Posts Timeline
Explore through all the posts through the years
Bali Books to read before your Trip
Books on Bali to read before you go including ex-pat books celebrating this island paradise & books about of Balinese culture & history
Read More February 2, 2019Book Review: Meditations
Book Review: Meditations - the personal journal of the great Roman emperor filled with Stoic philosophy and advice relevant even today.
Read More February 2, 2019Movies about Bali, Indonesia
Indonesian movies to watch before your trip to Bali featuring Balinese culture, history, and highlighting the beautiful landscapes of this island paradise.
Read More January 30, 2019Book Review: Tools of Titans
Book Review: Tools of Titans. Tim Ferris's collection of tactics, routines, & habits from over 200 interviews inc. billionaires, icons, & world-class performers.
Read More January 26, 2019Reflection in Nature
Exploring Canyon Country in Arizona & Utah in awe of nature that took millions of years to create.
Read More January 22, 2019Top Books to inspire your trip to Utah
Books about Utah's natural landscapes of the Mighty 5 National Parks westerns and Utah's history of Mormon settlers.
Read More January 19, 2019Book Review: The Rain Barrel Effect
A book with a functional medicine approach to overall health looking a small changes we can make in our daily lives in the areas of diet, exercise, stress reduction, sleep, …
Read More January 19, 201915 Movies to Inspire your Trip to Utah
Nearly 1000 films have been shot in Utah. Top movies highlighting the best of Utah: breathtaking landscapes, westerns, alien adventures, road-trips & even pirates.
Read More January 16, 2019Book Review: Think like a Freak
Think like a Freak: the thought process of the Freakonomics authors. Use their methods to retrain your brain to look at issues, problems and life hacks.
Read More January 12, 2019Book Review: David’s Sling
David’s Sling places into context ten works of art created to commemorate the successes of free societies. Artworks include Monet, the Parthenon, Michelangelo’s David and more…
Read More January 5, 2019@findthisbook Book Club
@findthisbook: 2019 weekly book club & reading challenge. Genres include Culture & History, Business, Personal Growth & Psychology, Health & Fitness, or a Classic.
Read More January 1, 20192018: My Year in Photos
2018 Year in Travel - Take a trip with me around the world through 22 countries and 4 continents exploring history, culture, nature and wellness.
Read More December 30, 2018What’s in my camera bag?
My photography equipment has developed through many years of testing out different gear and finding a balance between quality, weight and skill level. See the photography gear I use …
Read More December 16, 2018Checking In: TRS Turquesa All Inclusive Hotel in Punta Cana • Dominican Republic
Relaxation at the TRS Turquesa Hotel is inevitable at this Adults-Only, all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with access to pools, excellent service and some of the most beautiful …
Read More November 8, 2018A cultural trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru - the famous sandstone monolith in the middle of Australia. While I loved the breathtaking landscapes, the experience of learning about its cultural significance was what has left a …
Read More March 24, 2018Cruising Milford Sound in New Zealand
Milford Sound – This UNESCO site is considered a must-see in New Zealand in what feels like a very long list of must sees’ in this gorgeous country.
Read More March 6, 2018Checking In: Hotel Ville Sull’Arno Resort in Florence, Italy
Hotel Ville Sull'Arno, an Italian retreat just a short walk from the center of Florence on the bank of the Arno River. Ville Sull’Arno has the artists' touch with history …
Read More January 9, 2018Photo Tour through the Wynwood Walls in Miami
Street art - fan or foe? You might become a fan after walking Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood - a museum of streets.Graffiti Art at the Wynwood Walls in Miami now, …
Read More November 23, 2017Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia Turkey: It's not only the experience of floating above other-worldly landscapes, but the magical experience of being in the midst of dozens of other balloons …
Read More November 22, 2017Hot Air Ballooning in Melbourne Australia
Hot air ballooning in Melbourne – a once in a lifetime experience for a bird’s eye view over the second largest city in Australia.
