When I decided I must visit the Colón Cemetery (Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón ) during my Cuba trip, I had no idea there was a “miracle grave” in Havana. I was more focused on the fact that it’s huge–over...
An American in Cuba: Restrictions, But Worth It! (Don’t Delay…)
I’ll say it upfront: Being an American in Cuba is frustrating. There’s so much to see, so much to learn, so much to understand. You get to watch visitors from other countries explore as they like, while you’re constrained...
TravelSmart Woman’s Best Posts of 2019: Your Favorites!
Here we are, at the end of the year…and about to start a new decade. Before we leap into 2020, I’d like to pause and thank you for your support. There are thousands of you now who take time...
Fun–and Funny–Holiday Traditions Around the World
Holiday traditions around the world make me smile. After all, every country and culture does something that, well, we wonder how they could ever have become a real thing. And that’s the beauty of them. You already know the...
Turning Kids into Travelers
How exactly can we go about turning our kids into travelers? We’ve seen those children on our own journeys: curious and cheerful. Interested in more than the next souvenir shop. Willing to eat more than a Big Mac. Understanding...
Greek Salad: Fresh & Easy!
Whenever you are lucky enough to find excellent tomatoes, immediately change the day’s menu to include a Greek salad. Yes, you’ll have to pay for a few other ingredients, but it would be crazy to pass up the opportunity...
Terezín Concentration Camp: Hitler’s “Gift to the Jews”
Terezín concentration camp is an astounding and painful reminder of the power of propaganda. Only an hour from Prague, the former Habsburg fortress was repurposed during World War II as a model that would impress International Red Cross inspectors....
Olympia, Greece: Where the Games Began, Nearly 3000 Years Ago
Olympia, Greece: It’s hard to describe the feeling as you stand at the original starting line of the stadium where the Olympics began in 776 BC. Greek myth credits the hero Hercules with creating the running races at Olympia...
Greek Coffee Frappé: Your Cold and Bold Summer Drink
Greek coffee frappé? (In Greek: φραπέ, pronounced frah-PEH.) Let’s agree that it does not sound like something Zorba would drink. I expected strong, stiff coffee when I went to Greece. So strong, that a pound of sugar is necessary to...
Rick Steves Is Wrong About Athens…Don’t Rush Away!
I’ll just say it straight out: Rick Steves is wrong about Athens. For those who rely on his distinctive teal-and-gold guidebooks for exploring Europe, you know that Rick Steves is unsurpassed in his expertise about the Continent. In fact,...