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A travel guide to visiting Nairobi and the top things to do in Nairobi Kenya, including the most popular attractions as well as some lesser-known places. We'll also give you information and tips on getting to Nairobi, how to get around the city, where to stay in Nairobi, where to eat in Nairobi, how... Read More...
A guide to visiting the Galeries Lafayette department store and the top things to do at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann. In this article, we'll share a brief history of Galeries Lafayette in Paris, tips on getting to the store, the top things to do and see in Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, a... Read More...
Belfast and the Titanic will forever be linked together in history. Guide to visiting all the sites associated with the RMS Titanic in Belfast, Northern Ireland, including the Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic, Titanic Memorial, slipways, Titanic Dock & Pump-House, Ulster Transport Museum, and the Titanic... Read More...
A guide to historic Route 66 motels and hotels along the entire stretch of Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. We list over 50 vintage Route 66 motels and hotels along the route with information and booking details for each one. We also include a Route 66 motel map. We focus on historical Route 6... Read More...
A detailed travel guide to visiting the Isle of Raasay in Scotland and the top things do on Raasay. We share how to get to the Isle of Raasay, how to get around Raasay, where to stay on Raasay, where to eat, and the top things to do and see on the island. We'll also share our own experience and tips... Read More...
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Our 2 week Turkey itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip to Turkey. Our detailed 14 day Turkey itinerary includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Troy, Gallipoli, and Ankara. Two weeks in Turkey gives you time to explore Turkey's cosmopolitan cities, anci... Read More...
A complete guide to visiting Highclere Castle, the main filming location for the TV show Downton Abbey. We’ll tell you all you need to know to visit Highclere Castle yourself (State Rooms, Egyptian Exhibition, gardens, and estate), share some of the fascinating history of Highclere Castle, share o... Read More...
The North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland and we’ve put together a comprehensive 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary to help drivers navigate this driving route. This detailed day-by-day 1 week North Coast 500 road trip itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route... Read More...
The ultimate guide visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland based on our visits in both summer and winter! Our guide covers how to get there, how to make reservations, cost of entry, what to expect inside the spa, what you need to bring, how to protect your hair, how to protect your camera, Icelandic spa... Read More...
A travel guide to things to do in Caldwell Ohio and Noble County Ohio from a local. Provides travel information on how to get to Caldwell, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. Covers the Old Town Jail, Baker Glass Museum, Thorla-McKee Oil Well, Big Muskie, Caldwell-Ball House, Noble County F... Read More...
Our comprehensive guide to 6 Charleston plantations. Trying to choose which Charleston plantation to visit? We give you all the details you need to decide and plan your own visit to these plantations. Our guide to the plantations near Charleston includes how to get to each plantations, tips for savi... Read More...
A detailed and comprehensive guide to the Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland, including the Hogwarts Express train (The Jacobite), the dramatic Scottish Highlands train scenery, the location of Hagrid's hut (Glencoe) and the location of Dumbledore's grave (Eilean na Moine). We provide a map ... Read More...
A comprehensive and practical guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower, including how to buy tickets, how to save time and money, how to skip the lines, and how to get the best photos. We share all our Eiffel Tower tips based on our many visits to the Tour Eiffel.... Read More...
A comprehensive guide to visiting The Alamo in San Antonio as well as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. We'll give you a brief history of The Alamo and the Battle of the Alamo and tell you everything you need to know in order to visit The Alamo in San Antonio Texas, including how t... Read More...
Wondering where to celebrate Burns Night in 2020? We've put together a guide to the top places to join a Burns Supper or other type of Burns Night event in Scotland to celebrate Robert Burns and his writings. There are hundreds of ways to celebrate Burns Night in Scotland and we have an up-to-date l... Read More...
Our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland, which range from exploring castles to touring whisky distilleries to visiting Outlander filming locations. We suggest 15 day trips from Edinburgh that cover a range of interests and locations. For each Edinburgh day trip idea, we provide all t... Read More...
A travel guide to the top things to do in Belfast Northern Ireland as well as suggestions on getting around, where to stay, and day trip ideas. Belfast is probably best known for Belfast Titanic (Titanic museum), street murals, and The Troubles, but there is a lot to do and see in Belfast. It also h... Read More...
A travel guide to the top things to do in Huntsville Alabama. Includes information on how to get there, how to get around, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and ideas for taking local day trips from Huntsville.... Read More...
