"As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal." - Robin S. Sharma _ The colour of Wales. _ Sunset over Llynnau Mymbyr near Capel Curig in Wales, United Kingdom. _ Out of the 10 million tourists to visit Wales each year, only 1 million are from outside the UK, making this country relatively unknown on most tourists radars. This was easily one of our favourite European road trips - everywhere we turned was stunning landscapes and historical locations. _ I was a little apprehensive beforehand about the cultural and language differences, but embraced the change. And the locals we met were some of the kindest and most hospitable. Not to mention one of the top meals I've ever eaten was in a remote Welsh town. _ I love Wales. We wrote a comprehensive road trip guide packed with tips. Just Google "Ultimate Wales road trip" to find it on travelwithbender.com. _ #findyourepic #wales

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"There is no glory in practice, but without practice, there is no glory." - Unknown _ Feeling like a champion in Arches National Park, Utah. _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100

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10 Best Road Trip Snacks – (Mostly) Healthy Ideas

We’ve driven our fair share of miles over the years. Our current #motherofallroadtrips across the US & Canada started in June 2015 and will finish in June 2016. It has been on this precise road trip that I’ve discovered the most valuable, hard-earned secrets about travelling with kids. And this best secret is…?
Read more at our travel blog.

Cape San Blas, Florida: My New Secret Beach

Florida is a vacation mix-a-lot. Some people go to Florida to spend every day at a theme park. Others look forward to a glamorous tropical cruise. And last, but not least, it’s hard to resist the lure of Florida’s sandy white beaches. And that is why we came back to Florida… beach, sun, rest, and relaxation. And we found all of that on Cape San Blas in Gulf County.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Together we can face any challenges as deep as the ocean and as high as the sky." - Sonia Gandhi ..... Hiking through Kasha - Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. ..... This remote area is located about half way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque in New Mexico. While it doesn't have the same high profile as Antelope Canyon, this slot canyon hike was incredibly beautiful. Even my 5 & 7-year-olds made it to the peak of this challenging trail. Highly recommended. It took my breath away... In more ways than one. ..... Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 ..... #newmexico #naturelovers

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"Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." - Richard M. Nixon _ Lookout at Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 #utah #findyourpark

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Unshakable Proof That Strangers Make Travel Better

As we have travelled around the world over the last 4 years we’ve realized that people are kinder than we often give them credit for. Our reliance on complete strangers and people we haven’t met (in person) has blossomed since our nomadic travels started and we haven’t been let down. By and large, the human race is kind. Contrary to what you see on the news. National Pay It Forward Day is April 28th and we are showing you how #NiceTravels.
Read more at our travel blog.

23 Sanity-Saving Hacks For 1 Day At Disney World

Disney World is expensive. And it takes time. With a 5 & 7-year-old in tow I just could not comprehend 5 days visiting 4 different parks. Was I doing them a disservice by not taking them? Was I spoiling their childhood? Turns out one day at Disney still made me the best mum in the world.
Read more at our travel blog.

"If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us." - Jim Rohn _ We got sand castle lessons last week from @beachsandsculptures in @SouthWalton Florida. So much fun, I felt like a big kid! _ Have you ever made one of these? _ #TMSSouthWalton #florida

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"The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh _ Beach life at Cape San Blas, Florida. _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 _ #florida #GCFLnofilter @gulfcountyfl

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Phase 7 #motherofallroadtrips: South By Southeast

We started in the tropic warmth of Florida and drove west stopping in Mississippi, New Orleans, Lafayette, Houston, Austin, Grapevine, Roswell and finishing in Santa Fe. We saw everything from wild alligators, to bucking bulls to aliens.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe." – Anatole France _ Watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the beach at Cape San Blas, Florida. _ We just flew back to Salt Lake City last night and I'm missing the warm sunshine already. Take me back! _ If you want to see more of our time in @gulfcountyfl (including my conversation with Mr Thumb) follow us on Snapchat: travelwitbender _ And if you want to capture amazing travel photos too, take a look at a brand new article on travelwithbender.com _ #GCFLnofilter

