Select Page

Welcome Gutsy Travelers!

About Us

African Safari by water and by land

An African safari by water and land in three countries offers a window into the African bush, surrounded by wild animals, multicolored birds, sensational sunsets and friendly local guides. By Marybeth Bond  The throaty growl was wild and untamed – the primeval voice...

Women Travel Statistics from Women Travel Expert

Women travel statistics from research done by the #1 women travel expert, indicate that women consumers now drive the world travel economy. Women are earning more, spending more and influencing all levels of the travel industry. Women's purchasing power in the travel...

Safety Tips for Women Travelers

Safety and security are super important for women travelers. I know, I traveled around the world ALONE for two years. And I had very, very few difficult situations. Here's what I learned.   I plan my accommodations, daytime activities and clothing to avoid...

Monterey Bay Aquarium New Exhibit

What to do in Monterey Spend an afternoon at the Monterey Aquarium. Here's the latest on the new exhibit. Dive into the food scene of Pacific Grove. Meander along the pedestrian trail to Lover's Point. Go for a walk along the unsoiled nature beaches. Enjoy fine dining...

Go beyond the vineyards for the Sonoma County you may not know

When you think of Sonoma County, images come to mind of vineyards and vine-covered hillsides, elegant tasting rooms and fabulous dinners at intimate restaurants. Beyond the famous food, wine and vineyards, Sonoma offers plenty more to discover. Go West Beyond the...

Traveling Solo Jump Started Change in My Life

        Traveling solo? That can be a scary idea. Travel is, or can be, as much an inward as an outward experience, and mine proved to involve an important inner dimension. Cut off from all of my support systems, I was tested in some rather wild...

A road trip through our national parks in Utah and Arizona

When the walls feel like they are closing in and I need a boost again, I return to the wide-open spaces of the southwest and the healing peacefulness of the canyons for a road trip in Utah and Arizona.                 Nothing...

San Francisco Presidio National Park at the Golden Gate Bridge

With the famous span of the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop, the San Francisco Presidio National Park is a great escape. This huge National Park is nestled along the Bay and Crissy Field extending through 262 acres of historic forests to the cliffs above the...

TransAmerica Bicycle trip is a mother-daughter challenge.

The Challenge of a Cross Country Bicycle Trip Why another bicycle trip? My daughter asked if I would bike across the US with her. I'm impulsive so I jumped at the chance to spend time with her as well as to have a great adventure. But I had no idea what lay ahead....

Revel in Barcelona and Beyond

Barcelona’s sensory-rich food scene, stunning Gaudi-designed architecture and glitzy nightlife lure big crowds in the summer. Last year over 18 million tourists descended upon the Catalan metropolis of 5.5 million people. If you want Barcelona to yourself and you want...
Paso Robles. Wine tasting and concerts.

Paso Robles. Wine tasting and concerts.

Paso Robles, mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angles, is known for wine tasting and summer concerts. Recently  my husband and I drove 3 ½ hours south of San Francisco to visit the famous wineries. An added bonus was the temporary outdoor exhibition of...

read more
Wolves of Yellowstone National Park are a hot attraction

Wolves of Yellowstone National Park are a hot attraction

We fed the bears marshmallows from the back seat of the family car when I was kid. Cranking down the window a few inches we’d toss leftover peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sweets to the fat bears who waddled from car to car along the road into Old Faithful....

read more
Take Me To Telluride

Take Me To Telluride

Think Telluride is all about powder skiing and film festivals? Thing again! This is the place where Butch Cassidy began his bank-robbing career at the San Miguel Valley Bank on June 24, 1889.  After the heist, Cassidy and two buddies mounted their steeds, shot...

read more
Grizzlies in the Mist in British Columbia

Grizzlies in the Mist in British Columbia

On a distant islet off British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, our group of six donned flotation coats and boarded a yellow inflatable raft for an “Eco-Adventure Tour.” Jillian Leonard, our guide, said that unlike the Grizzly Bear Tour we would go on later, “This tour’s...

read more
Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada is not to be missed.

Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada is not to be missed.

Why wait if you love horses and a good party? I dusted off my cowboy boots and joined daredevils, music lovers, families, and wannabe cowboys, at Calgary's Stampede Park to take part in one of the world's largest rodeos. Spanning ten days in July, the Stampede draws...

read more
San FranciscoBest Things to Do Recommended by Locals

San FranciscoBest Things to Do Recommended by Locals

Click here IMG_4779 to listen to the seals at Pier 39 in San Francisco.  As a San Francisco local, we have lots of recommendations of things to do that are a bit off-the-radar. After our guests have gone to the “must see” tourist places: Fisherman’s Wharf,...

read more
Bucket List Trip: Cruise Australia and New Zealand

Bucket List Trip: Cruise Australia and New Zealand

  Australia and New Zealand kept calling our names, but let’s face it, they are a long way from home. I was a little overwhelmed by the complicated planning aspects of trying to fly around the huge continent of Australia and how to navigate both islands in New...

read more
France. Impressionist Painters in Normandy.

France. Impressionist Painters in Normandy.

  Normandy attracts anyone who loves the impressionists and their paintings, as well as food lovers.  Last spring  I jumped at a chance to go to Normandy to follow in the footsteps of the Impressionist Painters. I criss-crossed the countryside from...

read more
Travel safety for women

Travel safety for women

  Travel safety for woman is the number one concern for students, seniors and world adventurers. I've written chapters in my books and spoken at universities and at travel shows about "how to stay safe and travel the world". Here are ways to be prepared and avoid...

read more
Packing for a Cruise

Packing for a Cruise

Packing the right clothes for a cruise has always been a big challenge. I’ve packed for more than a few cruises by now but it is getting even harder because cruise companies are offering more activities that need a greater mix of formal, informal and casual evenings...

read more
Menu