The Mediterranean has always been a place where history and cultures come to life. From the bustling metropolis of Barcelona to the turquoise waters of the French Riviera to the rolling hills of Tuscany – there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming to plan a Mediterranean trip.(I know – I’ve done it.) That’s what enticed me about the Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary with Viking cruises onboard their Viking Neptune ship. Cruise life not only allows you to sit back and relax while waking up in a new place each day, but this itinerary takes you to some of the most well-known cities in the Mediterranean, made famous for their history, culture, and natural beauty. That is to say, they have become iconic. And while we have spent a fair amount of time in this part of […]
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2023 Travel Reading Challenge (6th Annual)
Hello 2023 and Happy New Year! 2022 was a great year for both travel and reading, and I’m hoping 2023 gives it a run for its money. I did a lot of reading in 2021, completing 96 books. There were a dozen or so long-haul flights where I got some reading done, but there was still a lot of time reading on the couch, lounging in a bubble bath, or my nightly habit of reading before bed. I’m generally a Kindle reader. I like having dozens of books (actually hundreds) at hand. It makes for light packing, it slips into a purse, and with the reading app, I can synch it up to all my devices. I have the Kindle Paperwhite. It adjusts to various light situations, so I can read it in a darkened airplane cabin or in the […]
Read More2022: A Year of Travel in Review (and a peek at 2023)
2022 was a go-big year for travel. Five cruises, two Globus tours, four continents, three new countries, a first trip below the equator, and a few things checked off my bucket list (after a couple of years with very little travel). Time to update that list after a few stagnant years. Through it all, I made countless memories that will last a lifetime. Read on for all the details, along with links to some of the posts already published about these travel destinations and experiences. I’ll have posts about the last couple of month’s travels in the new year. January Every year we head to New York City for an annual event. It’s a great combination of business and pleasure – with pre-set marketing appointments and lots of time spent catching up with travel writing and tourism industry friends. Tony […]
Read MoreDe Lijn: Celebrate 150 Years of Dutch Heritage with Holland America Gin
If you’re a gin lover, you’ll want to get your hands on the exclusive De Lijn gin from Holland America Line. Recipe included for Dutch 150.
Read MoreGreen with Envy: An 8-Day Ireland Itinerary With Globus
Planning an 8-day Ireland itinerary might sound overwhelming. There are so many great places to see in Ireland, but you can’t see the entire country in a week. The best option is to pick an area to enjoy and dig in a little deeper with your experiences and activities. If you’re at all like me, you’ll fall in love with Ireland and want to return again and again (this was my fourth visit to Ireland). It’s a magical land filled with natural landscapes, centuries-old buildings, castles, world-class pubs, and warm hospitality. Let’s not forget the folklore and traditions found nowhere else in the world, because I’m choosing to believe in fairies and leprechauns. Globus’s Green with Envy tour is a good introduction to Ireland. It covers some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as takes you to some historic and […]
Read MoreIrish Soda Bread: A Traditional Irish Recipe
On my recent trip to Dublin, part of a paid partnership with Globus Journeys, I had the opportunity to take a cooking class – one of my favorite things to do when I travel. The cooking choice – well, actually it was baking, as you’ll learn below – is part of their Choice Touring program. You might not realize why a tour adds so much to the Irish experience, but it does. My tour choice in Westport, County Mayo, was to take a baking class. I love taking cooking classes when I travel. There’s a bonding that happens over sharing food and, if I’m lucky, I find recipes that I can make again when I’m at home. When I can’t take a class, I take note of what I’m eating and drinking and still try to make it at home […]
Read More2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers
2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers
2022 has been a busy year of travel. Whether it was feeling a sense of urgency to see the world again after the lockdown of Covid or simply opportunities that arose, we hit the road – and the skies – with determination this year.
The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers has been divided into three sections – a general travel section, a foodie travel section, and a technology section.
Read More17 Fascinating Museums in Bogota, Colombia
Bogota, the capital of Colombia, has a long and rich history dating back to the pre-Columbian era. Founded by the Muisca people in the late 15th century, the Spanish conquered the city in the 16th century. Over the decades (and centuries), Bogota became a center of trade and culture under Spanish rule and eventually became the capital of Colombia in 1777. Bogota’s history is as varied as it is long, and one of the best places to learn about the country’s history, culture, and people, is in the city’s many museums. Visiting these Bogota museums is an opportunity to view art and ancient artifacts from one of the most important cities in Latin America. If you’re uncertain where to start, here’s a round-up of Bogota’s best museums. It’s a representative group in size, diversity, and niches. Well-known museums made the […]
Read MoreHotel Review: Heathman Hotel, Kirkland, Washington
The Heathman Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Kirkland on the east side of Lake Washington and boasts that it’s the only boutique hotel in Kirkland. Just a couple of blocks from the lake, in fact, conveniently located in the city and a short walk from Marina Park, local shops, and galleries. While the hotel is within easy walking distance to lots of locations, complimentary bicycles are available to guests. It expands your options if you don’t want to spend all your time driving, it’s a fitness option that’s also fun. There is a fully equipped gym if you want a more regimented fitness routine. Free Wi-Fi makes the hotel attractive for both business and leisure travelers. Who Stays at the Heathman Hotel? The Heathman Hotel caters to a large variety of guest types, ranging from solo businessmen […]
Read MoreWine Tasting at Bacovino Winery, Tukwila (Washington)
Washington State is the second largest wine-producing state in the United States. With over 1,000 wineries and over 80 varieties of wine from Washington State AVAs, wine production has become a multi-billion dollar business in the state. Wine is big business in Washington State. Since we finished building our wine cellar during the stay-at-home pandemic time, we’ve been visiting local wineries to perfect our tasting skills (there is some science and art to the process), get to know local wineries that we’ve overlooked, and make some purchases for our cellar. You’ll be seeing more winery and wine reviews coming up, both wineries in Washington State as well as those we’ve discovered in our travels. Pour a glass of your favorite, and learn more about Bacovino Winery in Tukwila, Washington. Why We Chose to Visit Bacovino Sometimes we have great reasons […]
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