Rachel-Jean Firchau, Author at Rachel Off Duty

Top Woman-Owned Travel Companies That Should Be on Your Radar in 2025

From group trips, to travel apps, to unique ways to give back, here are the top woman-owned travel companies you need on your radar in 2025.

The Ultimate 5 Day Los Cabos Itinerary: Relaxation, Adventure, Wellness, and More

Planning a trip to Los Cabos? This 5 day Los Cabos itinerary combines relaxation, adventure, & wellness for the ultimate Cabo experience.

The Ultimate 5 Day Oahu Itinerary

Oahu – where I’m from! – has something for everyone. To get the most out of your trip, here’s what I recommend for your 5 day Oahu itinerary.

The Top Things You Must Do On Your First Trip to Tulum, Mexico

Here are 8 things you must do on your first trip to Tulum to really get a taste of what this part of Mexico has to offer those in search of relaxation, rejuvenation, inspiration, and adventure!

The Ultimate One-Week Guide to Tulum, Mexico

While some beach destinations offer nothing but, well, beach time, a trip to Tulum promises you all that and so much more. From cenotes, to wellness, to Mayan ruins, and more, read on for my one-week itinerary and guide to Tulum, Mexico!

Essential Remote Work Tools You Need in 2025

New to working remotely? These are the most essential remote work tools that should be on your radar in 2025.

Postcard Cabins Review (Formerly Getaway House): A Tiny Cabin For Urban Dwellers

Want to unplug and get out of the city? Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway House) are made for just that. But what is it like to stay in one?

Lake of the Ozarks: A Kansas City Weekend Getaway

Looking for a weekend getaway near Kansas City? I was surprised by the Lake of the Ozarks – here are my top unique things to do in the area!

20+ Of the Very Best Things to Do in Oahu

From popular attractions to local favorites, chill sightseeing to daring adventures, here are 20+ of the very best things to do in Oahu!

Group Travel Programs Reviewed: My Contiki Experience (Everything You Need to Know)

Thinking about booking your first Contiki? Here is my honest, exhaustive Contiki review about everything you need to know.

What It Was Honestly Like Traveling with Contiki: 10 Days of Group Travel in Europe

Want to know what it’s actually like traveling with Contiki? Here’s my day-by-day trip experience breakdown, so you know what you can expect!

How to Ask Your Boss To Let You Work Remotely

Wishing you could leave the office behind, but unsure how to ask? In this guide, we’ll explore how to ask your boss to let you work remotely, whether at home or on the road. From sample emails to prepping for the ask, read on for everything you need to know! Good luck!

How to Work Remotely from Anywhere: The Ultimate Guide

Want to join the remote work movement? From finding a remote job, to navigating new environments, here is my full guide on how to work remotely from anywhere.

Where to Stay in Seward, Alaska: Salted Roots

Stay: Salted Roots

Located At: 13690 Beach Dr, Seward, AK 99664

Spend: $150+ per night

Expect: Sustainable, approachably designed luxury and a cozy beachfront on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward.

Want to Stay Here? Book Now Using This Link

The Top Employee Benefits to Look Out for If You Love to Travel

What are the best employee benefits for those who love to travel? From remote work to sabbaticals, here are my top picks to look out for!

The Ultimate Full-Circle 5 Day Big Island Itinerary

Planning a Hawaii trip? This 5 day Big Island itinerary will have you exploring volcanoes, finding beautiful black sand beaches, and more!

A 3 Day Guide to Cozumel, Mexico

Curious what to do when you visit Cozumel? Check out my 3 day guide to Cozumel for recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and more!

What is a Gap Year, and How Can You Take One?

Curious about taking a gap year and how to plan one? This guide breaks down exactly how to navigate your gap year successfully.

How to Transform Your Hobby into a Side Hustle: A Beginner’s Guide

Wondering how to transform your hobby into a side hustle? With careful planning, preparation, and grit, you can make it happen. Here’s how.

80+ Unique Sabbatical Ideas to Make the Most of Your Career Break

Wondering what to do on your sabbatical? From wellness to travel, here are 80+ sabbatical ideas to get you excited about your career break!

My Review of Camp Olowalu: Glamping in Maui

Stay: Camp Olowalu Maui

Located At: 800 Olowalu Village Road, Lahaina, HI 96761

Spend: +$24/night/adult for camping, +$140/night for tentalows

Expect: A beautiful beachfront setting and no-fuss accommodations with elevated camping amenities like bathrooms, BBQ grills, fire pits, kayak & paddleboard rentals, and WiFi available to both campsite and tentalow guests

Want to Stay Here? Book Now Using This Link

December in Quebec City: The Ultimate 3-Day Winter Guide

With 3 days to spare and so much to see, here’s my jam-packed 3-day guide to visiting Quebec City in the winter.

How to Go Gray Whale Watching in Baja California

There are a handful of things in this lifetime I never pictured myself doing. Intimate encounters with gray whales is one of them. And in Baja California’s San Ignacio Lagoon, you can not only see whales, but possibly even touch them, too. If you’ve ever been curious about gray whale watching in Baja California, read on!

A Guide to Los Angeles’s Best-Kept Secret: Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes is not one of those places that necessarily screams ‘look at me.’ But that’s exactly what makes it so special. And, it’s just a short drive from Los Angeles! Here’s my full guide on what to do and experience in Palos Verdes, California.

Road Trip From Phoenix to Sedona: 5 Stops To Make Along the Way

From preserved cliff dwellings to a surprise wine region, here are 5 cool and quirky stops to make on a road trip from Phoenix to Sedona!

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting The Yucatán

Between the beaches, the dense tropical jungle, the ancient Mayan ruins, and the colonial cities, this particular region is one of Mexico’s most spectacular. Read on for everything you need to know before your first time visiting the Yucatán!

Winter In the Mountains: How to Spend 1 Day in Big Bear

Wondering how to spend one day in Big Bear? Whether you’re short on time or just looking for a day trip, here’s my 1-day Big Bear itinerary!

A First Timer’s Road Trip Guide for Driving to Baja, Mexico

Dreaming of a Baja road trip? From border crossings to packing tips, here’s everything you need to know about driving to Baja, Mexico.

Your Complete Guide to Working Remotely from Belize

Curious about working remotely from Belize? From entry requirements to wifi speeds, read on for everything you need to know!

What to Do in Bali: A One-Week Itinerary For First-Timers

Here is my recommended 1-week itinerary for exploring Bali! If you’re traveling to Bali for the first time, this guide will show you how you can experience Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, Ubud, and Canggu in just 7 days.

What to Wear on a Summer Vacation in Italy (June through August): Packing List

Summer in Italy is such a dreamy affair. On the coast, uniform umbrellas dot the sandy shores. Pastel pink and yellow buildings sit perched against rocky cliffsides overlooking the water below. Though Italian summers can get pretty hot, there’s still something so magical about the idea of gelato and vespas and pizza that make even I wish I was back in Sorrento right now, even though it’s the middle of June.