I’m Nicole and I live in Arlington, Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC. I am a travel blogger, freelance travel writer, and photographer who supports her travel addiction with a job in the federal government. I also write other stuff, like fiction and poetry. I have a dog named Felix, who sometimes accompanies me on my local adventures. I’ve been to 43 countries and 43 US states—and I want to see them all before I die!

Instagram is my social media platform of choice, and I can be found there @n_e_griffin.

Why La Bougie?

There was a time in my life when I was a budget traveler. I stayed in hostels, had a student Eurail pass, and lugged a giant backpack all over Europe. I still hold out hope that I will marry a wealthy man and the vaunted world of luxury travel will open its doors for me. In the meantime, I find myself somewhere in the ill-defined middle of the travel market.

My travel speed is a little bit adventure, a little bit bougie, hence the name of this blog (which also means “the candle” in French.) I’m reclaiming the word “bougie” as a positive to describe my travel style!

I’m not going camping unless some epic adventure demands it…I will consider glamping. I’ll take a helicopter ride to land on top of a glacier, then get back on my cruise ship and drink a martini. I’ll use credit card points to upgrade to a five-star hotel in Monte Carlo, then days later break all my dip-manicured nails trying to kayak on the French Riviera. I’ll hike up a mountain, and then later float in the infinity pool in my AirBnB, getting drunk on Caribbean rum.

I know I’m not the only traveler who loves a good adventure, but also nice pillows at night. If this travel style sounds like you, come join me on my bougie adventures!