Read More September 29, 2017Roadtripping to Ruidoso, New Mexico
I’ve heard of Ruidoso for years, a name whispered in hushed tones by my fellow Texans as a secret paradise. A fantasy land, high in the clouds. A place where …
Read More August 28, 2017Selling your Camera Gear with KEH
As your photography skills improve, you may be looking to trade-in to trade-up on your camera equipment. I tried out the KEH Camera Sell your Gear process and found the process …
Read More July 11, 2017Checking In: Corinthia Hotel London
Step into a winter fairy tale in London's five-star hotel at the Corinthia Hotel London. My Christmas time stay delivered at this 5-star hotel from the Swan Lake inspired holiday …
Read More December 20, 2016Where are you from? Finding my Ancestry
As an American with my USA ancestry dating back almost 400 years, my DNA is quite a blend of European roots that migrated to the great melting pot of America. …
Read More December 2, 2016Weekend Getaway in St. Augustine, Florida
Take a weekend getaway to St. Augustine, Florida to explore history from Colonial days to the Gilded Age in first United States city on the East Coast.now, Read it …
Read More October 25, 2016Checking in: Marival Residences Luxury Resort
Escape the cold weather and head down to Mexico for sunny days, blue skies at the gorgeous Marival Residences Luxury Resort.Marival Residences • Riviera Nayarit • Hotel Reviewnow, …
Read More October 24, 2016The new UNESCO site in Texas
The USA's newest World Heritage site dedicated in 2015, the San Antonio Missions are a great history lesson in Spanish colonialism and tell the story of the beginning of South …
Read More July 1, 2016Hotel Review: San Antonio’s Hotel Contessa
San Antonio's Hotel Contessa is the perfect location to enjoy the best of this historic city. Located on the Riverwalk, this hotel offers a luxury retreat in the heart of …
Read More July 1, 2016Checking In: Hotel Paradox
Expect the unexpected at the Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz California. This upscale hotel has all the coolness of the Santa Cruz surf culture with upscale amenities.Hotel Paradox • …
Read More June 29, 2016Santa Cruz – Ocean to the Redwoods
Santa Cruz might be the “best kept secret” on your Northern California Route 1 trip or weekend getaway - Ocean, Redwoods and good eats.
Read More June 28, 2016Santa Cruz Wine Tasting & Passport
Wine tasting in Santa Cruz California - Experience a rich history of wine-making in this overlooked wine region in California. Wine Tasting & Passport in Santa Cruz, Californianow, Read it …
Read More June 27, 2016San Francisco’s North Beach / Little Italy Walking Food Tour
Looking for the perfect tour for a little history and a LOT of food in San Francisco? Found at Local Tastes of the City Tour through Little Italy for an …
Read More March 9, 2016Winter activities in Helsinki
Playing in the snow in Helsinki! Coming from warm climates, this is the thing I get most excited about when visiting countries with snow - winter activities. My top pick …
Read More February 9, 2016Uniquely Finnish
During my week in Helsinki, I observed and discovered many differences in how the Finn's do things including some quirky interests making them Uniquely Finnish.Uniquely Finnishnow, Read it laterAs …
Read More February 5, 2016Discovering the #HelsinkiSecret
Helsinki in winter! Experience a Winter Wonderland and discover all the secrets of this Northern European capital city. Discovering the Secrets of Helsinki Finlandnow, Read it laterMy …
Read More February 1, 2016Postcard Views at Lake Bled
A glacial fed emerald-green lake, a picture-postcard church on a small island with local legends, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff, and the Julian Alps as a backdrop. …
Read More September 17, 2015Ljubljana – An Undiscovered Gem
Ljubljana, Slovenia is an undiscovered gem in Europe. Few tourists, lots of beautiful architecture, and a town full of ambiance. Stroll the parks, listen to music in the squares and …
Read More September 16, 2015Top 10 Sites in Belgrade Serbia
Belgrade, home to an ancient fortress held successively by the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Communist-era architecture and a vibrant nightlife of modern floating nightclubs on the Danube and Sava …
Read More September 15, 2015What is the dirtiest place on the airplane?
