“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom” - Anais Nin

It’s that time of year again: school’s out for summer! 

Landscapes, friendships, moments, memories: these are all parts of what helps to keep us grounded through shifting times.

They are part and parcel of the things musicians draw on to create, too.

After almost two decades of publishing Wandering Educators, I greet every new travel planning tool the same way: with curiosity, and with my suitcase-tested skepticism close at hand.

The question filling my inbox this year?

Should I use AI to plan my travel?

My answer?

The era of tapping on greasy kiosks is slowly fading, making way for sophisticated conversational intelligence. Here's what is going on.

Quick Answer

A capable mountain filmmaker pairs craft with environmental fluency. Prioritizes documented work at altitude, current Parks Canada permits, redundant audio and battery systems, and a reel that shows consistent exposure across snowfields, shaded forest, and ridgeline light. Verifies cold-weather protocols, insured gear, and a written contingency plan for shifting alpine conditions before signing. A good elopement videographer earns the booking on preparation, not aesthetics alone.

On a misty grey morning at Scotland’s historic Culloden Battlefield, our daughter Lillie did not want to leave.

We had arrived early. Hours (and hours) later, a guide came to tell us the site was closing. Lillie kept going back to the same long stretch of Drummossie Moor, listening hard to the wind. She wandered to and from Leanach Cottage, meandering among clan grave markers, treading lightly and with respect. She asked questions, then went back to the marsh to think. 

Hendricks County, Indiana will once again host one of the nation’s biggest events promoting awareness and education of the American Indian culture.

Headed to Stratford, Ontario? It’s one of my favorite towns, ever! Of course, you will spend hours at the Festival Theatre. While my cup of recommendations for things to see, taste, and experience in Stratford runneth over, I have a marvelous suggestion for something you should definitely include – and a fascinating person you must meet. 

Each‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ year, Cologne turns into an incredibly thrilling esports venue. The IEM Cologne Major 2026 is not different in that regard. With the playoff stages going on, the eyes of thousands of Counter-Strike 2 enthusiasts are fixed on the amazing LANXESS Arena, home ground of a few of the best teams in the world, competing for the highly coveted trophy.

Smart planning makes family travel much easier and more enjoyable. Here's how.