Boulevards & Byways Award-winning travel blog introduces readers to transformative travel experiences and off the beaten path adventures.
Who we are
Sandy Ruyack, owner and writer of Boulevards and Byways, inspires others to take the road less traveled, to journey off the beaten path, and to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, as she introduces readers to off the beaten path destinations and provides travel tips, guides, and vacation inspiration.
Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones.
How it started
My interest in travel started with family car rides with my dad. We’d visit historic landmarks, zoos, state fairs, and our cousin’s farm in upstate New York.
We never traveled further than a day’s ride away, and oftentimes my dad didn’t take the main highways. He’d love to journey on side roads and byways, taking road less traveled.
Never the less, it was always a new and exciting adventure. Me in the back seat following along with a paper map. My face pressed against the window, never wanting to miss something interesting along the way. A quick stop at local roadside eateries always resulted in the tastiest food.
Where I’ve Been
As I became older, my trips took me further away: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Paris, Toulouse, Madrid, Barcelona, Cork, Kerry, and throughout Italy.
They consisted of whirlwind itineraries, lengthy timetables, but there was always a side trip to somewhere “off the beaten path.”
I’d immerse myself in learning about and visiting almost every major attraction in each city I visited. Taking away a deep appreciation and respect for the unique cultures. Connecting with the history and food that uniquely defined the people of each area. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time.
My recent adventures
Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to several Caribbean islands as well as Central America.
Costa Rica, Bermuda, Bahamas, Roatan, Belize, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. John, the British West Indies, Antigua, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, and my favorite place, Puerto Rico.
Over time, I replaced my hefty itineraries with off the beaten path locations and close-knit local experiences.
Where I am now
While it might be 20 degrees in my hometown of New York, it’s 80 degrees somewhere else, and that has become my mantra and my reason to visit warm weather locations.
About the blog
This blog has a focus on my journeys through my favorite Caribbean island, Puerto Rico. It’s a place where both Boulevards (main roads) and Byways (back roads) have steered me over the verdant hills of the central part of the island, through 15th-century forts, between the raindrops of a lush tropical rain forest, and of course below the cerulean ocean and above the sandy shores. I keep going back for more as every road leads to something new.
This blog is for you
Whether by plane, car, bus, train, or boat, if you call yourself a traveler, a wanderer, an adventurer, or a roamer, this blog is for you.
It doesn’t matter whether you go to a country fair or the narrow streets of Venice. The biggest rewards are when you immerse yourself in the culture, taste the local cuisine, and transform yourself from a tourist to a traveler!
Thank you for visiting. Go to the pull-down menu above for my blog posts. Perhaps my stories will inspire you to go “off the beaten path” and embark on your own travel adventure.
Send me a quick note to say “Hi” (click here) and let me know about YOUR next adventure!
Thank you for visiting my blog,
Sandy Ruyack
Boulevards & Byways Award-winning travel blog introduces readers to transformative travel experiences and off the beaten path adventures.
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Taking the road less traveled
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