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"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home." – James Michener _ Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey early in the morning. #oneistanbul

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Wooden path to our beach on Cape San Blas in @gulfcountyfl Florida. _ It's been so relaxing in a gorgeous beachfront holiday home here. Sad to be saying goodbye tomorrow and flying back to Utah. _ I often receive questions from followers about how to learn travel photography. Yesterday I published a new review on travelwithbender.com for a great new online photography course. If you want to take photos like me then check this out. _ #GCFLnofilter #beautifuldestinations

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"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didnt do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain _ Sunset over Port St Joe Marina in @gulfcountyfl Florida. _ We took a 2-hour private cruise around Saint Joseph Bay and topped it off admiring these spectacular colours in the sky. _ This scene of boats reminded me of Mark Twain's famous quote which is the anthem of our travel blog travelwithbender.com. _ #GCFLnofilter #sunsetlovers

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How To Learn Photography In 33 Easy Step-By-Step Lessons

So whether you just want to dip your toe into photography, take your hobby the to the next level or pursue a career as a professional travel photographer, everything you need is now only one click away.
Read more at our travel blog.

Crayola Experience Orlando: When You Need To Escape Floridas Theme Parks

You came to Orlando, Florida for Disney. You did LEGOLAND, Universal Studios and now you need a little down time. Crayola Experience is just what you’re looking for.
Read more at our travel blog.

Cake by the ocean... _ Sunny Beach in Bulgaria in Summer 2014. Situated on the Black Sea coast this holiday hotspot attracts over 1 million tourists pear year. _ We found it quite a challenge to find good food. Out of the 30 restaurants we tried over 6 weeks we only recommended 3. Search Google for "restaurants in Sunny Beach" to find our article from travelwithbender.com. Even if you're not going to Sunny Beach it's still an entertaining story... At least afterwards. _ #tbt #throwbackthursday

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"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat tears or the sea." - Isak Dinesen _ Sipping cocktails with an ocean view at @samaberesort in Nusa Dua Bali. _ Bright blue sky blue sea and blue pool. All very serene. _ One of my favourite hotels in the world. If you want to feel like a VIP in Bali this is the place to do it. _ #bali #samabe

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"The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs." - Vance Havner _ Stepping stones to the door of our villa in Ubud Bali. _ We spent a total of 4 months in Bali in 2015. It's our home away from home. If you're thinking about a trip there we have plenty of articles about beautiful Bali on travelwithbender.com. _ Would you like to see what happens behind-the-scenes in our daily travels? Follow us on Snapchat: travelwitbender _ A special thanks to @tepwireless for taking care of our wireless Internet wherever we go.

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"When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high no trouble too difficult to overcome." - Wilma Rudolph _ Climbing up Double Arch within Arches National Park Utah. _ It's almost as spectacular as a double rainbow! (just without the pot of gold) _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 _ #utah #findyourpark

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"Happy are those who dreamdreamsand are ready to pay the price to make them come true." - Leon J. Suenes _ Watching the burnt orange sunset last night from @hiltonsandestin in South Walton Florida. _ Gorgeous! _ #TMSSouthWalton #florida

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What Kind Of European Bus Tour Are You?

There are so many ways to get around Europe. We’ve driven through Italy, France and Spain. We’ve traversed the continent by train. What we haven’t done is a bus tour. Find out how to match the right bus tour to match your personality and interests with this fun guide.
Read more at our travel blog.

52 Amazing Pictures That Will Convince You To Visit Istanbul

Istanbul is precipitously perched between east and west. At the convergence of cultures, continents and empires. Turkey been the home to over a dozen empires over the last 4000 years, including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Every dynasty has left its lasting mark creating a melting pot of religions, food, and architecture. That’s what makes Istanbul so beautiful.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift." - Albert Einstein _ Looking through the round window... _ North Window arch in Arches National Park, Utah. #motherofallroadtrips #😍 _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 Focal length: 78mm Aperture: 6.3 Exposure: 1/800sec ISO: 125 _ I've been testing out the new @lumixusa DMC-ZS100 for the last few weeks and the quality has been impressive considering its a compact camera. While it's not going to replace my DSLR, it sure packs a punch for its size and it a fraction of the weight. A neat travel camera for beginners and photography enthusiasts.