What do you think is the dirtiest place on an airplane? The natural inclination is something in that bathroom, but you would be surprised!When I started traveling 75% of my …
Read More September 11, 2015Top 10 Movies about the Balkans
Take a trip to the Balkans through the movies. The focus of many of the films from the former Yugoslavian countries are about the Balkan wars that broke-up the region. …
Read More September 11, 2015Top 10 Sites to See in Serbia
Serbia, on the crossroads of European history, includes the remains of several empires: Romans, Byzantine, Ottoman, Turkish, Austro-Hungarian to name a few. The result is a layering of historical finds …
Read More September 9, 2015Top 10 Food & Drinks to try in Serbia
Serbian cuisine, an interesting blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan flavors with lots of meats heavy with spices and ending with strong "domestic" coffee. Make sure to try these top …
Read More September 8, 2015Transportation Routes in Serbia
Transportation can sometimes feel overwhelming in foreign lands, but let me assure you that is mostly ease-free in Serbia. Here are the exact routes that I took on my journey.Sarajevo …
Read More September 8, 2015Top 10 Sites to See in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina, an undiscovered country in the Balkans, should be on your bucket list before it is "discovered". With two UNESCO sites and another eight on the tentative list, …
Read More September 7, 2015Hope for Sarajevo
Sarajevo is a city of hope. Walking through the city, you can see the traditional cultural & religious diversity of four religions that have co-existed here for centuries. Sarajevo was …
Read More September 6, 2015Top 10 Food & Drinks to try in Bosnia
Top 10 Food & Drinks to try in Bosnia LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my disclosure. Top 10 Food & Drinks to try in Bosnia While in Bosnia, …
Read More September 5, 2015Transportation Routes in Bosnia
Transportation can sometimes feel overwhelming in foreign lands, but let me assure you that public transportation is available and mostly ease-free in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Here are the exact routes …
Read More September 2, 2015The Magic of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar, a city at the crossroads of culture & religion of Muslim Bosniaks, Catholic Croats, and Serbian Orthodox has survived the power struggles and today is a magical village to …
Read More September 2, 2015Our Lady of Medjugorje of Bosnia & Herzegovina
Medjugorje, visited by over 1 million people a year & 30 million people since 1981. This small town in Bosnia & Herzegovina is the third most visited pilgrimage site in …
Read More September 1, 2015Blagaj Tekke • Sufi Dervish Monastery
Blagaj Tekke, just 6km from Mostar, was built for the Sufi Dervish and is considered one of the most mystical places in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Sufi Dervish Orders The first …
Read More August 31, 2015Montenegro Daytrip from Dubrovnik
A daytrip visit to the country of Montenegro seemed like a must while staying in Dubrovnik, Croatia in order to see the UNESCO Bay of Kotor and discover Eastern Europe’s …
Read More August 31, 2015Budva on the Montenegro Riviera
The Budva Old Town, a typical walled city with a maze of streets, sits on a peninsula on the Adriatic Coast and has become the destination for the Eastern European jetset.Budva History Budva …
Read More August 30, 2015Exploring the walled city of Kotor
At the end of the Bay of Kotor, the walled city of Kotor is sight to see for Adriatic medieval fortifications with gates, maze-like streets, bastioned walls, and the Great …
Read More August 29, 2015Bay of Kotor • Europe’s Southern Fjord
Montenegro lives up to the name, Black Mountain, with its dramatic tall fjord like mountains surrounding the Bay of Kotor.Bay of Kotor History The Bay of Kotor has been inhabited …
Read More August 29, 2015Island Life on Hvar Croatia
The island of Hvar is a hot-spot for vacationing in the Croatian Dalmatian islands with clear-blue water, a fort to explore, and a sizzling night-life.Daytrip to Hvar Croatia now, Read …
Read More August 25, 2015Soaking up the Croatian Sun in Korčula
Korčula, a beautiful medieval town in the Adriatic, is a favorite destination to soak up the Croatian sun, kayak in the beautiful clear-blue waters and eat some fresh seafood with …
Read More August 25, 2015A view of inland Croatia
The main site of interest in inland Croatia is Plitvice Lakes. The non-tourist small communities around the lakes gave an insight into post Bosnian War life and a view of …
Read More August 20, 2015Croatia Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes, in Central Croatia, is one of the most stunning hikes in Europe along planked walkways through a series of blue-green crystal clear lakes connected by waterfalls.The UNESCO site …
Read More August 20, 2015Gladiator Arena in Pula Croatia
Pula, a seafront city on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, is best known for its surviving ancient Roman buildings including a 1st century amphitheatre where you can experience the buzz of the …
Read More August 19, 2015Beautiful Sunsets in Zadar
Zadar - the most beautiful sunsets in the world. A big claim to live up to - and it does.In May 1964, a famous director of suspense and psychological movie …
Read More August 19, 2015Exploring Rovinj Croatia
Rovinj, on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia, is a Venetian-style coastal town. Walking through the beautiful Old Town is like a stroll into a postcard with one colorful view after …
Read More August 18, 2015Top 10 Sites to See in Normandy, France
The Top 10 Normandy sights to see in this region of France: Mont St. Michel, D-Day landing beaches, market towns painted by the Impressionist painters.
