The pandemic hit tourism hard – the cruise industry being no exception. After being shuttered for months, cruise lines are pulling out all the stops to regain customer confidence. My family and I were looking for a fun way to spend time together – a late Christmas gift to ourselves – so we decided to […]
Adventures
The Mighty Five: A National Park Adventure in Southern Utah
National Park visits are exceedingly popular in 2021 as travelers seek the natural social distancing that the great outdoors offers. Want to get the most bang for your buck on your next national park adventure? Consider the Mighty Five in southern Utah – five national parks all within striking distance of one another. ZION NATIONAL […]
Lisbon, Portugal: Life in the Slow Lane
Saudade is a Portuguese word that loosely translates to a deep yearning nostalgia for something gone forever. There is no equivalent word in English. Yet, while it’s hard to explain, this Portuguese emotion is easy to feel as you immerse yourself in the tumbledown yet trendy city of Lisbon. Funky and fun, Portugal’s capital, and one […]
Three Days in Rome – An Itinerary
With international travel temporarily restricted; and ever-changing regulations for domestic travel taking a lot of the relaxation and joy out of travel, many are choosing to stay at home. I’ve rescheduled and canceled more trips in 2020 than I care to remember. So, what to do in the meantime? Now is as good a time […]
Adventure in the Azores – Terceira Island
Knowing little about the destination, I decided to take a chance on an Azorean adventure. The Azores are an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Island. I didn’t even know that much when I booked an eight-day trip to this magical destination. Having stumbled upon a great vacation deal to […]
Prologue – 52 Weeks 52 Hikes: Finding Myself on the Trail – COMING SOON!
What kind of idiot thinks this is a good idea? Hands pressed firmly against the cold railing; I stare into the abyss. I feel as alone as I ever have, although I’m surrounded by people. Happy and animated, they are taking pictures and conversing, many in languages I do not recognize. The sky is cloudless […]
All-Inclusive Resorts: Are You Ready To Go All In?
All-inclusive resorts are experiencing a rise in popularity. As beleaguered travelers grow weary of being nickeled and dimed to death with checked baggage fees, hidden resort costs, and sky-high wifi upgrades, it’s no wonder that many vacationers are embracing the all-inclusive model. I recently returned from a five-day stay at RIU Palace Pacifico in Nuevo […]
Bentonville Arkansas: Big City Vibe, Small Town Soul
With a population hovering around 50,000, you might not expect to find a flourishing, world-class art scene, incredible dining, exciting attractions, and loads of outdoor recreation all tucked into the corner of Northwest Arkansas. You can though. In Bentonville, Arkansas. Kick-started by WalMart HQ, Bentonville is experiencing tremendous growth. Home of the world-renowned Crystal Bridges American Museum […]
Crystal River, Florida: Manatees, Monkeys, & Magic
Crystal River, what a blast! Manatees, monkeys, magic, and more. This quirky old-school town on Florida’s Nature Coast is an adventure unlike any other. Why not add it to your list and start planning your visit? Here are ten Can’t-miss highlights to get you started. 1) Swimming with the Manatees Crystal River, the Manatee Capital of the World, […]
Hiking Cinque Terre? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Dreaming of walking the famed Blue Trail No. 2, or Sentiero Azzuro in Italiano, located in the gorgeous Cinque Terre? You won’t regret this fantastic 11 km hike along the coast of the Italian Riviera complete with visits to the charming Cinque Terra (five towns) along the way. Here are some tips to make the […]
