Hi, I’m Jackie Gately from Enjoy Travel Life
I’m a travel writer, photographer, and self-described creative adventuress based in Boston. I started Enjoy Travel Life for travelers who want amazing hotels, beautiful surroundings, delicious foods, and exceptional service. No fuss, no pretense. Just thoughtful travel done well.
That’s what casual-luxury means to me. And after two decades of traveling across Europe, New England, and beyond, it’s the lens I bring to every guide on this site.
Jackie Gately at home in Boston, Massachusetts
My truth? I am happiest when I’m traveling.
I am humbled by the beauty of the world, and so grateful for the opportunity to capture it on camera and share my stories.
Sure, I’ll hit the must-see tourist attractions. But you’re more likely to find me off the beaten path, floating in crystal clear water, enjoying local flavors, or chasing a sunset with a regional drink in hand. It’s experiential learning at its best, and I thrive on it.
I always have my camera in hand to capture great memories, and my travel notebook waits for me to recollect and reflect when I get back from the day’s adventures.
How Enjoy Travel Life Started
It was a trip to Italy that changed everything. A girlfriend and I went to visit her daughter studying abroad in Tuscany. Afterwards, I continued on solo, crossing the countryside by rail and car on a heritage trip. I knew I wanted to share everything I saw and learned, and Enjoy Travel Life was born.
I love to travel solo, with a companion, with girlfriends, and on multi-generational trips, too.
Where I’ve Been
Since that first trip to Italy, I’ve traveled throughout New England and the Northeast over the past fifteen years, explored coastal California when visiting my daughter Alison in the O.C., and discovered new corners of New York City on weekends with my son James in Brooklyn. I just love NYC.
I’ve taken road trips to Nova Scotia with my senior mom (once on the heels of a hurricane, no less. That part, we did not plan!). I’ve connected with professional travel bloggers across Southern Spain, explored the Peloponnese in Greece, and celebrated milestone birthdays in the Bahamas. No matter where or when I go, I always find something new in the familiar.
To date, I’ve published over 900 articles across more than 30 destinations, and I’m just getting started.
What You’ll Find Here
As an empty-nester, I’ve fully embraced this next chapter, and I’m so glad you’re here to share it. Whether you’re planning your first trip as empty nesters or your fiftieth, my aim is to entertain, inspire, encourage, and empower you to enjoy travel life, too.
On this site, you’ll find destination guides for Europe, New England, and coastal getaways, along with practical trip-planning resources. Every recommendation comes from personal experience, with an eye toward comfort, beauty, and genuine hospitality.
Award-Winning Travel Blog
What’s on My Radar
I’m not a perpetual traveler, but I am perpetually thinking about traveling. My running bucket list includes Türkiye, Scotland and the UK, Paris and the South of France, Alaska for the Northern Lights, and Washington, D.C. If you want to start your own list, you can download my free, fillable Bucket List Planner to get started.
Let’s Connect
I would love to know what destinations or travel topics you’d like to learn more about. Drop me a comment below and I’ll get it on my radar. I’m always happy to help a fellow travel-lover.
Warmly,
Jackie
p.s. If you’re looking to collaborate, here is information about working together.
Jackie. Hello. My wife and I live in Georgia. It has been on my bucket list to go to maine. We have had to put it off many times. However we are planning on flying into Bangor next year. We will get a rental car and drive to the Bar Harbor area where we would like to spend several days. We will then begin our way back to Georgia in rental car. We want to stop and visit other states, interesting places along the way home. We are looking at two weeks to come back to Georgia. Do you have any suggestions as to where we should stop, stay ? Any information you could help us with would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Sounds wonderful! I sent you a private email with some suggestions, Mike. Hope it helps!
Hi! I’ve been following your blog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Lubbock TX! Just wanted to say keep up the great job!
Thank you, Donna. I always love to hear from my regular readers – Much appreciated! 😀
Hi Michael, There’s plenty of fun places to visit in RI, NE, and NS! My advice is to hug the coastline. Whether that means Newport, Narraganset, Cape Cod, coastal Maine, or the Nova Scotia coastline, there’s plenty to see and do! You might have a look at my New England posts, or browse my Nova Scotia and Canadian Maritimes content. Happy to help!
This post gives so much more information than other people, and it’s very helpful to me. I will return to see future writing from you! Can I share this?
That’s very kind of you to say! Shares are always welcome. 🙂
Hi Jackie, I just today discovered your travel blog — well done you! I appreciate your honest postings, no “fluff”. I especially like how you are careful to partner with sponsoring companies. Good to show integrity! Looking forward to future posts from you!
Good to have you here, Jerry! Thanks for the kind words.