Read More August 13, 2015Joan of Arc & the Siege of Orléans
History has not been kind to the city of Orléans which has seen more than its fair share of siege including its most famous one in the medieval ages by …
Read More August 12, 2015Normandy D-Day Tour
Visiting the D-Day sights in Normandy, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride to be American.... it is a privilege. Today has been a lesson in history that I have …
Read More August 10, 2015History in Bayeux France
Bayeux, a small town in France, is the centerpiece for two famous trans-Channel invasions. The conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 started from Bayeux. The Allied D-Day …
Read More August 10, 2015Walking into a Monet Painting
To visit Monet's Giverny is to walk into an Impressionist painting. Stroll the gardens and you will see how Monet's visions of water lilies, flowers gardens and the Japanese bridge …
Read More August 9, 2015Fairy tale village of Colmar, France
Fairy tale village of Colmar, France LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure. Fairy tale village of Colmar, France A trip to Colmar is a trip to the …
Read More August 8, 2015Alsace Region of France
France's Alsace Region is one of the hidden gems with a diverse culture layered by history. Due to its geographical location on the French / German border, both countries have …
Read More August 8, 20157 Foods to try in the Alsace Region of France
Alsace Food has a taste all its own. Explore the unique taste of Alsatian Food in this region of France on the Germany border.
Read More August 3, 2015Lavender in Blanco
Lavender Fields in Blanco, Texas LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure. Lavender Fields in Blanco Texas An overseas trip to France and a stroll through the Provence …
Read More July 20, 2015Charming French Village of Riquewihr
Charming French Village of Riquewihr LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my disclosure. Charming French Village of Riquewihr Riquewihr is one of the crown jewels of the Alsace Region …
Read More July 13, 2015Painted Churches of Texas
Painted Churches of Texas: Built by German & Czech immigrants in Central Texas featuring European interiors of stained glass & elaborately painted friezes.
