Cahokia Mounds, in southeastern Illinois, was once a thriving American city…before there was an America. During its peak–about 1100 A.D., the population was larger than London’s at the same time. Until 1800, no other urban area in the United...
Sonoma Plaza: Where California Began
They say a city’s soul lives in its public places. If that’s true, then Northern California’s Sonoma Plaza rivals any of Europe’s grand squares or parks. Only eight acres, it’s still California’s largest plaza. And it’s where California began....
COVID, Cancellations, “Cave” Syndrome…and Return to Travel
COVID, cancellations, “Cave” Syndrome…and return to travel? When? How? I love to travel. Live for it, in fact. That’s what I always said–and did. One trip would barely end before I was planning the next…and the one after that....
5 Reasons to Visit Prague in the Autumn
Update May 13, 2021: Before planning a trip to Prague or Czechia, be aware of travel restrictions. Get the latest information from the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are...
Wisconsin Rustic Roads: Take an Old-Fashioned Drive
Raise your hand if you remember–or have heard of–Sunday drives. Families would pile into the car and set out to…well, just drive. Often, there was no particular destination, just a chance to roll down the windows and see the...
The Downsides of Solo Travel
Readers of TravelSmart Woman may be surprised at this post. You already. know that I’m totally about going solo. Even more so about Solo after Sixty. Yet–as with all things–there are a few downsides of solo travel. (Want to...
Meteora, Greece: 5 Things to Do After You’ve Seen the Monasteries
Meteora, Greece: Of course, you go to see the magnificent monasteries built on the tops of stone pillars. A sight you’ll never forget. And after–or in between–those tours? There’s still plenty to do in this area that the Eastern...
Meteora: Monasteries in the Mystical “Stone Forest” of Greece
Meteora, Greece: As soon as I learned about it, I had to go. Monasteries built on the tops of stone peaks? The tallest at 2,011 feet (613 meters)? Over 700 years ago? After spending three weeks in Athens and...
Solo Road Trip to Manistique, MI: A Beautiful Bargain
I confess: I was itching to get out again after nearly five months of sheltering-in-place. A solo road trip seemed like a good idea for several reasons: First, solo travel is my jam. Second, one’s own car is the...
Road Trip for One? Absolutely! (Part 1: Planning)
Buckle up, Buttercup! A road trip for one might be travel freedom at its finest. YOU set the itinerary, YOU drive when you want, YOU stay at each destination as long as YOU like. Sounds lovely? It is! Jamie...