J.S. Whaldo
@jswhaldo.bsky.social
✍️ Writer at JSWhaldo.com | 🌍 Travel & life reflections | 📬 Mortgage clarity on Substack | 🎙️ Co-Host of Give Me Credit
https://www.jswhaldo.com
https://www.jswhaldo.substack.com
https://jswhaldo.substack.com/podcast
https://www.jswhaldo.com
https://www.jswhaldo.substack.com
https://jswhaldo.substack.com/podcast
We planned our Italian train journey down to the last detail. Then my husband suggested a more adventurous route.
That adventure left us stranded in a tiny town on a Sunday night with no Uber and no taxi.
How we got to Tirano is a story worth retelling.
Read it on J.S. Whaldo: buff.ly/OA7Y0R1
That adventure left us stranded in a tiny town on a Sunday night with no Uber and no taxi.
How we got to Tirano is a story worth retelling.
Read it on J.S. Whaldo: buff.ly/OA7Y0R1
September 16, 2026 at 4:02 PM
We planned our Italian train journey down to the last detail. Then my husband suggested a more adventurous route.
That adventure left us stranded in a tiny town on a Sunday night with no Uber and no taxi.
How we got to Tirano is a story worth retelling.
Read it on J.S. Whaldo: buff.ly/OA7Y0R1
That adventure left us stranded in a tiny town on a Sunday night with no Uber and no taxi.
How we got to Tirano is a story worth retelling.
Read it on J.S. Whaldo: buff.ly/OA7Y0R1
Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸
Here’s to the work that comes with a paycheck, the work that doesn't, and everything in between.
Careers, families, businesses, second acts, starting over, showing up and keeping life moving.
It all counts.
Take the day. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it.
Here’s to the work that comes with a paycheck, the work that doesn't, and everything in between.
Careers, families, businesses, second acts, starting over, showing up and keeping life moving.
It all counts.
Take the day. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it.
September 7, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸
Here’s to the work that comes with a paycheck, the work that doesn't, and everything in between.
Careers, families, businesses, second acts, starting over, showing up and keeping life moving.
It all counts.
Take the day. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it.
Here’s to the work that comes with a paycheck, the work that doesn't, and everything in between.
Careers, families, businesses, second acts, starting over, showing up and keeping life moving.
It all counts.
Take the day. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it.
What do you actually do on a Holland America cruise?
More than you might think. World Stage shows, live music, dancing, trivia, movies, casinos, poolside fun, or simply watching the ocean.
I’ll take you inside the onboard entertainment. Read the story: buff.ly/caU6uWT
#HollandAmericaLine
More than you might think. World Stage shows, live music, dancing, trivia, movies, casinos, poolside fun, or simply watching the ocean.
I’ll take you inside the onboard entertainment. Read the story: buff.ly/caU6uWT
#HollandAmericaLine
August 25, 2026 at 1:00 AM
What do you actually do on a Holland America cruise?
More than you might think. World Stage shows, live music, dancing, trivia, movies, casinos, poolside fun, or simply watching the ocean.
I’ll take you inside the onboard entertainment. Read the story: buff.ly/caU6uWT
#HollandAmericaLine
More than you might think. World Stage shows, live music, dancing, trivia, movies, casinos, poolside fun, or simply watching the ocean.
I’ll take you inside the onboard entertainment. Read the story: buff.ly/caU6uWT
#HollandAmericaLine
We went to The Rady Shell for a night of John Williams music. During the music from E.T., a SpaceX rocket took off across the San Diego sky. 🚀
You really can't plan a moment like that. See the video and the story behind our unexpected San Diego summer memory at buff.ly/I9TNKVC.
You really can't plan a moment like that. See the video and the story behind our unexpected San Diego summer memory at buff.ly/I9TNKVC.
August 11, 2026 at 1:00 AM
We went to The Rady Shell for a night of John Williams music. During the music from E.T., a SpaceX rocket took off across the San Diego sky. 🚀
You really can't plan a moment like that. See the video and the story behind our unexpected San Diego summer memory at buff.ly/I9TNKVC.
You really can't plan a moment like that. See the video and the story behind our unexpected San Diego summer memory at buff.ly/I9TNKVC.
Wondering what it's really like onboard a Holland America cruise?
I walk through embarkation day, the safety drill, dining, entertainment, the Navigator app, and the little moments that make cruising unforgettable.
Come aboard with me!
buff.ly/uT6ceIS
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica #Travel
I walk through embarkation day, the safety drill, dining, entertainment, the Navigator app, and the little moments that make cruising unforgettable.
Come aboard with me!
buff.ly/uT6ceIS
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica #Travel
July 28, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Wondering what it's really like onboard a Holland America cruise?