Read More July 12, 2015Daytrippin’ Schulenburg Texas
Daytrippin' to Schulenburg Texas LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on email Email Share on pinterest Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my …
Read More July 12, 2015Hope Floats in Smithville, Texas
Hope Floats in Smithville Texas LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.Hope Floats in Smithville Texas Today's destination - Smithville Texas. One of the Central Texas railroad …
Read More July 11, 201510 Reasons to Take a 2 Week Vacation
Workaholics - It's time to take a vacation. A real vacation. A full two week vacation. You probably don't need convincing but here are 10 reasons to inspire you to …
Read More June 30, 2015Top 10 New Orleans Plantation Tours
New Orleans River Road Plantations LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my disclosure. New Orleans River Road Plantation Tours Along the Mississippi River outside New Orleans, you can still …
Read More June 23, 2015New Orleans Wednesday at the Square
There are so many opportunities to listen to music in New Orleans. If you are in town on a Wednesday in the Spring/Summer, make sure to check out the free …
Read More March 25, 2015Louisiana Swamp Tour
A Tuesday on a Swamp Tour outside of New Orleans. What could possible go wrong? I was hoping to see some alligators in the wild. It was all fun and …
Read More March 24, 2015Louis Armstrong Park
On the edge of the French Quarter sits Louis Armstrong Park honoring the musical and cultural history of New Orleans.Congo Square The land on which the park sits has a long …
Read More March 22, 2015Crossing the Mississippi River to Algiers Point
Off to Algiers! Not Africa - the neighborhood across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter in New Orleans called Algiers PointAlgiers Point After a crowded week in New Orleans with …
Read More March 20, 2015Congo Festival in New Orleans
Congo Festival, also called Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, celebrates the music and dance of the African, Caribbean, and Indian cultures that contributed to the unique sounds created in …
Read More March 20, 2015St. Patrick’s Parade in the Irish Channel
New Orleans St. Patrick's Day Parade is just another good reason to Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll). They certainly do it up right for the …
Read More March 17, 2015New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians
Mardi Gras has ended, but there is still another chance to see the Mardi Gras Indians in their largest celebration of the year on Super Sunday. The hand-sewn, elaborate, beaded …
Read More March 15, 2015Top 10 Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Officially March 17th commemorates St Patrick's Day and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. St. Patrick was embraced as the Patron Saint of Ireland for his missionary work and the …
Read More March 13, 2015Speaking English in Europe
Nervous about going to Europe and encountering language barriers? How will my travel be only speaking English in Europe? In 2014, I spent almost the entire year in Europe traveling …
Read More March 10, 2015How to pick a BnB or Vacation Rental
Many readers email me asking where I stay as a traveling professional. As a 40 year old female, I simply prefer a little more personal privacy and a quiet place …
Read More March 10, 2015Louisiana’s Oak Alley Plantation
Today I am off on a quick day-trip about an hour outside of New Orleans. Along River Road lie many 18th century plantations including one of the most photographed: Oak …
Read More March 7, 2015Louisiana’s San Francisco Plantation
Blue skies signaled a great day to go out to River Road and see some of the plantations. San Francisco Plantation is not your typical antibellum plantation - a colorful …
Read More March 6, 2015The National World War II Museum
Freedom is not free. I will always be an avid traveler who loves to experience the world and its wonderful people & cultures. These travels constantly remind me how proud …
Read More March 4, 2015New Orleans Slang
The New Orleans culture is not only about the food and history, this city has a language of its own with interesting terms and accentuation of words creating a sound …
Read More March 3, 2015New Orleans Cemeteries
Beyond beignets, beads, Bourbon street, and mossy oaks, one of the most notorious symbols of New Orleans are the cemeteries. Called the "Cities of the Dead", the above ground tombs …
Read More March 3, 2015New Orleans City Park
With the last sunny day before a week of rain and overcast clouds, I decided to take in the sunshine with a day at City Park. While New Orleans is …
Read More March 2, 2015Top 10 New Orleans Movies
Top 10 Movies about New Orleans LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my disclosure. Top 10 Movies about New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana is a popular movie location for …
Read More March 1, 2015Beignets & Bourbon Street
Arriving late in New Orleans, I knew there was just one thing on the agenda - beignets at Cafe du Monde. This is how all trips to NOLA should end …
