Take a Hop on-Hop off bus? REALLY? I can hear your groans… We’ve all seen them during our travels, those double-decker buses, the upper deck packed with photo-snapping riders who insist on waving to passersby. They look so…touristy. WHY...
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: $500 Solo Resort Getaway
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is a resort town close to the Wisconsin-Illinois border. So close, in fact, that it was where wealthy Chicagoans built summer homes–mansions, really–to get away from the heat and noise of the city. Families like Wrigley,...
How to Make Your Long-Haul Flight Comfortable…Or At Least Bearable
Until time travel becomes a reality, getting around the globe is going to require a long-haul flight. I can hear the groans…and share your pain. What can you do to make a 10- or 12-hour (or longer–planes can travel...
13 FREE Travel Apps: Make Trips Cheaper, Easier & More Fun!
FREE travel apps? Music to a budget traveler’s ears! And even better: These 13 apps will help you save money and time on every trip. Some are fun, some weren’t originally designed for travel–but all are useful. Depending on...
An 80-year-old asks: “How do I travel solo?” Answer: Just Start!
“How do I travel solo?” Meet Carol, a spry and spunky 80-year-old who wants to travel solo. A recent widow, Carol and her husband traveled extensively all over the world. As the years went by, they shifted their travel...
Ethical Travel: “Vote With Your Wings”
Ethical travel? What is THAT? And why does it matter? Ethical travel is the awareness of our impact on the planet when we go anywhere. Anywhere. From how we get to our destination to what we do when we...
12 Things to Pack for Your Cruise–Besides Cute Outfits
When you think of things to pack for your cruise, you’re likely focusing on cute outfits and swimwear that you actually feel comfortable in. How many pairs of shoes and sandals? Where’s that pretty beach bag? Go ahead and...
A Healthy Traveler Is a Happy Traveler–It Just Takes Planning
Truth: A healthy traveler IS a happy traveler! When we feel well–no matter where we are–we can dive right in and get the most from our experiences. We’re also able to meet the challenges that seem to be a...
“How-To” Review for Travelers: Super-Simple Summer School
Today I propose a “how-to” review of past posts containing useful information. Summer isn’t really the time to tackle a steep learning curve. On the other hand, we don’t want our brains to turn to mush. Let’s go easy,...
Cooking Class + Travel = Happiness (After All, You Have to Eat!)
One of the first things I do when planning a trip is to find a cooking class. It seems like the best way to get to know my destination. Food tells the story of a place: its history, culture,...