Where Is Maria Adventure Travel

05/31/2026

We Bought a House with a Dock!

Big logistics update from the home front! We just officially transitioned our home base operations by cruising the boat today from her old mooring in Anacortes straight to our new private dock in La Conner, Washington.

While our Sammamish home is officially on the market, we are maximizing our weekends here—embracing a completely minimalist "camp style" setup with zero furniture while we finalize the blueprints for a massive, top-to-bottom home remodel.

Bringing the boat right to our back door is a major game-changer for streamlining our Pacific Northwest San Juan Islands adventures, and we even have a brand new crew member on board.

Meet Teddi, our 12-week-old Havanese puppy, who is officially stepping into her new role as First Mate! Tonight, we celebrate the official start of dockside living, puppy boat training, and the beauty of keeping things beautifully simple. 🍾⚓️🐾

You can follow Teddi on her account .on.tour 🐾

05/22/2026

Packing for a fall cruise requires a strategy—and the golden rule is all about smart layers. 🍂🚢 As you sail north from the warm departure ports up to the crisp, stunning coastlines of New England and Quebec City, the temperatures will drop fast!

Check out my cruise essentials on Amazon — everything I pack and recommend for life at sea!
https://linktr.ee/WhereIsMariaAdventureTravel

🌡️ What to Expect Weather-Wise

Your route heads progressively north through September, so temperatures will drop as you go

👗 What to Pack — Layering is Key

Tops
• 4–5 lightweight long-sleeve shirts or blouses
• 2–3 short-sleeve tops (for Philadelphia and early days at sea)
• 2 nicer tops or blouses for evening dining

Bottoms
• 2–3 pairs of pants/jeans (versatile for touring and cool evenings)
• 1–2 casual skirts or lighter pants for warmer early days
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shorts (just for the first day or two)

Layers (the most important category)
• 1 medium-weight fleece or sweater
• 1 heavier cardigan or pullover
• 1 warm jacket — pack heavier clothing for outdoor activities in Nova Scotia and Quebec. A packable down jacket is perfect.
• 1 light layer for ship activities and sea days

Rain Gear
• A packable waterproof rain jacket is non-negotiable — doubles as a wind layer on deck
• A small travel umbrella

Shoes
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip (cobblestone streets in Quebec City!)
• 1 pair of nicer shoes or low heels for dinner
• Sandals or slip-ons for the ship

Accessories
• Lightweight scarf (doubles as warmth and style)
• Hat and gloves for Quebec — mornings can feel near freezing
• Sunglasses

For the Ship
• Swimsuit
• Workout clothes if you plan to use the gym
• Check the dress code — they typically have casual and "smart casual" nights.

The golden rule for this itinerary: dress in layers you can add or remove as you move between the warm ship interior, chilly deck, and cool port towns. Have a wonderful trip! 🍁

05/16/2026

🚢 Calling all cruise lovers! I’m planning my next getaway and already thinking about packing.

What’s something you’ve purchased on Amazon and you take with you on every cruise? I want to know your hacks!

My Top 5
1️⃣ Packing Cubes – keeping that tiny cabin organized is a MUST.
2️⃣ Supergoop! Sunscreen Powder – perfect for easy, non-greasy touch-ups.
3️⃣ Reusable Silicone Bags – so handy for everything from snacks to wet swimsuits.
4️⃣ Long Sleeve Ribbed T-Shirts – perfect for layering and dealing with powerful cruise A/C.
5️⃣ My Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat – maximum sun protection while looking chic.

And I have SO many more on my list! 🏖️

👇 Dropping my Amazon Cruise Must-Haves folder below in the comments or my linktree https://linktr.ee/WhereIsMariaAdventureTravel 👇

I’d love to know what makes your list. Share your Amazon travel faves with me!

05/13/2026

🚐 Should You Use Dicor Roof-Gard After Cleaning Your RV Roof?

Whether you should use Dicor Roof-Gard after a cleaning is a classic debate!

🛒 https://amzn.to/4dH3uU4

The short answer is: It's not a waste of money, but it's more of a "long game" investment.

Think of it as sunscreen for your rig. While modern EPDM and TPO roofs are tough, the protectant creates a sacrificial UV layer. This is what stops that annoying white "chalking" (oxidation) that eventually runs down the sides and causes black streaks. It also makes your next wash much easier because the grime doesn't bond as easily to the surface.

A few things to consider before you buy:

📌 Roof Material: If you have an EPDM (rubber) roof, it's highly recommended. If you have TPO or Fiberglass, you might find that 303 Aerospace https://amzn.to/4dHpUVa or a marine-grade wax works even better.

📌 White Powder: Some swear that a good cleaning twice a year is enough. However, if you see white powder on your hands after touching the roof, that's a sign the UV is winning and you need a protectant.

✅ Bottom line: If you want to prevent streaks and extend the life of the membrane, it's worth the extra step. If your roof is still in perfect shape with just soap and water, you could probably skip it this round.

Has anyone else noticed a big difference in "chalking" after using it?

05/02/2026

⚓ WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CRUISE? (Save this — you'll want it!)

Timing isn't just about the weather. It's about balancing cost, crowds, and the vibe onboard. Here's everything you need to know 👇

💰 BEST FOR PRICE & FEWER CROWDS
The shoulder seasons are your secret weapon.

📅 May & September — mild weather, lower prices, and far fewer children onboard. These are my top picks for overall value.

📅 Early January & early December — the "dead zones" of travel. Most people are back at work or prepping for the holidays, which means cruise lines drop prices to fill cabins. Incredible deals hide here.

🗺️ BEST BY DESTINATION

🌲 Alaska: July–August for wildlife and warmth, but May and September are cheaper AND give you a better shot at the Northern Lights.