Read More March 1, 2015Baton Rouge’s Old Governor’s Mansion
A visit to the Old Governor's Mansion in Louisiana will be a trip highlight of your time in Baton Rouge as the docents lead a delightful tour through the Mansion …
Read More February 27, 2015Louisiana State Capitol
Louisiana's towering Capitol building is America's tallest and one of the most impressive. Forever entwined with the political career of Huey Pierce Long, the building shows off the Art Deco …
Read More February 27, 2015Sights in Baton Rouge
On my road trip East, I decided to take a half-day to explore the capital of Louisiana. Baton Rouge, also known as the City of Landmarks, has over 75 buildings …
Read More February 27, 2015Baton Rouge Old State Capitol
A trip to Baton Rouge should begin at the Old State Capitol for a lesson on Louisiana history and politics. Nicknamed “Castle of the River”, this eye-catching structure stands high …
Read More February 27, 2015Histomap: Four Thousand Years of World History
A snapshot of history. As I travel, I am constantly learning about each regions history and trying to put in all into together to understand the who, what, where, why, …
Read More February 23, 2015Hiking in Tucson at Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon is a popular hiking spot in Tucson. Located in the Coronado National Forest, Sabino Canyon has several hikes you can take for beginners to more experienced and there …
Read More February 19, 2015Unique Restaurants and Bars in Tucson
Unique Restaurants in Tucson LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my disclosure. Unique Restaurants in Tucson Knowing that I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, a friend recently asked me …
Read More February 18, 2015Top 12 Best Free Travel Apps
The ultimate goal of travel is to immerse yourself in the destination (the culture, the sights, the sounds, and the people), but first you have to get there. While I …
Read More February 12, 2015The Insecurity of the Highlight Reel
The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel.One of my cousins posted this "truth" on her Facebook page today... and wow did it strike …
Read More February 4, 20155 Oxford Day Trips to Explore in England
Oxford makes a great home base to explore England's beautiful palaces, villages and history. Here are 5 ideas for venturing out on day trips from Oxford city of Dreaming Spires.While …
Read More February 2, 2015Inspiration of 3 Oxford Literary Classics
The city of Oxford has long both bred writers but also inspired them. Today, there are more than 500 Oxford-based novels that have been identified, and the number continues to …
Read More January 31, 2015Oxford and The Land of Narnia
As a child, I was entranced by the Chronicles of Narnia series - the magical world of mythical talking animals in a snowy wonderland. You can re-read these stories over …
Read More January 30, 2015Finding Wonderland
One of the most popular pieces of literature to emerge from Oxford is the imaginative story of Alice's Adventure in Wonderland. On my trip there, I was on the hunt …
Read More January 28, 2015Harry Potter Sightings in Oxford
A visit to Oxford will, of course, need to include a visit to some of the Harry Potter Filming sights including the inspiration for the Great Hall seen in all …
Read More January 20, 2015Tolkien Sights in Oxford
Tolkien Sights in Oxford LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email This post may contain affiliate links.Please read my disclosure. Tolkien Sights in Oxford On my travels through England, I also wanted to walk in the footsteps …
Read More January 19, 2015Top 10 Curiosities to see at the Ashmolean Museum
The museums that often have the most interest for me have been started by individual collectors adding pieces due to their passion for the subject or uniqueness of items rather …
Read More January 15, 2015Michelangelo & Raphael at the Ashmolean Museum
Michelangelo never wanted you to see his drawings and preparation sketches, but the Ashmolean collection will give you a glimpse of methods of the Old World Masters - Michelangelo and …
Read More January 14, 2015Climbing up Tumamoc Hill
I have been remiss in not posting some of the amazing Tucson Arizona sunsets as I have been home for the holidays visiting family. When traveling, I tend to be …
Read More January 11, 2015Personality in Zurich, Switzerland
As I travel, I often come across some interesting characters. Today, I was WOW'd by this woman in Switzerland. I visited Zurich in the dead of winter en route to …
Read More January 10, 2015Tower of London: Ceremony of the Keys
Who wants to lock up the Tower of London in the world's oldest continuous military ceremony? Welcome to the Ceremony of the Keys!I have been very fortunate to have had …
Read More January 8, 2015How to travel in Europe on a Schengen Visa
Traveling in Europe for one year required some careful planning in order to stay comply with Visa requirements of the Schengen countries.Schengen Countries Map When I initially started planning to go …
Read More January 6, 2015Hot Air Ballooning over Chateau’s In France