Our detailed guide to where to see puffins in Iceland. We'll share with you 14 of the best places to find puffins in Iceland. We'll tell you about the best spots, and share with you where it is, how to get there, and what to expect at each site. We'll also share what tours you can take to see puffin... Read More...
A guide to finding the best coffee in Rome Italy. We share our top cafes in Rome as well as tips and advice on ordering and drinking coffee in Rome, including typical Italian espresso coffee drinks, how to order coffee in Rome, how to save money, coffee tours in Rome, and a note on service charges.... Read More...
Our comprehensive La Garrotxa travel guide provides information on transport, things to do in La Garrotxa, where to stay, what to eat, and what to expect in this volcanic region of the Spanish Pyrenees within the Girona province of Catalonia Spain.... Read More...
A detailed guide to visiting the six covered bridges of Madison County Iowa: Cedar Bridge, Imes Bridge, Roseman Bridge, Holliwell Bridge, Cutler-Donahoe Bridge, and Hogback Bridge. The covered bridges were made famous by the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County. We also share information on ... Read More...
A 3 day London itinerary to help you spend a perfect 3 days in London. Our 3 day London itinerary helps you see the highlights of London and helps you with planning your 3 days in London. Our itinerary includes London's most famous attractions (e.g., Tower of London, Windsor Castle) as well as some ... Read More...
Palamós is one of our favorite Costa Brava towns so we decided to put together a travel guide about all the things to do in Palamós Spain. This Mediterranean coastal town is one of the best preserved fishing villages in the Costa Brava and is a perfect place to relax in Catalonia.The town offers ... Read More...
Iceland is a popular but expensive travel destination. To help with your trip planning, we've put together a guide to how to travel to Iceland on a budget. We share budget tips and ways to save money in Iceland on flights, rental cars, dining out, hotels, camping, groceries, and sightseeing to help... Read More...
One of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland is the Dark Hedges, a beautiful row of trees that has been made famous by their appearance Game of Thrones. In this Dark Hedges guide, we're going to tell you everything you need to know to visit the Dark Hedges including how to get there, wher... Read More...
A travel guide to the top things to do in Aberdeen Scotland as well as suggestions on getting around, where to stay, and day trip ideas. Aberdeen has powerful architecture, beautiful gardens, charming historical districts, interesting museums, good restaurants, internationally known golf courses, fu... Read More...
If you are thinking about visiting the Cairngorms National Park in winter, we've put together a list of things to do in the Cairngorms during the winter that includes skiing, winter hiking, whisky tasting, exploring historical sites, wildlife watching, and visiting popular family attractions. We'll ... Read More...
Our 3 day Dublin itinerary gives you day-by-day suggestions on how to spend 3 days in Dublin Ireland. This detailed Dublin itinerary includes all the main highlights of the city such as Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse as well as a few lesser known sites. We also provide tips on h... Read More...
J.K. Rowling wrote most of the Harry Potter books in Edinburgh Scotland, and you can still visit many of these places today. Rowling moved to Edinburgh in 1993 and once said in an interview: “…Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, m... Read More...
Our guide to help travelers avoid crowds on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The Isle of Skye is a scenic island known for its rugged and dramatic landscapes. It is a popular tourist destination and it is no secret that the Isle of Skye can get very busy, especially during the summer months when large ... Read More...
Route 66 is the ultimate American road trip and we've put together a comprehensive 2 week Route 66 itinerary to help drivers navigate this historic route. The detailed day-by-day Route 66 itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route) and sightseeing highlights along the 2,400 mile ... Read More...
How to get from London to Edinburgh. This guide covers 10 ways to travel from London to Edinburgh, and the costs, time, and booking methods associated with each so you can find the best way to get from London to Edinburgh for you. London and Edinburgh are two of the UK's most popular cities, and man... Read More...
The North Coast 500 (NC500) is one of Scotland's most spectacular driving routes, covering 500 miles of the gorgeous northern Scottish Highlands. There are so many good reasons to drive the North Coast 500 as you have the chance to enjoy such a variety of attractions, activities, and landscapes. The... Read More...
Our Finland Packing List. Based on our time traveling in Finland in winter, we've decided to create a Finland packing list for winter to help those traveling there for the first time. Finland can be a difficult place to pack for if you are not used to packing for cold weather destinations. Temperatu... Read More...