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"You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself." - Diana Ross _ Golden sunny afternoon over New York City from the top of the Rockefeller Center. 🔆 _ One World Trade is on the far left and if you squint carefully you can just see the Statue of Liberty. I'd have to say that this is one of the best big city views in the world. _ Shot in early January 2016. _ Check out http://ift.tt/1SKod5d to see an article we wrote about how we'd recommend spending a family weekend getaway in the Big Apple. Hint: catching a glimpse of this view is on there. _ @travelocity @RoamingGnome #newyorkcity

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Walking Istanbul's streets in the neighbourhood of Fener. _ From my trip to Turkey in February this year. Keep an eye on travelwithbender.com for a new post this weekend fearing 52 of my favourite photos from Istanbul. _ #doorporn #oneistanbul

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"Stuff your eyes with wonder, he said, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories." - Ray Bradbury _ Driving through Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. Loving life on the edge. _ Would you drive that road? _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 🔅

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Unveiling The New LEGO Movie At LEGOLAND Florida

Not only did we attend the recent launch of "The LEGO® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” at LEGOLAND Florida, but spent 2 days discovering how awesome everything really is. Find out our top tips to make the most of your visit to one of Florida’s best theme parks.
Read more at our travel blog.

5 Reasons Why I’m Going To Gulf County, Florida

Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve seen the sea? Too long. Growing up and by the ocean most of my life, makes that 2 months too many. I miss its salty siren call. My hands are already shaking from withdrawals. So that is why I knew I had to get back to Florida. But not just any part of Florida. The warm waters and sandy beaches of Gulf County. Why?...
Read more at our travel blog.

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton _ Sunset over Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, Utah. _ Standing 128 feet (39 m), the big rock on top is the size of three school buses. Beautiful! _ I stood here last week, watching the sun sink into the horizon, lighting up the sky every imaginable colour. Feels like too long ago. You know what I mean? _ #utah #findyourpark

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"I trust that when people meet, we meet for a transcendent reason, and that the challenges we face in life are always lessons that serve our soul's growth." - Marianne Williamson _ Built in 1887, the historic Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado has a fascinating story. _ Built by Henry Strater (a pharmacist from Cleveland), his brothers and father, the construction required 376,000 native red bricks. Suites featured cutting edge features for its time (like wood-burning stoves, washstands, and even pianos). Henry leased the property to H.L. Rice who managed it successfully while Henry setup a pharmacy in the corner of the hotel. Inexperienced Strater neglected to exclude his pharmacy from the lease to Rice, who then extracted an extremely large rent from Strater. Furious at this, Strater built another hotel down the road intent on putting Rice out of business. _ In 1895 the Silver Panic ended up putting both men out of business. _ Today the Strater Hotel has become the most beautiful historic hotel in Colorado featuring the world's largest collection of American Victorian-era walnut furniture. Each suite is individually decorated and transports you back to a by-gone era. We loved staying here for 3 nights while we explored Durango and the surrounding region. _ If you love history, I highly recommend staying here. _ @visitdurango @straterhotel

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5 Things To Do In Atlanta With Kids

The city of Coca Cola. And CNN. Which came first? Which is better to visit? And which is better for your health? These pressing questions will be answered and more in tonight’s episode of Travel With Bender.
Read more at our travel blog.