Another of my bucket list items has been to go up in a hot air balloon. So when I had the opportunity while touring the Chateau's in the Loire Valley, …
Read More January 6, 2015Avoiding the Pickpocket
A lot of the questions I receive about traveling surround fear of getting pickpocketed in Europe. It is such a stigma. While in Europe, I did not encounter or hear …
Read More January 2, 2015A stroll on San Diego’s Shelter Island
On the annual family holiday trip to California, the family and I decided to take a stopover in San Diego. Just a quick overnight by the sea to soak up …
Read More December 15, 2014The mysteries at Quinta da Regaliera
One day, while looking through travel pictures online, I saw a picture of an inverted tower and immediately put the mysterious architectural site on my travel wish list. First, I …
Read More November 16, 2014National Palace of Sintra
After arriving in Sintra via train from Lisbon, my first stop was a quick stop to the National Palace of Sintra. I had a lot of palaces, castle and gardens …
Read More November 16, 2014The fairy tale castle: Pena National Palace
High on top of the town of Sintra is the fairy tale castle of Palacio Nacional da Pena (The Feather Palace). The UNESCO site is another European example of 18th …
Read More November 16, 2014Walking the walls of the Moorish Palace
Traveling throughout Spain before Portugal, I had already been introduced to the Moorish structures of the 8th & 9th century. The Moors definitely specialized in beautiful tiled palaces and creating …
Read More November 16, 2014Ginja tasting in historic Sintra Portugal
After a long day of visiting many of the sites in Sintra including a lot of hill climbing, I walked back downhill from the Moorish Castle to the historical center …
Read More November 16, 2014A daytrip to Sintra, Portugal
As I was researching things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, the town of Sintra kept coming up as a must-see day-trip. Sintra is just 15 miles and about a 40 …
Read More November 16, 2014Northern Lights – A Bucket List Event
For many, seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of their "Bucket Lists"; And it was near the top on mine. I have long wanted to see this strange …
Read More September 25, 2014A day at Downton Abbey
A Day at Downton Abbey LOVE IT. SHARE IT. Pinterest Facebook Twitter Email I was a bit late to jump on the Downton Abbey bandwagon but quickly caught up as I raced through the first …
Read More May 27, 2014A visit to Mont St. Michel
Mont St. Michel is one of France's most iconic sites. Seeing this island with a medieval town spiraling up to the church monastery and abbey is a sight in itself, …
Read More May 18, 2014The tides of Mont St. Michel
The tides of Mont St. Michel are legendary. Upon climbing to the ramparts of Mont St. Michel, you will be treated to beautiful views of the tidal flats surrounding the …
Read More May 18, 2014The Magnificence of Versailles
Versailles – Voltaire described it best – “a masterpiece of bad taste and magnificence”. Created by the Sun King, Versailles is one of France’s most visited attractions and inspirations for …
Read More May 14, 2014Smiles in Siena, Italy
A smile can certainly brighten your day!We have all been there... dog tired after walking over cobblestone streets exploring wonderful new towns.Today, I was exploring Siena, Italy - one of …
Read More April 30, 2014Easter at the Vatican
Easter Mass with 150,000 fellow believers. While traveling, I am often in awe at the beauty of what I get to see and experience. Easter at the Vatican, which I …
Read More April 20, 2014Good Friday at the Colosseum
Arriving in Rome on late Friday afternoon, I decided to jump right into the celebrations for Easter week starting with Good Friday "Way of the Cross" at the Colosseum. I …
Read More April 18, 2014Opera in Florence
For a unique opportunity to hear opera in Florence in a intimate setting, head over to St. Mark's Church. Professional Opera singers in full costume have been delighting audiences for …
Read More April 4, 2014Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones are FABULOUS!I am usually a mid-tier frugal travel.... not too expensive, not too cheap. However, I splurged! ... And this is one …
Read More January 29, 2014Visiting the Tower of London
One of the most quintessential attractions in London. On many a visit to the UK, I always ask the locals (including very proper Englishmen) what is the must-see London attraction …
Read More January 20, 2014Hotel Points Programs
Hotel Points, Points, Points... My business colleagues and traveler friends have discussed and compared at length trying to figure out what is the best way to maximize points... and the …
Read More November 4, 2013How to legally go inside Stonehenge Circle
Though some say Stonehenge is overrated, I found a way to visit the iconic site in a unique way to get a glimpse of the past.On one of my trips …
Read More September 21, 2012Bucket List: Ride in a Bi-plane
READY TO FLY! On a beautiful summer day in August, I found an advertisement for bi-plane rides in Cape Cod and knew instantly I was going up. My bucket lists …
Read More August 1, 2012