I walk through embarkation day, the safety drill, dining, entertainment, the Navigator app, and the little moments that make cruising unforgettable.
Come aboard with me!
buff.ly/uT6ceIS
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica #Travel
I walk through embarkation day, the safety drill, dining, entertainment, the Navigator app, and the little moments that make cruising unforgettable.
Come aboard with me!
buff.ly/uT6ceIS
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica #Travel
Not every road trip begins with excitement.
Sometimes it begins with a doctor's appointment.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing a familiar highway and started seeing something entirely different.
This is one of the most personal travel stories I've written.
buff.ly/7K7QWX2
#Travel
Sometimes it begins with a doctor's appointment.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing a familiar highway and started seeing something entirely different.
This is one of the most personal travel stories I've written.
buff.ly/7K7QWX2
#Travel
The Road Between Here and There — J.S. Whaldo
A personal travel story about medical travel, road trips, caregiving, marriage, and finding beauty, humor, and hope on the drive between San Diego and Scottsdale.
www.jswhaldo.com
July 14, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Not every road trip begins with excitement.
Sometimes it begins with a doctor's appointment.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing a familiar highway and started seeing something entirely different.
This is one of the most personal travel stories I've written.
buff.ly/7K7QWX2
#Travel
Sometimes it begins with a doctor's appointment.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing a familiar highway and started seeing something entirely different.
This is one of the most personal travel stories I've written.
buff.ly/7K7QWX2
#Travel
Happy Independence Day from all of us at J.S. Whaldo!
Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom, resilience, and the spirit that has shaped our nation. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and great memories.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom, resilience, and the spirit that has shaped our nation. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and great memories.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
July 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM
Happy Independence Day from all of us at J.S. Whaldo!
Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom, resilience, and the spirit that has shaped our nation. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and great memories.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom, resilience, and the spirit that has shaped our nation. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and great memories.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Reposted by J.S. Whaldo
“He can’t even win a war against algae” 🤣
June 23, 2026 at 3:57 PM
“He can’t even win a war against algae” 🤣
The "best" cabin isn't always the most expensive one.
Noise, motion, and location matter more than you think.
Read now and follow along by joining my monthly email for more travel tips and stories.
buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #CruiseTravel
Noise, motion, and location matter more than you think.
Read now and follow along by joining my monthly email for more travel tips and stories.
buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #CruiseTravel
June 20, 2026 at 5:04 PM
The "best" cabin isn't always the most expensive one.
Noise, motion, and location matter more than you think.
Read now and follow along by joining my monthly email for more travel tips and stories.
buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #CruiseTravel
Noise, motion, and location matter more than you think.
Read now and follow along by joining my monthly email for more travel tips and stories.
buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #CruiseTravel
Think cabin location doesn't matter? Wait until you're next to the elevators. 🚢
Article 5 of my Holland America series is live.
Read the full story and join my monthly newsletter. buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica
Article 5 of my Holland America series is live.
Read the full story and join my monthly newsletter. buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica
June 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Think cabin location doesn't matter? Wait until you're next to the elevators. 🚢
Article 5 of my Holland America series is live.
Read the full story and join my monthly newsletter. buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica
Article 5 of my Holland America series is live.
Read the full story and join my monthly newsletter. buff.ly/806UsDI
#CruiseTips #HollandAmerica
Discover why the San Diego Zoo Safari Park became one of our favorite San Diego staycation experiences. Wildlife encounters, conservation success stories, safari tours, and unforgettable moments await.
Staycation in San Diego: Finding Wonder at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park — J.S. Whaldo
Explore the San Diego Zoo Safari Park through Elephant Valley, California condors, platypus encounters, safari tours, and conservation stories.
www.jswhaldo.com
June 11, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Discover why the San Diego Zoo Safari Park became one of our favorite San Diego staycation experiences. Wildlife encounters, conservation success stories, safari tours, and unforgettable moments await.
My latest story from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is now live, featuring elephants, wildlife conservation, and a few unexpected moments.
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for new stories and updates.
#Staycation #SanDiego #Nature
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for new stories and updates.
#Staycation #SanDiego #Nature
June 4, 2026 at 6:02 PM
My latest story from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is now live, featuring elephants, wildlife conservation, and a few unexpected moments.
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for new stories and updates.
#Staycation #SanDiego #Nature
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter for new stories and updates.
#Staycation #SanDiego #Nature
I came for the elephants.
I left thinking about California Condors, conservation, and one very lucky platypus sighting.
My latest San Diego staycation story is now live.
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
#SanDiego #SafariPark #Travel
I left thinking about California Condors, conservation, and one very lucky platypus sighting.
My latest San Diego staycation story is now live.
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
#SanDiego #SafariPark #Travel
June 2, 2026 at 1:01 AM
I came for the elephants.
