Alison Major 1/17/25 Alison Major 1/17/25

Healthy Diet & Staying Hydrated While Living on a Boat

Fuel your Great Loop adventure with healthy meals and stay hydrated on the water! Discover easy meal prep tips, boat-friendly recipes, and hydration hacks to keep you feeling your best. From smart storage ideas to quick snacks and local flavors, learn how to eat well and stay energized while living on a boat.

Alison Major 1/15/25 Alison Major 1/15/25

PODCAST: Navigating the #1 Boating Adventure

Join me on The Boater’s Lounge podcast as I share the story of my family’s unforgettable Great Loop journey! From navigating the Erie Canal to tackling seasickness in the Gulf of Mexico, I dive into the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for tips, inspiration, and the story behind Loop Life Academy—a resource hub for families dreaming of this iconic boating adventure.

Alison Major 1/13/25 Alison Major 1/13/25

Exercises & Routines for Small Spaces

Stay active and healthy while living on a boat with these easy exercises and wellness tips for small spaces. Get ideas for bodyweight workouts, mindfulness routines, and creative ways to stay fit on the Great Loop.

Alison Major 1/8/25 Alison Major 1/8/25

What Should You Bring from Home?

Planning for the Great Loop? Winter is the perfect time to prepare! Discover what to pack for your boating adventure, including weather-appropriate clothing, versatile galley tools, portable batteries, travel bikes, and more. This guide highlights the essentials every family needs to stay comfortable, organized, and ready for the journey of a lifetime. Don’t miss our tips for living aboard and exploring ashore!

Alison Major 1/6/25 Alison Major 1/6/25

Understanding Water Draft & Air Draft for the Great Loop

Navigating the Great Loop requires understanding water draft and air draft to ensure a smooth journey. In this post, we break down what these terms mean, why they matter, and share expert tips on handling low bridges and shallow waterways. Whether you’re cruising through Lake Okeechobee, canals, or areas south of Chicago, knowing your draft will help you avoid obstacles and plan your route with confidence.

Alison Major 1/3/25 Alison Major 1/3/25

Apps for Homeschooling & Staying Connected

Discover the best homeschool apps for families living and learning on the water. From planning lessons with Notion to mastering math and language arts with Khan Academy, these tools make homeschooling on a boat efficient and stress-free. Plus, apps like NoForeignLand and Messenger Kids keep your kids connected to cruising friends and family back home. Learn how we manage education and community while exploring the world!

Alison Major 1/1/25 Alison Major 1/1/25

Everyday Apps That Keep Us Connected, Organized, & Cruising Smoothly

Discover the everyday apps that make life on the water smoother and more connected. From organizing provisions with AnyList to tracking adventures with Blue Boat Log, these tools help us manage cruising life effortlessly. Stay in touch with loved ones through Messenger Kids and WhatsApp, plan meals with Paprika, and connect with fellow Loopers using Nebo. Whether you’re cruising full-time or planning your next voyage, these apps are must-haves for staying organized, prepared, and in touch with your community.

Alison Major 12/30/24 Alison Major 12/30/24

Navigating & Weather Planning on the Great Loop: Our Favorite Tools and Tips

Planning a safe and enjoyable journey on the Great Loop starts with the right tools. In this guide, we share our favorite weather and navigation apps to help you navigate with confidence. Discover the best apps for tracking tides, monitoring anchor drag, and planning routes for open water crossings. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the Loop, these tools will keep you informed and prepared for every leg of your adventure.

Alison Major 12/2/24 Alison Major 12/2/24

Navigating the Great Loop: Tools, Tips, and Tech for Safe Travels

Navigating the Great Loop requires the right tools to keep your journey smooth and safe. We use an iPad with the Navionics Boating App as our primary navigation, paired with AIS for real-time vessel tracking. But we also keep backups like phones, tablets, and paper charts—because redundancy is key! Looking for alternatives? Samsung Galaxy Tabs and Lenovo tablets are budget-friendly options with built-in GPS.

Alison Major 11/25/24 Alison Major 11/25/24

Sunday Dinner on a Boat: Cozy Pot Roast with a Taste of Home

Making a comforting Sunday dinner aboard a boat is easier than you think! With a thermal cooker and a few pantry staples, you can enjoy a cozy pot roast with all the fixings—even in a small galley. Inspired by memories of family dinners back home, this simple recipe combines tender beef, fluffy biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery corn. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of home to life on the water.

Alison Major 11/21/24 Alison Major 11/21/24

Looper’s Gift Guide for 2024

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and questions always arise on what to get for Looper’s that won’t take up too much space and will also be helpful. These are all products that we personally use and love on our boat. I hope these recommendations relieve holiday stress and give you some great ideas!

Alison Major 11/14/24 Alison Major 11/14/24

Planning for Safety: How to Write a Float Plan for Your Next Great Loop Adventure

While cruising the Great Loop, a journey filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences, having a comprehensive float plan can significantly enhance your peace of mind. In this post, we'll delve into all the essential components of a Float Plan, ensuring your loved ones are well-informed and prepared for any potential delays or emergencies.

Alison Major 7/30/24 Alison Major 7/30/24

Prioritizing Personal Wellness

Living on a boat and working remotely offers a unique blend of adventure and flexibility, but it also comes with challenges. From maintaining a stable internet connection to adapting to confined living spaces, boat life requires careful planning and a proactive approach. One critical aspect that often gets overlooked in this exciting lifestyle is personal wellness.

Alison Major 7/17/24 Alison Major 7/17/24

Finding the Perfect Looping Boat for Your Family

When selecting the perfect boat for your family, it’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” solution. Each boat is unique, just like each family. The key is to find a boat that best suits your family’s needs and cruising plans. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process, complete with recommended boats and helpful resources.

Alison Major 6/3/24 Alison Major 6/3/24

Passage Day Prep

Traveling along America's Great Loop involves a lot of movement. Progress along the route must be made regularly to stick with the seasons (and warm weather). As you embark on your adventure, you'll figure out what each passage day looks like. We've compiled some of the things we've found most useful for a successful passage day for us as a family.