Welcome to the Carried Away Travels Community! I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m Carrie Cochran, the traveler, writer, photographer, and creator behind Carried Away Travels. Whether you’re planning your next vacation, searching for a hidden gem close to home, or simply daydreaming about where to go next, I hope this community helps you travel with more confidence—and a little more curiosity.
What I Write About on Carried Away Travels
I believe incredible adventures are out there for anyone–not just extreme hikers, adrenaline junkies, or people with unlimited PTO.
That’s why I focus on sharing approachable adventures that make exploring feel exciting without being overwhelming. From scenic trails and charming small towns to nature-centric hotels, road trips, and international destinations, my goal is to show you experiences that real travelers can actually enjoy. (Think snorkeling, kayaking, ziplines, ATV tours, and anything else you can do without special training.)
I’m also a big believer in honest travel. If something is worth your time and money, I’ll tell you. If it isn’t, I’ll tell you that too.
What You’ll Find Here
Inside Carried Away Travels, you’ll discover:
- Detailed destination guides and itineraries
- Honest hotel and attraction reviews
- Packing tips and travel resources
- Budget-friendly ideas to help you stretch your travel dollars
- Hidden gems you won’t always find in the guidebooks
- Outdoor adventures that are fun, beautiful, and approachable
- Local inspiration from Hampton Roads and throughout Virginia
- Stories from my travels around the world
Whether you’re exploring Virginia for the weekend or planning an international adventure, I want you to leave feeling prepared and excited for your trip.
More Than Just Travel Inspiration
I don’t just want to show beautiful places—I want to answer the questions travelers actually have.
How much did it cost?
Was it worth it?
Who is this experience best for?
What should you know before you go?
These are the kinds of details I always look for, and I know I’m not the only one. So especially if I couldn’t find the answer before a trip, I’ll be sure to answer it for you when I get back.
A Little About Me
Writing has always been part of who I am. I’ve known it’s what I wanted to do since I was 6 years old writing stories at my parent’s dining room table. So it just made sense to go to college and get my degree in English with a Professional Writing concentration.
But as I got older, I realized that I also loved to travel. And I quickly developed an addiction to chasing views, experiencing new cultures, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. So of course I had to write about it! Carried Away Travels gives me the opportunity to combine that passion for writing with my love of discovering new places.
Beyond the blog, I’ve spent over 7 years working as a freelance copywriter, helping travel and tourism businesses around the world connect with their ideal audiences through high-quality copy and authentic brand voicing.
When I’m not working or traveling, you’ll usually find me researching new destinations, finding hidden gems in Hampton Roads, cuddling up with my adventurous corgi, Atlas, or deep-diving into my latest fantasty novel.
Join the Community
My greatest hope is that whenever you visit Carried Away Travels, you’ll have fun. I want my posts to inspire your wanderlust, solve a travel problem you’ve been having, and give you great ideas for your next vacation.
But I can’t do that if you’re not here! So, I’d like to invite you to connect with me on social media and my mailing list.
No spam. No inbox overload. Just helpful travel content designed to make planning your next adventure a little easier.
I’m excited you’re here, and I can’t wait to help you discover your next adventure.
Happy travels!
