Nicole Claesen, author portrait
© Ironside Photography

Nicole Claesen

Nicole Claesen has always loved travel and loves traveling with her husband and two sons. They visit as many national parks as possible. After several years of traveling as a family, she wanted to share their adventures, trip itinerary suggestions, and lessons learned through their travels, and that’s when her website and blog, Suitcase and a Map, was born. It lets her write about family travel and share the magic of seeing the world through the eyes of children. Her ultimate goal is to visit all 50 states as a family before her youngest son graduates from high school. She is thrilled to share the states and territories with you!
Fun with National Parks
Fun with 50 States

Books

Fun with National Parks
Fun with 50 States

Books for LGBTQIA+ History Month

For LGBTQIA+ History Month in October, we’re celebrating the shared history of individuals within the community and the importance of the activists who have fought for their rights and the rights of others. We acknowledge the varying and diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community that have shaped history and have led the way for those

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Books for National Depression Education and Awareness Month

For National Depression Education and Awareness Month in October, we are sharing a collection of titles that educates and informs on depression, including personal stories from those who have experienced depression and topics that range from causes and symptoms of depression to how to develop coping mechanisms to battle depression.

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Horror Titles for the Halloween Season

In celebration of the Halloween season, we are sharing horror books that are aligned with the themes of the holiday: the sometimes unknown and scary creatures and witches. From classic ghost stories and popular novels that are celebrated today, in literature courses and beyond, to contemporary stories about the monsters that hide in the dark, our list

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