Detailed guide to visiting the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. What to expect, tips on parking and where to stay, what's on and more!... Read More...
A comprehensive guide to driving in Iceland in winter for your Iceland winter trip with lots of practical tips and advice based on our own personal experience. We cover all the practical things you need to know before you go, how to be prepared for driving in Iceland in winter, what kind of car to r... Read More...
Did you know that you can find four UNESCO World Heritage sites in London? Although London is one of the world's great modern capitals, it has a history stretching back to Roman times. London's four UNESCO World Heritage sites are: Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey & St. Margaret's Church, th... Read More...
A comprehensive guide to winter activities in Iceland during the winter! Visiting Iceland in winter can be a wonderful experience as there are fewer people, beautiful winter landscapes, and chances to see the Northern Lights! There are also a number of fun winter activities to do like skiing, dog sl... Read More...
We share our favorite ways to celebrate Christmas in Edinburgh Scotland. There are loads things to do in Edinburgh during December, which include the Edinburgh Christmas markets, ice skating, Christmas shopping, light shows, charity events, and concerts. We cover all things associated with Christma... Read More...
An Isle of Wight guide to visiting the top Queen Victoria sites on the Isle of Wight in England. Queen Victoria had a significant impact on the Isle of Wight, and there are a number of Queen Victoria related sites on the Isle of Wight. Queen Victoria first visited the Isle of Wight on a holiday with... Read More...
Did you know that you can create your own perfume in a Paris perfume workshop? You have several options where you can develop your own personal fragrance with personal guidance from a professional nose during a perfume class in Paris. Fragonard workshop attendees learn about the history of perfume, ... Read More...
Paris Pass review and all the information you need to decide if it is worth it for your trip to Paris. We’ll help provide all the information you need to know to decide if the Paris Pass is a good deal for you, decide on which pass to buy, and how to get the most value out of your pass. We’ll al... Read More...
North Coast 500 Planning Guide - what to see, when to go, how long you need, where to stay and eat, what to pack, and lots more NC500 tips!... Read More...
Guide to the top Winston Churchill sites in England. We have put together a list of the top Winston Churchill sites in England and tips on visiting each of these places. As admirers of Winston Churchill ourselves, we know that many people want to visit places associated with Churchill during their ... Read More...
Guide to things to do in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. There are many things to do in Loch Lomond, and it is a popular weekend destination for locals from Glasgow and Edinburgh in search of nature and outdoor activities. Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was Scotland's first nat... Read More...
Our London itinerary: what to see and do with 6 days in London! London is one of the world's most famous capital cities and England's largest city, offering an endless number of attractions, museums, historical buildings, and entertainment options. London can be an overwhelming city for many travele... Read More...
Our Recommended North Coast 500 Hotels Guide - where to stay along the NC500. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland's northern coast, offering drivers rugged landscapes, sandy benches, wildlife, museums, castles, whisky distilleries, and so much more! If you are planning to r... Read More...
A guide to Glasgow's attractions and a list of the top things to do in Glasgow Scotland. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and there are so many things to do in Glasgow! The city is home to fantastic art galleries, historical National Trust properties, leafy green spaces, amazing street art, a... Read More...
We compare several discount Barcelona passes and Barcelona cards that can help you save money in Barcelona Spain. It can be difficult to decide which one, if any, may help you save money and time on your trip. We'll provide information about and compare four of the most popular Barcelona passes: the... Read More...
A guide to the British Pullman train. The Belmond British Pullman is the sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and is made up of a collection of historic Pullman carriages. Based at Victoria Station in London, the train makes regular luxury day trips and short journeys in England. A jour... Read More...
A guide to using & buying the Barcelona Pass and figuring out if it is worth the money. If you are planning a trip to Barcelona and want to admire Gaudí's architecture, take sightseeing tours, and visit some of Barcelona's top attractions, you may be able to save money and time by purchasing the Ba... Read More...
A perfect 7 day Iceland Itinerary for drivers visiting Iceland for the first time. If you are planning a trip to Iceland, our 7 day Iceland itinerary will help you plan the perfect Iceland road trip. If you have 7 days in Iceland you have time to explore the capital city of Reykjavík, the west coas... Read More...
Finding Gaudi in Barcelona: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaudi's Barcelona with over 20 Gaudí sites in Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí is the most famous architect of the Catalan Modernism movement, and there are a number of Gaudí sites in Barcelona Spain that you can visit. Although Gaudí is best known for... Read More...