The world's most famous rock arch... Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. Stunning! _ Did you know: when the region was being surveyed and mapped the original explorer named this "Landscape Arch" and a different, thinner arch was named "Delicate Arch". Somewhere along the lines there was a mix up with the names and now "delicate" has stuck. _ We planned to see this arch via a short 91m walkway (from a far distance) but we accidentally parked in the wrong spot and got started on the 4.8km hiking route marked as "difficult" without realising (over 130m elevation!). About 500m into the hike I realised I should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque but I didn't want to turn back so I ended up right under the majestic arch 1 hour later. It took at least 10 mins to catch my breath though. But the photos made the whole trip worthwhile 😄 _ This well-known arch is an icon for Utah and even prominently features on the state's license plate. So as you drive around Utah you can't miss it! _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 #utah

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"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." - Frank A. Clark _ Driving through Arches National Park at sunset a few days ago. Could this be one of the most gorgeous landscapes in the USA? I've got more photos from Arches... Do you want to see them? _ Just over 1 month is left on our epic 1-year #motherofallroadtrips around the US & Canada. But we're saving the best for last with the Grand Circle coming up (which covers Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada). Fortunately we'll be connected to the rest of the world the whole time thanks to @tepwireless.

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"Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring." - William Alexander _ Montezuma Valley Outlook in Mesa Verde national park in southwest Colorado. We were here last week while staying in Durango. _ The appropriately named rock formation The Knife Edge in the background contrasts perfectly against the burnt out tree in the foreground. _ What this photo doesn't show is the gale-force winds on the mountain side sweeping up from the valley below. I could barely stand up straight, let alone hold the camera still. The shot turned out just fine fortunately... After a couple tries. 😊 _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100. @visitdurango

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"The glitter in the sky looks as if I could scoop it all up in my hands and let the stars swirl and touch one another, but they are so distant, so very far apart, that they cannot feel the warmth of each other, even though they are made of burning." — Beth Revis, Across the Universe _ Over 1.4 million people visit Arches National Park, Utah each year... And I can see why. We spent today driving around and hiking the trails. Its pure natural beauty. After my kids went to sleep I returned by myself after dark and captured more otherworldly scenes, this time without the crowds. _ Bright stars twinkled between the clouds. But in this particular spot near Skyline Arch the night was much darker than this long exposure suggests. So dark and so quiet and so isolated, I felt like the last person on earth. It was both unnerving and liberating at the same time. I could barely see my hand in front of my face. But I knew exactly where I was... My car on the other hand was a different story. There's nothing quite like being alone in the wilderness with time to reflect and meditate. I love the serenity. #utah #findyourpark

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"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. ... There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." - Rachel Carson, Silent Spring _ The famous Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah. _ I captured this shot yesterday as we explored the National Park. I've seen dozens of photos of this well-known sandstone arch but for some reason it looked different in real life. What most shots don't capture is the sudden vertical drop into a deep canyon. It's actually suspended over a vertigo-inducing precipice, so that little bit of rock at the bottom of the shot is as close as you can get to the arch (without climbing on top which is not allowed, or smart for that matter). Getting up close is not for the faint hearted. Fortunately that's never stopped me 😉 How about you? _ #utah Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100

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"This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls." - John Muir _ Today we explored Canyonlands National Park near Moab, #Utah. This was one of my favourite views from Green River Overlook. _ Just stunning! _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 #findyourpark @lumixusa

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#fromwhereistand at Four Corners Monument in the USA... This is the only place in the United States where 4 states converge on one point - Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona & Utah. 🇺🇸 _ There's some speculation about the exact location of this point as it was originally mapped in the 1800s, decades before some of these states even existed. But I'll go with this shiny marker for now. _ All 4 members of my family stood in different states at the same time. Can you guess which shoes are mine? 😉👟 _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 📸 _ @lumixusa @visitdurango

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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle _ Cave dwelling in Mesa Verde national park in southwest Colorado, USA. _ For over 700 years, from AD 600 to 1300, local indigenous inhabitants (known as Ancestral Pueblo people) lived in small villages built into cliff faces. And within 1-2 generations they mysteriously abandoned their homes. _ Shot taken on my Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 Camera 📸

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"There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures." - Bryant H. McGill _ View from a lookout in Mesa Verde national park in southwest Colorado, USA. _ We took a drive through one of the most unique archaeological sites in the United States yesterday - Mesa Verde. But the lookout points high above the surrounding region were just as gorgeous. _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 Focal length: 91mm Aperture: 5.9 ISO: 125 Exposure time: 1/2000 📸 #visitdurango #colorado

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Personal Trainer Food Review: Is Eating Healthy This Easy?