🏛️ Mediterranean: May, June & October are the sweet spot — sunny days for exploring ancient ruins without the 90°F+ heat of peak summer.

🌴 Caribbean: December–April is the dry season with the most reliable sunshine. September–October are cheapest, but it's peak hurricane season — flexibility is key.

⚠️ MONTHS TO AVOID (AND WHY)
→ March & April: Spring Break. Enough said.
→ July & August: Peak prices + packed ships + brutal heat in Europe and the Caribbean.
→ September in the Caribbean: Statistically the riskiest month for a set itinerary. Cruises rarely get canceled, but rerouting is common. If you have your heart set on a specific island, this is the month you're most likely to miss it.
→ August–October: These three months account for over 90% of all hurricane activity — expect humidity, afternoon downpours, and rougher seas.

🧠 THE EXPERT MOVE (low prices, lower risk)
Want fall deals without the hurricane gamble? Two strategies:

✅ Go to the ABC Islands — Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao sit outside the traditional hurricane belt. Storms rarely touch them.

✅ The 2-Day Rule — Always fly into your port city at least 48 hours early during hurricane season. The ship can outrun a storm. Your flight cannot.

Ready to cruise smarter, not harder? Follow along for more insider strategy Where Is Maria Adventure Travel

04/25/2026

Raise your hand if you're tired of sad camp meals. 🙋

The Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven changed everything for me. We're talking a real oven AND two stovetop burners at your campsite — baked cornbread, roasted casseroles, fresh cinnamon rolls. All of it. At camp.

Here's what makes it worth it:

✅ Reaches up to 400°F — actual baking temps, not just warming
✅ One 1 lb propane bottle holds 350°F for up to 7 hours
✅ Fits a full 9x13 casserole dish inside
✅ Run the oven and both stovetop burners at the same time
✅ Matchless ignition, collapsible windscreen, dual carry handles
✅ Around 32 lbs — one person can load and unload it

This is built for car campers, RVers, cabin cooks, and tailgaters who refuse to eat bad food outdoors.

One honest tip: watch it in heavy wind or cold — weather affects the temp. Rotate pans halfway through just like at home.

Link in https://amzn.to/4cRhSI1 (affiliate link — I earn a small commission at no cost to you)

04/25/2026

🚢 Avoid Jewelry Scams in Cozumel: What Every Cruise Traveler Needs to Know

If you’re planning a cruise to Cozumel, you need to watch out for these common jewelry scams at the cruise port. ⚠️ While Cozumel is a beautiful destination, the jewelry trade in high-traffic zones like Puerta Maya and International Pier has a long-standing reputation for "bait and switch" tactics. 💎

Unfortunately, scammers in these areas are incredibly slick. They often wear badges claiming to be "Cruise Line Approved" and use high-pressure sales tactics, knowing you have a limited window before your ship sails. 🏃‍♂️💨 A frequent trick involves selling items stamped 14Kt gold that are actually 925 silver with synthetic or fake stones. 💍🚫

Why These Scams Work 🤔

False Authority: Many smaller vendors use fake signage or "port badges" to create a false sense of security.

The Time Crunch: They rely on the fact that you won't have time for a professional appraisal until you are thousands of miles away. ⏳

Deceptive Packaging: Shops use professional lighting and "certificates of authenticity" that aren't backed by recognized labs like GIA or EGL.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Scammed 🛑

If you realize your purchase isn't what it seems after leaving the port, don't give up!

File a Credit Card Dispute: Contact your bank immediately to start a "Quality of Goods" or "Counterfeit" dispute.

Gather Professional Evidence: Get a written statement from a certified jeweler confirming the item is fake (e.g., silver instead of gold).

Report to PROFECO: This is Mexico’s Consumer Protection Agency. While refunds are difficult once you've left, reporting helps build a case against these vendors.

Notify the Cruise Line: Let Celebrity or Royal Caribbean know that scammers are operating within their terminal area using their names.

Have you ever encountered a "too good to be true" deal while on vacation? Share your story in the comments below to help our community stay savvy! 👇✈️

Follow Where Is Maria Adventure Travel for more honest cruise tips, destination warnings, and insider guides to help you navigate the world safely! 🌍

04/19/2026

04/17/2026

The California coast near San Francisco is world-famous for its rugged beauty, but these three stops in Pacifica and El Granada take the experience to a whole new level. Whether you are hiking the historic Devil’s Slide Trail or grabbing a drink at the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell, this itinerary is the ultimate way to spend a day south of the city.

From the dramatic cliffs of the Devil’s Slide—a former highway turned pedestrian paradise—to the mouth-watering, wood-smoked flavors of the Michelin recognized gem Breakwater BBQ, every stop on this route offers something unique. Don't forget to end your journey at the Taco Bell Cantina in Pacifica, widely considered the most beautiful (and most famous) Taco Bell in the world. where you can watch the surfers catch waves right from the outdoor patio. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, local flavor, and that iconic NorCal vibe.

Have you ever visited a fast-food restaurant with a view this good? Tell me your favorite coastal find in the comments!

12/24/2025

As we celebrate the beauty of the Salish Sea and the coastal lifestyle we love, it’s the perfect time to remember that our holiday spirit can extend beneath the waves.

Following the Be Whale Wise guidelines and maintaining legal distances from orcas and humpbacks ensures they can hunt and rest undisturbed during these colder months.

We are proud to advocate for the shift toward whale-safe fishing gear, such as ropeless technology and low-breaking-strength lines. These innovations are vital in reducing entanglement risks, helping to ensure our local waters remain a safe haven for every fin and fluke.

Maria & George Naumann
Healthy Boat Living