A comprehensive guide to visiting the Spanish Pyrenees. A lot of people visit Barcelona and Costa Brava every year; however, many fewer people visit the Spanish Pyrenees of Catalonia. This lesser known region of Spain offers a perfect place to escape from the often crowded coast, whether you visit i... Read More...
A guide to what to do at a ski resort if you don't ski. Ski holidays for non-skiers? I personally don't ski but have spent time at a number of ski resorts and winter holiday destinations around the world. There are a lot of fun winter snow activities that don't involve skiing or snowboarding such as... Read More...
The Royal Edinburgh Ticket is a great way to save money when visiting the top royal attractions in Edinburgh Scotland! The ticket covers all three of our favorite royal sites in Edinburgh: the mighty and historic Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace (official Scottish residence of the royal family), an... Read More...
A comprehenisve guide to Route 66 in Albuquerque by a former local, including attractions, neon signs, historical sites, places to eat, and places to stay. Albuquerque is a great place to "get your kicks" and we'll provide a brief history of Route 66 in Albuquerque, share information on how to find ... Read More...
A photo essay of our wedding in Venice. Venice is a romantic destination and a popular place for weddings and honeymoons. We were lucky to have an amazing wedding in Venice and wanted to share photos from our wedding. Photos from Jessica Norah and Laurence Norah's wedding in Venice Italy.... Read More...
A guide to visiting Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire, England. Wentworth Woodhouse was the largest private home in the United Kingdom and it has the longest façade of any country home in Europe; however, very few people have ever heard of this spectacular English house! We'll share some of the fasc... Read More...
Here is our one week Sri Lanka itinerary that we think is perfect for couples, which focuses on wildlife, romance, luxury, and tea. Specifically it includes staying at the top luxury resort in Sri Lanka, soaking up the beautiful scenery of Sri Lanka's hilly Tea Country, exploring ancient sites, admi... Read More...
Our City Guide to YEG: 20 Things to do in Edmonton Alberta. After our recent trip to Western Canada, we wanted to share a list of some of the top things to do in Edmonton Alberta. As Alberta's capital city, there are loads of things to do in the city from skiing and biking to visiting farmers' marke... Read More...
A guide to finding afternoon tea in Albuquerque New Mexico. Let’s face it, you’ve probably never thought of having afternoon tea in Albuquerque New Mexico. So you might be surprised that one of my favorite places for afternoon tea, St. James Tearoom, is located in Albuquerque. I have been to St.... Read More...
A guide for those planning a trip to Scotland and looking for Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands itinerary ideas. Spectacular landscapes, castles, mysterious lochs, waterfalls, tasty seafood dinners, and Highland coos are a few of the many treasured memories associated with our Scottish Highlands i... Read More...
Guide to using the London Oyster card on public transit. Using an Oyster card, a credit card sized transport card, is an easy way to save time and money if you are planning to use public transportation in London. An Oyster card can be used on just about every form of transport within London includin... Read More...
Guide to over 25 hidden gems in Edinburgh. There are so many fantastic Edinburgh attractions and we keep discovering new ones as we delve deeper into this historical city. This guide is for those visitors who have already seen the highlights of Edinburgh. So whether you have a long stay in Edinburgh... Read More...
October brings the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta! Every year, the international hot air balloon festival is held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Interested in attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta? We’ll cover some logistics, give loads of tips, and provide lots of photos of past ... Read More...
An Essential Planning Guide to the August Festivals in Edinburgh. Edinburgh festivals are well-known around the world, lending the city one of its nicknames, Festival City. But did you know that five major festivals take place in Edinburgh during the month of August? Edinburgh is home to 11 major fe... Read More...
A detailed guide to the top things to do in Edinburgh Scotland to help you plan your Edinburgh itinerary! Plus lots of tips to help you plan.... Read More...
Higlights of the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. A visit to the Scottish Borders is an easy day trip from Edinburgh, and allows visitors to get a glimpse into a relatively unknown region of Scotland. You can also combine it with a trip to Hadrian's Wall.... Read More...
Ceylon Tea Trails is the most coveted place to stay in Sri Lanka, and a perfect place for history and tea lovers like us. Nestled among the scenic hills of the Bogawantalawa region, you'll find five colonial-era tea planter bungalows which have been turned into a private luxury resort. Each of the h... Read More...