Weight is a deeply personal topic. And not a topic I ever thought I would write about. But I put this simple, sensible eating plan to the test for 1 month and the results were surprising.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right." – Henry Ford _ Walking through the slot canyon at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument near Santa Fe, New Mexico. _ I didn't know if my kids would be able to handle the 3 mile round hike through the desert and up a rocky outcrop, but they never cease to impress me. Little legends! _ This place is gorgeous and if you're near Santa Fe or Albuquerque, then you have to check it out. #santafe #newmexico _ Thanks to the new algorithm from Instagram there's a chance you could miss out on my snaps. 😩 To get notified as soon as my new IG posts are live, just tap my profile @travelwithbender and tap the menu button in the top right and enable notifications. 👍😎 You'll make me 😄🎉 if you do.

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"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein _ Is this a miracle? _ The Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico was built between 1873-1878. The French architect seemed to overlook one important feature - access to the elevated choir loft. After the architect suddenly died a mysterious carpenter arrived in town and offered to build a staircase. Using non-native wood, crude tools and warm water he built a helix-shaped staircase with no nails, no glue and no centre support - defying all engineering logic. As soon as the project was finished he disappeared without asking for payment and was never seen again. _ Many witnesses, upon seeing the staircase, feel it was constructed by St. Joseph himself, as a miraculous occurrence. _ Do you think it's a miracle? ✨ #santafe _ I'm grateful for the miracle of wireless internet access wherever we go on our road trip thanks to @tepwireless 🙏📱

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"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney _ Perspectives. _ Walking through an indoor shopping arcade in Santa Fe, New Mexico. #newmexico

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The blogging life... Trying to decide which private jet to fly in at @galaxyfbo near Houston, Texas. 🛫 _ Nah, just kidding! Just got to look at them a couple weeks ago, and surprisingly it can be cheaper flying private than commercial when you've got a family or travel group of 6 or more people. There's also an awesome cafe in this airport with runway views. #visithouston #texastodo _ Today we're doing a self-guided tour around Albuquerque, New Mexico seeking out famous locations from one of our favourite TV shows - Breaking Bad. 👉👉 Follow us along for the laughs via Snapchat: travelwitbender 👈👈 📸

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Kemah Boardwalk in Houston, Texas. _ I've returned to earth unharmed this afternoon. Shortly after I received a knock on the door regarding my last photo on Instagram. It was 2 men dressed in black who demanded I take down the alien photo as a matter of national security. In replacement I was instructed to put up more of my usual fluff like sunsets, landscapes, luxury hotels, tourism attractions and the occasional #doorporn. _ So you've been returned to your usual programming. Everything is OK, Earth is not in any immediate danger. Here's a fun looking spot we visited in Houston, Texas a couple weeks ago - Kemah Boardwalk. #texastodo #visithouston #thetruthisoutthere

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This might be my last IG post... They're taking me aboard the mothership... Farewell dear Earth! 👽 _ Thanks for following me, I've appreciated your company along this journey. 🌎 if you want to see what happens on board the UFO please turn IG notifications on for @travelwithbender (just tap the menu icon in the top right of my profile so you don't miss upcoming otherworldly shots). _ Camera: Panasonic #LUMIX DMC-ZS100 ISO: 1600 Focal length: 21.5cm Aperture: f/4.5 Shutter: 1/20 sec Cavity probe probability: highly likely

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Is this the coolest mailbox of all time? The force is strong with this little post droid. 📮 _ It was officially my 5-year-old son's favourite part of Roswell, New Mexico as we explored it today. _ Shot on my Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS100 Camera 📸 _ #ZS100 #motherofallroadtrips

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