Hi - I'm Denise
Welcome to Been There, Loved That—a place where I share the places I've been, the things I've loved, and the advice I'd give a friend planning the same trip.
For me, travel is about more than where you go. It's the stories you bring home, the people you're with, the food you try, the things that don't go according to plan, and those moments that make you stop and think, “I'm so glad I came here.”
I created this space to share what I've discovered along the way—the places worth seeing, the experiences I'd do again, the things I wish I'd known, and plenty of photos because I don't know how to take just one.
WHY "BEEN THERE, LOVED THAT?"
I want to share the honest details—the places I loved, the experiences I would recommend, the things I learned, and the tips I wish I had before I went.
I’m also always planning another trip. Sometimes I know exactly when I’m going. Other times, I have absolutely no idea when—or if—I’ll actually hit the Book button. That has never stopped me from planning one.
So you’ll find itineraries here from trips I’ve actually taken, along with plenty I’ve researched, planned, rearranged, priced out, and currently have waiting in the someday pile. For me, planning where to go next is half the fun.
Some trips are Been There, Loved That.
Others are waiting to be loved.
HOW I TRAVEL
I like to make the most of every place I visit. Give me the charming towns, scenic routes, local experiences, a good meal, and the places I didn't even know I should be looking for.
My favorite trips balance thoughtful planning with a little room to wander. I want to see the highlights, fit plenty into each day, and still have the flexibility to take the picture, enjoy the view, or make an unexpected stop along the way.
A FEW THINGS ABOUT ME
- Iowa farm girl who likes seeing what's beyond the cornfields.
- Raised on a farm, where apparently five years old was old enough to start walking beans with a corn knife.
- Mom of three, which has been an adventure all its own.
- Will choose the pretty village every time.
- Always planning another trip—even if I won’t get to it for five years.
- Loves a good pub or winery—especially a good Irish pub.
- Takes way too many pictures.
- Cousin Kim and I travel well together, which is probably why we keep doing it.
- Not exactly in peak physical condition, but surprisingly up for a good challenge.
- Has approximately 47 future trips planned at any given moment.
Cousin Kim and I "testing" Iceland beer for consumption.
My family ❤️
IF WE EVER TRAVEL TOGETHER...
I will: research everything beforehand and then get distracted by something I never researched, know which train we're taking, stop for pictures, need a few breaks on the uphill parts—but I'm not turning around—say “just one more picture” at least 37 times, and probably convince you we have time for one more stop.
I will not: schedule every minute, skip a good meal just to check off another attraction, pretend I know where we’re going when I clearly don’t, apologize for stopping for wine or beer, or be too proud to stop and catch my breath—we’ve already established that I'm not in peak physical condition.
SO, WHERE SHOULD WE GO?
Whether you're planning a big trip, looking for a weekend away, or just trying to decide where you want to go next, I hope you find something here that makes you think, “I need to put that on my list.”
There's a lot of world left to see. I know my list isn't getting any shorter.
Now, where should we go next? — Denise
