TMP Origins: The Ghostly Secrets of the National Archives

The front of the National Archives Building outside in Washington DC from across the street.

Washington, D.C. – 2013 & Still on the List In 2013, I stood in front of the National Archives during a business trip that would later help spark the idea for TMP Origins. It wasn’t a sightseeing adventure — just me stealing a sliver of time between conference sessions. Two quick photos from the sidewalk … Read more

Hank Williams Statue – Montgomery, Alabama

Hank Williams Statute in the median in downtown Montgomery, Alabama

When you wander into downtown Montgomery, it’s hard to miss the man still keeping watch with his guitar in hand—Hank Williams. Dusty and I only had time for a quick stop here, but sometimes those short pauses tell the biggest stories. With a dashcam clip and a couple of photos, we stood for a moment … Read more

We Weren’t Planning to Stop Here: Union Station, Montgomery AL

Featured Image: Union Station Montgomery AL

Sometimes the road hands you a story you didn’t know you needed. Dusty and I were driving downtown Montgomery, killing time before the National Memorial for Peace & Justice opened, when we spotted the red-bricked arches of Union Station. The building practically demanded we pull over. We didn’t realize it at the time, but this … Read more

Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima): A Walk to Wow

If you’re in Washington, D.C. and up for seeing something full of history and meaning, the Iwo Jima Memorial—officially called the United States Marine Corps War Memorial—offers one of those powerful experiences you won’t soon forget. This spot brings together stories of sacrifice, national pride, and impressive sculptural art, all just a metro ride away … Read more

TMP Origins: Drawn to the Ashes

Featured Image: The Pentagon Memorial

Pentagon Memorial | Washington, D.C. If you’re searching for a quiet place in Washington, D.C. where the noise of the world falls away—and all that’s left is memory, silence, and sky—the Pentagon Memorial is one I’ll always recommend. I didn’t mean to stop here the day I visited.It was the weekend after a work conference … Read more

Hidden Gems: The Scenic Side Road Worth Slowing Down For

Purple-lit cave at Florida Caverns State Park, a hidden gem in the South

By Ki – Travel Made Personal Some travelers chase the big attractions — the ones with lines out the door and souvenirs in every gas station for fifty miles.But me? Give me the strange, the sacred, the tucked-away corners you won’t find on a billboards. Dusty and I call these hidden gems — places that … Read more

Washington DC Night Tour: The Quiet Beginning of Travel Made Personal

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

TMP Origins: Before the Dashcam, Episode 1 🏷️ Wandering Through the Glow of Marble and Memory In 2013, I flew to Washington, DC for a business conference.I didn’t know it at the time, but I was walking straight into the origin story of Travel Made Personal. By day, I sat in sessions and took notes … Read more

Dothan City Cemetery

Dothan City Cemetery

You’d think by now I’d know better than to tempt fate with a cemetery and a clue. But there we were—twice, actually—following faint directions and full hearts straight into the arms of Murphy himself. The first time, Dusty and I were chasing a letterbox. A simple one. A quiet one. Supposedly tucked away under the … Read more

Landmark Park: Where the Past Still Plows the Fields

Landmark Park Welcome

If you’ve ever wondered what it felt like to step into a simpler time—when church bells rang on Sundays, kids learned their letters in a one-room schoolhouse, and peanuts weren’t just snacks but sacred harvest—you’ll want to wander through Landmark Park in Dothan, Alabama. Spread out over 100 acres of heritage and heart, this isn’t … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Road Trip Planner Attractions on a Budget

Road Trip Planner Attractions

Unlike flights, road trips offer unparalleled freedom, adventure, and discovery. They allow you to explore many new places on the way to and from your destination. Plan your road trip planner attractions strategically to make the most of your journey. This guide walks you through using the best road trip planner apps, planning a detailed … Read more