I left thinking about California Condors, conservation, and one very lucky platypus sighting.
My latest San Diego staycation story is now live.
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
#SanDiego #SafariPark #Travel
I left thinking about California Condors, conservation, and one very lucky platypus sighting.
My latest San Diego staycation story is now live.
buff.ly/zrxtQTZ
#SanDiego #SafariPark #Travel
The world feels a little smaller once you’ve watched enough sunsets from different corners of it.
Cruising, coastal living, travel photography, food, and stories from the road. Thanks for being part of this journey with us.
buff.ly/HfuJz2m
Cruising, coastal living, travel photography, food, and stories from the road. Thanks for being part of this journey with us.
buff.ly/HfuJz2m
May 27, 2026 at 6:03 PM
The world feels a little smaller once you’ve watched enough sunsets from different corners of it.
Cruising, coastal living, travel photography, food, and stories from the road. Thanks for being part of this journey with us.
buff.ly/HfuJz2m
Cruising, coastal living, travel photography, food, and stories from the road. Thanks for being part of this journey with us.
buff.ly/HfuJz2m
Verandah or Inside Cabin
Suite or Ocean View
Worth the upgrade or not really
I’m answering all of it in the newest article in my Holland America cruise series.
If you’re planning a cruise and wondering which cabin is right for you, this guide will help.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
Suite or Ocean View
Worth the upgrade or not really
I’m answering all of it in the newest article in my Holland America cruise series.
If you’re planning a cruise and wondering which cabin is right for you, this guide will help.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
May 22, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Verandah or Inside Cabin
Suite or Ocean View
Worth the upgrade or not really
I’m answering all of it in the newest article in my Holland America cruise series.
If you’re planning a cruise and wondering which cabin is right for you, this guide will help.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
Suite or Ocean View
Worth the upgrade or not really
I’m answering all of it in the newest article in my Holland America cruise series.
If you’re planning a cruise and wondering which cabin is right for you, this guide will help.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
Tomorrow Only ✈️
Agoda Turns 21 With Travel Deals Up to 70% Off.
One day! Massive savings!
I don't normally advertise, but I saw this and thought that someone might need to know about this one-day sale.
Start planning your next escape. agoda.tpx.li/DwDdxZFE
(This is an affiliate link.)
Agoda Turns 21 With Travel Deals Up to 70% Off.
One day! Massive savings!
I don't normally advertise, but I saw this and thought that someone might need to know about this one-day sale.
Start planning your next escape. agoda.tpx.li/DwDdxZFE
(This is an affiliate link.)
May 19, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Tomorrow Only ✈️
Agoda Turns 21 With Travel Deals Up to 70% Off.
One day! Massive savings!
I don't normally advertise, but I saw this and thought that someone might need to know about this one-day sale.
Start planning your next escape. agoda.tpx.li/DwDdxZFE
(This is an affiliate link.)
Agoda Turns 21 With Travel Deals Up to 70% Off.
One day! Massive savings!
I don't normally advertise, but I saw this and thought that someone might need to know about this one-day sale.
Start planning your next escape. agoda.tpx.li/DwDdxZFE
(This is an affiliate link.)
Choosing the right cabin on a cruise can completely change your experience onboard.
Inside cabins, balconies, suites, specialty rooms, and the little details most people don’t think about before booking.
The newest article in my Holland America cruise series is live.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
Inside cabins, balconies, suites, specialty rooms, and the little details most people don’t think about before booking.
The newest article in my Holland America cruise series is live.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
May 18, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Choosing the right cabin on a cruise can completely change your experience onboard.
Inside cabins, balconies, suites, specialty rooms, and the little details most people don’t think about before booking.
The newest article in my Holland America cruise series is live.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
Inside cabins, balconies, suites, specialty rooms, and the little details most people don’t think about before booking.
The newest article in my Holland America cruise series is live.
buff.ly/uPDt9XE
Coronado Island in Loreto, Mexico, is pure Sea of Cortez magic. Dolphins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, snorkeling, white sand beaches, and unforgettable wildlife moments. See why this UNESCO World Heritage Site belongs on your Mexico travel bucket list.
Watch full video here: buff.ly/7qiLYJL
Watch full video here: buff.ly/7qiLYJL
May 16, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Coronado Island in Loreto, Mexico, is pure Sea of Cortez magic. Dolphins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, snorkeling, white sand beaches, and unforgettable wildlife moments. See why this UNESCO World Heritage Site belongs on your Mexico travel bucket list.