Alexandria Egypt has a very impressive and storied past, beginning with its founding by Alexander the Great around 331 B.C. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Mediterranean, Alexandria is a Mediterranean port city and the second largest city in Egypt. During the Hellenistic period, it was home to both the l... Read More...
The Stanley Hotel is best known for being the inspiration for Stephen King's bestselling novel The Shining and the subsequent film starring Jack Nicholson as the slowly driven mad overseer. The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park Colorado, the gateway to one of the most visited national parks in ... Read More...
A comprehensive guide to Louisiana Plantations along the River Road. We recently visited 12 Louisiana plantations along Louisiana's River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Louisiana's River Road parallels the east and west banks of the Mississippi River for about 70 miles (about 100 miles of... Read More...
How to plan a London day trip to Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds villages. We were able to tour the grand Blenheim Palace, stop at Bladon (burial place of Winston Churchill), and stop at the cute Cotswolds villages of Bibury and Burford. We share how to plan your own day trip to Blenheim Palace, O... Read More...
Top things to do in Marrakesh Morocco. Marrakesh is a sensory-rich city in Morocco where you can experience a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern conveniences. Marrakesh is a sensory-rich city in Morocco where you can experience a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern conveniences.... Read More...
Detailed London Pass review, which explains if the London Pass is worth it for your trip to London, as well as tips and tricks on using the London Pass... Read More...
Oak Alley Plantation is one of over a dozen Louisiana plantation homes open to the public that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. We toured, ate, and stayed overnight at Oak Alley Plantation. We provide all the information you need to decide if you want to take the plana... Read More...
Go inside the Vasari Corridor. We recently had the pleasure of touring inside the Vasari Corridor in Florence Italy. The Vasari Corridor is an enclosed private passageway built in the 16th century by the Medici family to connect the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti. This narrow elevated passagew... Read More...
We recently attended the Edinburgh International Science Festival which kicks off the annual festival activities in Edinburgh. Scotland may bring to mind images of rugged castles, grazing Highland cattle, lush green glens, sheep, bagpipes, haggis, and men in kilts. However, Edinburgh, the country's ... Read More...
A guide to planning the perfect Oxford day trip from London. Oxford is a compact historical university city situated about 60 miles from London, making a Oxford day trip an ideal way to get out of the bustling capital for a day. We share advice and tips on how to get to Oxford from London, what to s... Read More...
A guide to booking reservations, visiting, and exploring the art of the Borghese Gallery in Rome Italy. The Galleria Borghese, or Borghese Gallery, features one of the world's greatest private art collections within a 17th century Roman villa. The collection includes major works by Bernini, Titian, ... Read More...
A guide to taking a train journey on the Venice Simplon Orient Express and the story of our own experiences. The original Orient Express train service ran from 1883 to 2009, and its name became associated with glamour, luxury, intrigue, and even murder! In its heyday, it was the most luxurious train... Read More...
A Route 66 road trip is a 2,400 mile driving adventure along what is probably the most famous road in the world. Our Route 66 planning guide will help you plan your American road trip adventure including, when to go, how many days you need, how to rent a car, what to see, where to stay, etc.... Read More...
A guide to finding 10 Salvador Dalí sites in Costa Brava Spain, which are not far from Girona or Barcelona. The three most famous places which form the so-called Dali Triangle are the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Dalí's hometown of Figueres, his adulthood home in Portlligat, and his wife Gala's sanct... Read More...
Planning a California Pacific Coast Highway road trip? Driving along the California Pacific Coast Highway is perhaps one of the greatest road trips in the world. Over the past five years, I was very lucky to have the opportunity to visit many of the towns and city's along the Golden Coast. But it wa... Read More...
Porvoo Finland makes a great day trip from Helsinki. Last winter Laurence and I stayed in Helsinki for several days and took a day trip to Porvoo Finland. Settled in the Middle Ages, Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland and is well-known for its historic Old Town and its colorful riverside wa... Read More...
Afternoon tea in London is one of those quintessential travel experiences and I was very excited to try the Prêt-à-Portea tea at The Berkeley. The name for this fashion-inspired tea is a clever play on the phrase prêt-à-porter which refers to ready-to-wear clothing (a.k.a. off-the-rack) within t... Read More...
Hemingway in Key West. One of the most notable people to live in Key West was writer and avid traveler Ernest Hemingway, and as a visitor you can still find many traces of Hemingway in Key West. In April 1928, Hemingway and his wife Pauline Pfeiffer would come to Key West to pick up a car and while ... Read More...
