Hey Reader,
Where I am in far northern California, fall is moving in way too fast. I'm trying really hard to embrace the fallness. Luckily, I'm a big fan of pumpkin spice so that helps.
I've been working long days lately on a new project for an old client. It involves AI images and videos.
Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay. I, for one, intend to make money from it! It's a lot harder than it looks, but I'm excited to get to work every morning, so that's a win.
Here's what I have for you this week:
✈️ Travel Spotlight: Where to Find Fall Colors Without the Crowds
💻 Digital Nomad Life: Freelance Editing and Proofreading
🐾 Travel With a Dog: Poisonous Plants Around the World
✈️ Travel Spotlight
This Week: Where to Find Fall Colors Without the Crowds
Everyone flocks to New England for fall foliage, but you don’t have to. There are quieter, equally stunning spots across the U.S. where you can soak up the season without battling busloads of leaf-peepers.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
The aspen trees around Tahoe turn brilliant shades of gold in October, and you can hike, kayak, or just drive around the lake for postcard-worthy views. Try the Taylor Creek Trail near South Lake Tahoe for easy access and gorgeous photo ops.
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
The mountain towns of Ouray and Telluride feel like they were made for fall. The contrast of golden aspens against rugged peaks is unreal. Mid- to late September is peak color here, but early October can still be magical.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
If you love waterfalls, this one’s for you. The trails around Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls glow with yellows and oranges all season long. Bonus: fewer crowds once summer ends.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
October and early November bring a long-lasting color show thanks to the park’s wide range of tree species. If you want the views without the chaos, check out the Foothills Parkway instead of Clingmans Dome.
Whether you’re into mountain hikes or scenic drives, these spots deliver fall beauty without the crowds ... or the stress.
💻 Digital Nomad Life
Topic: Freelance Editing and Proofreading
If you’ve got a sharp eye for detail and love polishing words, freelance editing or proofreading can be a great way to earn income from anywhere. It’s one of those jobs that doesn’t require fancy equipment, just solid grammar skills, reliability, and a good Internet connection.
Editors often work on blog posts, books, newsletters, or marketing materials. Proofreaders focus more on catching typos, grammar issues, and formatting errors. Many freelancers do both.
You can find editing work on platforms like Upwork, Reedsy, and Freelancer, or by reaching out directly to bloggers, authors, or small businesses. Once you build a portfolio, referrals tend to come naturally.
If you’re serious about improving your skills or want a credential to stand out, check out courses on Udemy or Coursera. Search for “freelance editing” or “proofreading certification."
🐾 Travel With a Dog
This Week: Poisonous Plants Around the World
Shelby will eat anything and everything, including dried leaves on the ground. So I’ve learned to pay attention to what’s growing around us when we travel.
Poisonous plants can pop up anywhere, from tropical beaches to mountain forests, and the risks change depending on where you go.
In North America:
Watch out for oleander, sago palm, and azaleas in warmer climates like Florida, California, and Mexico. Even small amounts can cause heart or liver issues. On the trail, steer clear of foxglove and lilies.
In Europe:
Common garden plants like hydrangea, ivy, and daffodils can make dogs sick. If you’re wandering the countryside, look out for hemlock, which can be deadly if ingested.
In Australia and Southeast Asia:
Castor bean, angel’s trumpet, and frangipani are beautiful but toxic. Keep an eye out in tropical gardens and parks.
In Central and South America:
Plants like dieffenbachia (often called dumb cane) and croton are popular houseplants but can cause mouth irritation and vomiting if chewed.
The best defense is awareness. Don’t let your dog chew on unknown plants, and know where the nearest vet or 24-hour clinic is when you travel.
🛒 Stuff You Might Like:
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Make travel planning easier with these spreadsheets. Track all your reservations, budget, and spending, plus to-do and packing lists. All in one place.
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Essential Spanish for Travelers gives you easy phrases (with pronunciation). You don’t need a full language course. You just need the right words at the right time.
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Thinking about becoming a digital nomad? My Digital Nomad Planning Bundle gives you the tools to map out your transition, create a budget, and plan with confidence.
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🥸 Joke of the Week
What’s a pumpkin’s favorite sport?
Squash.
I want this newsletter to be as useful as possible. What topics would help you most? Reply and let me know!
Happy travels,
Sherry
Digital Nomad and a Dog
P.S. Be sure to follow me on Facebook!
My general travel page is Digital Nomad and a Dog
I also have a private group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads (you don't need to be over 50, but you do need to be a woman)
You can also follow me on Instagram