I listened to frogs beside rice fields. We spent days exploring temples, cafes, markets, and jungle views while learning why so many travelers come here searching for rest, creativity, wellness, and a different pace than home....

Discover Ubud, Indonesia and the culture through rice terraces, cafes, temples, wellness culture, markets, and the quieter side of Bali.

09/05/2026

How to Spend an Amazing Spring Weekend in Des Moines

Explore Des Moines' top attractions, from charming coffee shops like Smokey Row and St. Kilda to art at Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Enjoy a relaxing day at Gray’s Lake, learn history at Jordan House, and unwind with a glass of wine at Summerset Winery....

Discover the best things to do in Des Moines this weekend, including cozy coffee spots, scenic parks, art, history, and local wineries.

09/05/2026

Saying Goodbye Every Three Years in the Military

I sat in a quiet parking lot before dawn and said goodbye without words as my husband left for deployment. After he was gone, I managed the house, raised our children, and learned how to live with the silence he left behind. I built routines to stay grounded, even when loneliness and fear crept in. I came to understand that while he served overseas, I was serving at home in my own way. Through every goodbye, I held onto the belief that love, resilience, and time would carry us to the next hello....

Neither one of us said goodbye, there are too many goodbyes in the military. And this post is about the rituals I make when my soldier leaves

08/05/2026

I expected the tulips, windmills, and Dutch charm. That’s why we made the drive. Still, seeing streets lined with flowers, people carrying fresh bouquets, and windmills rising behind the tulip beds was definitely worth the hype Pella, Iowa.

07/05/2026

How to Maximize the Marriott Bonvoy Spring Promotion Before It Ends

Marriott Bonvoy’s Spring 2026 promotion offers a practical way to earn extra points on the short trips many of us already take. Registered members can earn 2,500 bonus points per eligible paid stay between February 25 and May 10, 2026. Marriott also adds one bonus Elite Night Credit for every different hotel brand you stay during the promotion period. Registration closes April 26, 2026, so timing matters if you want the extra rewards....

This post shows you how to earn 2,500 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay plus Elite Night Credits during the Spring 2026 promotion period.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Here’s a Facebook post version that feels personal and conversational while encouraging people to click through and read more.

We drove to Pella expecting endless rows of perfect tulips during Tulip Time. Instead, we arrived a little early for peak blooms and a little late for some of the flowers. Some tulips still stood tall and colorful. Others had already dropped their petals in the Iowa sun. Still, the day turned out better than expected.

We spent the afternoon walking through downtown Pella, visiting the Sunken Gardens, touring the Vermeer Windmill, and wandering through the historical village during King’s Day celebrations. The bakery line stretched an entire block. The crowds were steady. Parking tested my patience. But the town still had charm.

I think that’s what I liked most. The day felt real instead of picture-perfect.

We ended the trip back in Des Moines at the Surety Hotel with soft robes, beautiful wood floors, and one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve had in a while.

If you’re thinking about visiting Tulip Time in Pella, I shared what to expect, where to still find tulips, parking tips, what we ate, and whether the drive was worth it.

Read the full post here:
https://duffelbagspouse.com/tulip-time-in-pella-iowa/

03/05/2026

Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa: What It’s Like When You Don’t Get Perfect Timing

Pella comes alive each spring when tulips line the streets and public spaces in full color. The town leans into its Dutch roots with windmills, traditional details, and a festival that draws steady crowds. Timing matters, because blooms can peak early or fade quickly, but there is still plenty to see across town. The downtown area is easy to walk, so you can move between gardens, shops, and historic sites easily....

Visit Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa and explore the Sunken Gardens, windmill views, and vibrant tulip beds at peak spring bloom.