If you are trying to see as many highlights as you can in London in one day, you might consider taking a full day London walking tour. These walking tours take you through the heart of the capital city with a knowledgeable local guide and give you a chance to see and learn about London's most famous... Read More...
A guide to things to do in Amish Country Ohio from a local Ohioan. Amish Country Ohio is located in northeast central Ohio and Holmes County has the largest community of Amish in the world. Our Amish Country guide covers what to see, things to do, where to eat, where to shop, and where to stay in Am... Read More...
San Francisco Native Tours is a new walking tour company in San Francisco that focuses on locally-led walks around this popular city. They strive to be different from many other walking tour companies by only hiring native guides who have grown up in the city, being actively involved in the local co... Read More...
The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in North America, set on about 10,000 acres of land in Southeast Ohio. The Wilds safari park is home to a number of rare and endangered animals from around the world, including cheetah, rhinos, camels, antelope, zebra, and giraffes. We'll give you... Read More...
Things to Do in Redding California! We recently spent a lovely three-day weekend in Redding California, which lies within the Shasta Cascade area that covers a large portion of northern California. Redding is an approximate 2.5 hour drive from Sacramento or 3.5 hour drive from San Francisco, a perfe... Read More...
Jafferji House and Spa is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Stone Town on the exotic spice island of Zanzibar. The building was built about 100 years ago and had been used as both a family home and a shop before being converted into a hotel by the Jafferji family. Opened in 2012, the 1... Read More...
Taking a food tour in San Francisco is really a no brainer as San Francisco is a city full of culinary delights from artisan coffee to fresh caught seafood to old-fashioned ice cream. We didn't hesitate when Avital Food Tours asked us to review one of their walking food tours. Currently, this small ... Read More...
I spent three days in the Le Marche Region of Italy following the Travel Bloggers Destination Italy conference in Rimini and will help you plan your own trip to the Marche region of Italy. Admittedly, I had never heard of the Le Marche region before and was mispronouncing the name of the region (pro... Read More...
I was really surprised to learn that there was an African wildlife preserve called Safari West located only 75 miles north of San Francisco. Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve containing over 100 species and over 700 individual animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, flamingoes, rhin... Read More...
A Travel Guide to Visiting Finland in Winter. We share our tips for visiting Finland in winter as well as share our top 23 winter activities in Finland, including husky sledding, ice-karting, and Northern Lights hunting, to help you put together your own trip to this magical winter wonderland.... Read More...
The African Tulip Hotel is a centrally located boutique hotel in Arusha Tanzania and is currently ranked on Tripadvisor as the number one hotel in the city. Arusha is a very common stop on most travelers' itineraries in Tanzania as the city is a great jumping off spot to head to a variety of parks f... Read More...
Morro Bay is a charming seaside town with a bustling waterfront, charming old town, and an enormous landmark in the form of Morro Rock which sits in the harbor. You'll likely first notice this large iconic rock from miles away as your approach the city. Morro Bay sits along the Central California Co... Read More...
There are many ways to experience beer in Bavaria. Germany is well-known for its beer culture with Munich being home to the long-running Oktoberfest and the world famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall, both of which attract millions of beer-guzzling tourists each year. However, attending Oktoberfest is not ... Read More...
The main reason we chose to stay at Buffalo Luxury Camp is because it offers guests the opportunity to do both night game drives and game walks. Buffalo Luxury Camp is located in the northern Serengeti on its own privately owned hillside just a few miles outside of the boundaries of Serengeti Nation... Read More...
Asanja Africa provided the perfect balance of wilderness and luxury for us while staying in the Serengeti. The Serengeti, one of the world's most amazing wildlife areas, is the perfect place to enjoy a stay in a small tented camp. Located in the southern central area of Serengeti National Park in Ta... Read More...
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Africa and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. We share practical information for visiting the Serengeti as well as our top 10 things to do in the Serengeti National Park which include game drives, nature walks, v... Read More...
The first tented camp we ever stayed in was Angata Ngorongoro Camp, a camp situated on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. If you go on safari in Tanzania, your itinerary will almost inevitably include the Ngorongoro Crater. Descending into the crater is a bit like entering the mythical Ga... Read More...