Watch full video here: buff.ly/7qiLYJL
Watch full video here: buff.ly/7qiLYJL
Dolphins greeted us on the way to Coronado Island near Loreto, Mexico. Then came blue-footed boobies, loud sea lions, snorkeling in impossibly blue Sea of Cortez water, and me getting distracted by bugs and a tiny jumping spider. 😂
This may be one of my favorite travel videos yet.
buff.ly/7qiLYJL
This may be one of my favorite travel videos yet.
buff.ly/7qiLYJL
May 13, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Dolphins greeted us on the way to Coronado Island near Loreto, Mexico. Then came blue-footed boobies, loud sea lions, snorkeling in impossibly blue Sea of Cortez water, and me getting distracted by bugs and a tiny jumping spider. 😂
This may be one of my favorite travel videos yet.
buff.ly/7qiLYJL
This may be one of my favorite travel videos yet.
buff.ly/7qiLYJL
Cruising is one of the easiest ways to see the world, but those extra costs can sneak up fast. I put together my best tips for saving money on shore excursions, drink packages, and onboard spending without missing the fun.
Read it here: www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
#CruiseTips
Read it here: www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
#CruiseTips
Budget-Friendly Cruising: Secrets to Saving Without Sacrificing Fun — J.S. Whaldo
Ways to save money on excursions and other budget-breaking costs during a cruise without sacrificing the fun and adventure.
www.jswhaldo.com
May 4, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Cruising is one of the easiest ways to see the world, but those extra costs can sneak up fast. I put together my best tips for saving money on shore excursions, drink packages, and onboard spending without missing the fun.
Read it here: www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
#CruiseTips
Read it here: www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
#CruiseTips
I thought swimming with whale sharks in La Paz would be the highlight of the trip.
I didn’t expect to spend the night before wide awake, questioning the decision.
Full story here:
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/swi...
#Travel #Mexico #WhaleShark #AdventureTravel #SeaOfCortez
I didn’t expect to spend the night before wide awake, questioning the decision.
Full story here:
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/swi...
#Travel #Mexico #WhaleShark #AdventureTravel #SeaOfCortez
April 28, 2026 at 2:37 AM
I thought swimming with whale sharks in La Paz would be the highlight of the trip.
I didn’t expect to spend the night before wide awake, questioning the decision.
Full story here:
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/swi...
#Travel #Mexico #WhaleShark #AdventureTravel #SeaOfCortez
I didn’t expect to spend the night before wide awake, questioning the decision.
Full story here:
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/swi...
#Travel #Mexico #WhaleShark #AdventureTravel #SeaOfCortez
On Holland America Line, ship size changes everything from crowds to destinations.
And sometimes you don’t even get to choose. The itinerary does.
This is the next article in my Holland America series.
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/hol...
#HollandAmerica #CruiseTips #TravelPlanning
And sometimes you don’t even get to choose. The itinerary does.
This is the next article in my Holland America series.
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/hol...
#HollandAmerica #CruiseTips #TravelPlanning
Holland America Ships Explained and How to Choose the Right One — J.S. Whaldo
Learn the differences between Holland America ships including size and class and how to choose the right one based on your cruise destination.
www.jswhaldo.com
April 20, 2026 at 10:45 PM
On Holland America Line, ship size changes everything from crowds to destinations.
And sometimes you don’t even get to choose. The itinerary does.
This is the next article in my Holland America series.
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/hol...
#HollandAmerica #CruiseTips #TravelPlanning
And sometimes you don’t even get to choose. The itinerary does.
This is the next article in my Holland America series.
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/hol...
#HollandAmerica #CruiseTips #TravelPlanning
You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy cruising. You need flexibility, curiosity, and a few insider tips. This guide covers affordable cruise planning, repositioning cruises, standby sailing, and other ways seasoned travelers save big at sea.
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
Budget-Friendly Cruising: Insider Tips for Affordable Adventures — J.S. Whaldo
Tips for scoring the best deals, maximizing rewards programs, and turning your dream vacation into an affordable adventure.
www.jswhaldo.com
April 13, 2026 at 7:48 PM
You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy cruising. You need flexibility, curiosity, and a few insider tips. This guide covers affordable cruise planning, repositioning cruises, standby sailing, and other ways seasoned travelers save big at sea.
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
www.jswhaldo.com/blog-2-1/bud...
Think you need a credit score to buy a home? Not true. Lenders can approve mortgages using alternative credit like rent, utilities, and insurance. Find out how to qualify even with no score. Article by J.S. Whaldo
open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...
open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...
You Don’t Need a Credit Score to Buy a Home, But There’s a Catch
Show Lenders You’re Responsible and Buy a Home Without a Score
open.substack.com
April 7, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Think you need a credit score to buy a home? Not true. Lenders can approve mortgages using alternative credit like rent, utilities, and insurance. Find out how to qualify even with no score. Article by J.S. Whaldo
open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...
open.substack.com/pub/jswhaldo...