Back when we shared a post full of fun charts and graphs based on the results of our reader survey, we discovered that many of you are just as fond of infographics as we are. Inspired by that response, I gathered and illustrated a collection of memorable facts and figures from our recent book tour. Think of it as a compact, visual scrapbook that captures a wild and unforgettable stretch of our lives, distilled into a few key moments and stats so we can always look back and smile. Without further ado, here are the places we visited, the unexpected adventures we had, and even the extra pounds we gained along the way. Enjoy!
* Each of the infographics above were created in Photoshop and the fonts we used include Ostrich Sans (free), Fyra (free), and The Only Exception (a purchased donation font).
While numbers and visuals are fun, they can’t fully capture the best part of touring: the people. We met so many kind, funny, and generous readers who took time out of their busy days to say hello. Hearing how a project on the blog inspired a kitchen renovation, a mindset shift, or simply a laugh made all the long travel days worth it. Every handshake, selfie, and conversation added warmth to the whole experience and reminded us why we keep doing this.
Travel on book tour blends routine with serendipity. There were predictable elements—airport security lines, last-minute taxi scrambles, and the ritual of packing and repacking—and then there were delightful surprises: unexpectedly great coffee shops near event venues, scenic drives between cities, and late-night conversations with new friends who share your passions. Even small moments—finding the perfect local bakery, discovering a mural tucked down a side street, or spotting a familiar face in the audience—are the details that stick with you.
We also learned a lot about practical travel habits. Some people meticulously track every state or country they visit, turning travel into a hobby of tallying dots on a map; others keep a looser mental list and rely on photos to remind them where they’ve been. My mom, for example, has a long-term goal of visiting every state capitol in the U.S., and she’s already well on her way. Some travelers prize comfort above all else—choosing direct flights when possible and carrying the same go-to blazer or jacket to multiple events—while others seek out the longest, most adventurous flights just for the experience of crossing time zones and seeing new horizons.
We definitely noticed patterns: late-night packing always yields a forgotten charger, a playlist saved for flights becomes a lifesaver during long drives, and inevitably, one of us will repeat an outfit because it’s tried-and-true for public appearances. For the record, yes—wearing the same reliable blazer to multiple events can be a badge of honor. It’s practical, comfortable, and somehow becomes part of the tour lore.
Beyond the logistics, touring taught us about resilience and gratitude. Long days of travel, multiple events in a single city, and the occasional delayed flight test your patience, but the generosity of the people we met rejuvenated us every time. Whether it was a reader sharing a story of a life change inspired by a blog post, a child excited to see their favorite book in person, or a fellow traveler offering a helpful tip, those encounters were the true highlights.
How do you travel? Do you keep a running count of states or countries, track memorable flights, or have a favorite travel routine? Do you prefer packing light with a trusted outfit repeated across events, or do you rotate multiple looks? We’d love to hear your travel habits and favorite tour memories—those small details are often the ones we remember most fondly.
Psst—We chose this week’s giveaway winners. Check the original giveaway announcement on the site to see if you’re one of them.