Welcome to Lori Loves Adventure!
A midlife travel blog for women….destinations and travel stories.
Hi there! I’m Lori Helke—solo traveler, road trip junkie, vintage camper renovator, published author, and your go-to guide for living a joy-filled, adventurous second half of life.
I’m also the proud founder of Lori Loves Adventure, a travel blog I created to share my personal journey and inspire women—especially those of us over 50—to rediscover ourselves through travel. Whether it’s flying solo to a faraway city, rolling into a quiet campground with my vintage trailer, or setting off on a backroads road trip, I believe that travel in any form has the power to transform.
My own travel story started with a dream—and a little bit of fear. In 2011, I finally took the leap and booked a group trip to Paris. I was in my 40s, still learning to trust myself, and unsure if I really had the courage to travel. That trip changed everything. Paris lit a fire in me. I found myself wandering museums on my own, navigating city streets with growing confidence, and falling head over heels in love with solo travel. More importantly, I discovered a version of myself I hadn’t met before—independent, adventurous, and deeply alive.
That one journey sparked a whole new chapter in my life. Since then, I’ve explored destinations near and far, made friends across the globe, and embraced the kind of learning you can only get by doing. Travel became my therapy, my teacher, and my greatest source of joy. And in 2025, I was deeply honored to be named Writer of the Year by the Midwest Travel Network—a recognition that means the world to me, because this blog and the stories I share are straight from the heart.
But my adventures aren’t limited to planes and passports. I also discovered a passion for camping—and like any good story, it started with a little bit of rust and a whole lot of heart. My husband found and renovated a sweet 1969 Camp Mor canned ham camper I named Beatrice, who quickly became more than just a trailer—she became a symbol of reinvention. Beatrice inspired a whole series of children’s books that I wrote and published, and she carried me on countless solo camping adventures that grounded and renewed me.
And now? My husband recently finished renovating a 1978 Airstream Argosy, my new shiny camping companion, ready to take on the next chapter of memory-making.
Here at Lori Loves Adventure, you’ll find real talk about solo travel after 50, helpful tips for everything from international trips to campsite set-ups, and encouragement to step out of your comfort zone—because that’s where the magic happens. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping wine at a Parisian café, sitting around a crackling campfire, or simply hitting the road to see what’s out there, I’m here to tell you: it’s not too late, and you’re not alone.
Adventure is waiting—and I’m so glad you’re here.
Let’s make the second half of life the most adventurous chapter yet
Official Bio
Lori Helke is an author and award-winning travel writer from Wisconsin. She is the founder of the travel and lifestyle blog Lori Loves Adventure where she writes about her solo travel experiences, and is the author of the Beatrice the Little Camper children’s picture book series, as well as the travel guides ‘Wisconsin Harbor Towns: The Ultimate Wisconsin Road Trip Guide’ and ‘100 Things To Do In Sheboygan Before You Die.’ Lori has a monthly travel segment on Local 5 Live, a Green Bay, Wisconsin TV morning show, has contributed to several online and print publications, and serves on the Visit Sheboygan Board Of Directors.
My Latest Local 5 Live Appearance
July 2025
Lori
I am a real estate agent in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and every year I have a client appreciation Christmas party and give a gift to my clients that is a local Wisconsin item. This year I want to give a book to each person and was thinking of a book about road trips in Wisconsin and then a gas card. I always like to go local so I found you as an author that lives in Wisconsin and I see you wrote a book about Wisconsin Harbor towns. I would like to talk to you about purchasing about 50-60 books and if you would sign them too. I look forward to hearing back from you, Julie Brown
Hi Julie!
Thank you for reaching out! I could absolutely make this possible. I would have to figure out the cost. I do have some on hand, but I would need to order more. I am guessing it would be between $10 and $12 a copy. This is a great idea!
My email is lorihelke@gmail.com if you would like to contact me that way.
Yes, we can absolutely work this out. Please send me an email at lorihelke@gmail.com
Do you have pictures you can share of your Airstream Reno? Also any blogs I could read that talk about being able to afford travel? Thanks much!!!
I intent to write a post about the renovation and add all the pictures in the near future, so keep on the lookout for that. This post covers how I saved money for my first trip to Paris. https://lorilovesadventure.com/budgeting-for-travel/
Thank you so much for acknowledging the history of cave point park. My great grandfather was Mike Lyons, and while there is a lot of history my family would like to forget regarding whitefish dunes and the taking of our lands through eminent domain, the donation of cave point to make a county park is something I have always been proud of. The families did it so the state would not be in control of it.
Thank you for sharing this Scott and for reading my post! Cave Point is a Wisconsin treasure.
Do you have a group that camps together in their cars? I camp in my Toyota Sienna every chance I get!
No, my girl camping group has campers. This was the first time I car camped. What a great idea though. I honestly haven’t seen groups that just car camp. Thanks for the question Claire! Car camping is such a fun easy way to see the country!
About 2 years ago, a group of ladies from the Green Bay area, organized a group called, “Women on the Go.” We meet once a month for lunch and discussion. Our main purpose is to connect with other women that need a travel partner.
This is fabulous! What a great idea. So many times those of us that do not have spouses that travel, or are on our own don’t think we can travel. Truth is, we can go on our own, or find like minded women who are willing to connect and travel together, like what your group does. I love that you have done this!!
Joanne, I would love to connect with your group. Could you please shoot me an email and perhaps I can join you all sometime!
Hi Lori! I think I saw somewhere you are a mail carrier? So am I! In Michigan. And currently undertaking the same vintage camper makeover. Mine is a Holiday Vacationer from the 1960s I believe. I haven’t spent much time researching. It was given to me after sitting for 30 years in a farm field. I am in love. Almost done deconstructing her. I stumbled across you on Pinterest. I would love to chat more if you would? My email is sldrmom03@gmail.com. Thank you for sharing your life and journey!.
Stephanie Slider
Hi Stephanie! I quit the Post Office a month ago and am working more part time so I can focus on promoting my book and traveling with Beatrice. You will see what a world that opens up when you redo these old campers. Rallies and lots of other groups including women’s camping groups. It’s so much fun! Welcome to my community. If you have any questions, you can email me at lorihelke@gmail.com I’d be happy to share what I know!