The Gutsy Traveler

Featured

Hyatt Regency SF

Why i rappelled 23 stories down the hyatt regency for outward bound

My friends all thought I was crazy. “Climbers fall you know. Splat — on the pavement. That could be you,” …
SF_NorthBeach

My favorite walks in San Francisco

Despite its reputation for dizzying hills, San Francisco is a town for walking. Every weekend for seven years when I lived …
Iceberg Antarctica

Travel life lesson #2: feeling small

I’ve stood at the precipitous edge of the Grand Canyon and felt as tiny as a flea. I’ve climbed to …
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Tango footnotes from buenos aires

Tango away the night in the cultured, elegant, eclectic and seductive metropolis nicknamed the Paris of South America.  I lived …
Lake Tahoe Dog

Scout out lake tahoe: winter fun for you and your dog

Waggin’ Winter With snow finally flowing in Lake Tahoe, snow sport enthusiasts flock to the mountains to catch up on …
Lamborghini Naples, FL

The low down on naples: how to be a beach bum in luxury

Naples is a place with two Ritz Carlton’s, private clubs crowded with Bentleys …
Don't get caught in a bind without cash or with credit cards that have been deactivated.

Money, credit cards and debit cards

I am repeatedly asked for travel tips about how I deal with cash, credit cards and debit cards when I …
Sarasota Beach Sunset

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 …
spice2

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 …
Morning sun on Camino de Santiago

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 …
Photo by Jaco Powell. Safari Guide.

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 …
IMG_3897

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 …
IMG_3105

The Grand Canyon of Greece: hiking to cliff-top monasteries in meteora

The best part of any good hike is the reward of an epic view.You sweat and trek your way to …
It’s not easy to say no to some of the young vendors.

A local’s guide to traveling in saigon

The past six years of my life have been spent in Southeast Asia—more specifically in Thailand, Cambodia and now Vietnam …
It’s not easy to say no to some of the young vendors.

A local’s guide to traveling in saigon

The past six years of my life have been spent in Southeast Asia—more specifically in Thailand, Cambodia and now Vietnam …
What's in the next bite? A chipped tooth or loose cavity can ruin a vacation.

Tip of the week : avoid dental disasters

Remember Tom Hanks in the gripping survival drama Cast Away? Using a rock, he knocked out his sore tooth to …
At dance practice with Balinese dancers

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 …
At dance practice with Balinese dancers

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 …
How to survive long flights

How to survive long flights

Over the years I’ve learned some tips to help survive long domestic or international flights. The key is a combination …
Myanmar: Photos, reflections and tips

Myanmar: Photos, reflections and tips

GDone Floating Market in the morning at Inle lake, Shan state, Myanmar Bagan city downtown skyline cityscape of Myanmar at …