Real Travel. Real Life. Gentle Island Adventures.
Pastures to Palm Trees is about slow, intentional travel and the moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. Here, I share thoughtful travel stories, meaningful experiences, and practical inspiration to help you plan trips that feel connected, balanced, and genuinely joyful—whether you’re dreaming or already packing.
Looking for inspiration for your next trip? Start with the stories below. You’ll find travel reflections, practical tips, favorite gear, unforgettable tours, and hotel recommendations—all shared with the hope of helping you travel more intentionally and bring a little more perspective and positivity into everyday life.
Why We Take an Excursion on Every Trip: Choosing Experiences That Bring Perspective and Joy
We don’t take excursions just to fill our itinerary—we choose them to deepen our connection to a place. From snorkeling and jungle hikes to cultural and historical experiences, these moments bring perspective, joy, and a reminder of why intentional travel can shift how we see the world.
Finding Quiet in St. Thomas & St. John: Slow Travel, History, and Meaningful Caribbean Experiences
From snowy farm chores in Maine to quiet beaches and forgotten ruins in the Caribbean, this is a reflection on slow travel, imperfect adventures, and finding meaning in the space between home and away.
Caribbean Packing List: Travel Essentials We Learned the Hard Way
Caribbean travel isn’t just beach chairs and fruity drinks — it’s missed connections, curveballs, and learning to roll with it all. Here’s what real travel has taught our family, plus the 12 Caribbean essentials that make the unexpected easier.
Against the Grain: 3 Caribbean Travel Habits That Make Family Vacations Easier
Discover three simple, stress-free Caribbean travel habits our family swears by — from choosing resorts over Airbnbs to skipping rental cars and checking a bag. Real advice for real families who want an easy, joyful island vacation.
Why November Is the Best Time for a Caribbean Trip: Teacher-Friendly, Budget-Friendly Travel Guide
November is an underrated, budget-friendly time to visit the Caribbean — especially for teachers and quiet travelers craving sunshine. Here’s why we’ve traded turkey dinners for warm beaches and unforgettable Thanksgiving adventures.
3 Quiet Tropical Destinations for Peaceful Getaways
An introvert’s guide to quiet tropical travel—peaceful beaches, soft adventures, nature escapes, and real experiences in Barbados, Costa Rica, and Grenada.
Budget-Friendly Caribbean Travel for Teachers
Think Caribbean travel is out of reach? Learn how this teacher makes island vacations affordable with flexibility, creativity, and a travel mindset
First Snow, Warm Memories
On the first snowy morning in Maine, I find myself looking back on the Caribbean places that shaped my healing, my family, and my love for quiet, meaningful travel. As I decide whether to take the leap into blogging, I’m wondering if there are people out there who might connect with my story. This first post is my step toward being vulnerable, taking a risk, and sharing the experiences I’ve held close for so long.
Jen Farnsworth is a Maine teacher, alpaca farmer, Pilates instructor and Caribbean explorer!