Archive for 2013
Soaking up the Sun: Best of Sarasota, Florida
When temperatures drop, I would rather chill on the beach than catch a chill. Growing up in Ohio, we endured the long, cold, grey winters. For several years we made the two-day car trip to Fort Myers to soak in the sun. Recently I visited Florida’s west coast for a conference and stayed a week to […]
Women Travel Statistics – 80% of All Travel Decisions Made by Women
Women—young, old, single, married, and widowed—are fueling an explosive growth in the travel industry. More women are traveling, for business and for pleasure, and they’re calling the shots. Just look around in a restaurant, how many tables are occupied by groups of women? Of those who currently take nature, adventure or cultural trips, 75% are […]
Istanbul, Turkey Tantalizes the Senses
Considered a favorite city by many Europeans, Istanbul, Turkey is vibrant, exotic, chaotic and very exciting. I spent eight dynamic days in Istanbul, wandering the lesser known neighborhoods, riding the trams and ferries, zipping back and forth between the Asian and European sides and seeing more than just the mosques’ minarets. Istanbul appealed to all […]
Planning Your Trek on El Camino de Santiago
Since the ninth century, millions of world travelers have embarked on Spain’s ancient Camino de Santiago trail, the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Five Tips for Traveling Where You Don’t Speak the Language
Moving to a small town in Greece from California—in the middle of the tourist off-season, I might add—has taught me a thing or two about surviving in a country where you don’t speak the language. With a little help from your smartphone and a healthy dose of humility, it is easy to enjoy yourself regardless […]
Solo Travel is Easy and Rewarding
Have you ever wanted to see a Broadway play in New York City, take a road trip to see the fall foliage, or splurge on a vacation to Paris, but couldn’t find anyone to go with you? Solo travel is the answer! It’s easier to meet people when you’re alone. Here in Bali, I’m with […]
My San Francisco is Aglow For The Holidays
Our Holiday Favorites Every December, when my daughters were young, they dressed up in their holiday finery – red velvet hair ribbons and patten leather shoes — and we left the suburbs behind and crossed the Golden Gate Bridge for a memorable “overnight” in San Francisco.For two days we traipsed through the most elegant hotels […]
Discover Southern Comfort in Savannah
Find relaxation in quaint Savannah, Georgia with decorative architecture and lush green landscape throughout the downtown. It is an urban forest where Spanish Moss hangs from giant oak trees. There is plenty of eating, dining and shopping throughout the meandering streets and brick paved roads. When visiting Savannah, a great choice of stay is the […]
Safari Adventure in South Africa
On an exploratory adventure to the Northern Cape, a few months ago, I hunted for lions with a bushman guide and tracked rare white rhinos, on foot, in the Kalahari. The landscape is a dramatic mosaic of rugged mountains, deeply incised valleys and rolling terrain of Bushman grass and blisteringly hot red sand dunes. I […]
How to Prepare for Your European Trip
My best trips to Europe began long before departure day. Thanks to advance planning I had more choices and less stress. Here’s how I streamline my research and reservations. How to start Research online at guidebook websites such as Lonely Planet, Frommer’s and Foder’s. I especially like the Eyewitness Travel Guides. Your public library has […]