On our recent trip to East Africa, we spent two days in the colorful town of Karatu Tanzania which served as a relaxing pause from our wildlife safari. Located along the northern safari circuit, Karatu serves as gateway to the Ngorongoro Highlands and is located between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongo... Read More...
Karatu Simba Lodge is a new eco-friendly lodge located near the Ngorongoro Forest in Tanzania. Many safari travelers stop for a night in Karatu because of its strategic location between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Karatu Simba Lodge is committed to environmen... Read More...
During our recent trip to Kenya, we had to decide how to best spend a day in Nairobi since we had only a limited amount of time in the city. This is our guide to deciding how to best spend a day in Nairobi. We share what we did in one day in Nairobi with a detailed stop-by-stop itinerary of where we... Read More...
The day we completed our trek of Mt. Kilimanjaro, we headed back to Arusha to enjoy the warm beds and gourmet dining at Machweo Wellness Retreat & Fine Dining. We were told during our recent trip to Africa that “you don’t come to Tanzania for the food”, which is likely true given the stunning ... Read More...
Read our detailed day-by-day account of our Mt. Kilimanjaro trek along the Rongai Route. Mount Kilimanjaro is the hike of a lifetime for many seasoned hikers and amateur climbers as while it is one of the Seven Summits, it requires no technical climbing and no real experience. However, rising to an ... Read More...
This past January Ethan and I made the decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to help support a non-profit organization called Vision for the Poor. Through our Climb for Sight, we raised donations from both individual and corporate sponsors to be used to support the treatment of children an... Read More...
As tea lovers, Ethan and I were excited to visit the Thai Nguyen province with Footprint Travel's Tea & Bike Tour. Thai Nguyen province is the primary tea growing region of Vietnam and is famous not only for its green tea, but also for its beautiful Nui Coc Lake and mountain scenery. Located about 2... Read More...
We love to find places that offer good views of a new city and the rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City provide not only an excellent opportunity to get a good orientation to the city, but also some delicious cocktails. Ho Chi Minh City, often still referred to as Saigon, is a booming city on the rise... Read More...
Burg Eltz is the German castle that has impressed us the most and currently holds the title as our favorite castle in Germany. Even in a region where it is almost impossible to not stumble over some ruined castle, this castle really stands out. Burg Eltz sits in a forested green valley alongside the... Read More...
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi serves the dual role of being both a historical landmark and a luxury hotel. Opened in 1901 by two French investors, the French colonial-style hotel soon became one of Southeast Asia's most iconic hotels and today is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Vietn... Read More...
One morning while in Hanoi Vietnam, we got up before 4:00am to go on an early morning city tour. Crazy, right?! Now, we are not early morning people by any means, but we trusted our guide and drug ourselves out of our comfortable beds to explore Hanoi at 4:00am. We are so glad we did as there are th... Read More...
Hoi An is a postcard perfect historic riverside town that has been carefully preserved so that the Old Town looks as it did centuries ago; however, the town is hugely popular and the crowds might have you searching for some Hoi An day trip destinations. Hoi An is certainly a gem but we were feeling ... Read More...
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is a beach getaway destination for the rich and famous and is Vietnam's most exclusive resort, being accessible only by boat. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is situated north of Nha Trang on a calm bay with a golden sand beach and surrounded by tall boulder-strewn mountains. A total... Read More...
On our first full day in Korea, we made a morning visit to the Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul. Its official name is Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market and it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is Seoul's oldest and largest indoor seafood market, housing over 700 vendors with fish brough... Read More...
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, you may not be thinking about places to go for afternoon tea in Ho Chi Minh City. For most people, Vietnam does not conjure up images of high tea, but you'll be surprised by how many of the old grand hotels—and some of the shiny new ones—are offering up som... Read More...
During our recent trip to South Korea, we fell in love with the look of the traditional hanok houses in Seoul. These traditional Korean houses are built in a specific architectural style to maintain balance with the surrounding environment and are constructed using elements such as long curved roofs... Read More...
IIf you are looking for a luxury hotel in Phnom Penh Cambodia, you do not need to look further than Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Not only does Hotel Le Royal provide all the services and amenities you'd associate with a modern luxury hotel, but it is also a historical landmark, having welcomed royalty, w... Read More...
While in South Korea last week, we visited our first cat café in Seoul. Interested in visiting a cat cafe in Seoul? Cat cafés first gained popularity in Japan (although according to Wikipedia the first was opened in Taiwan in 1998) and then spread across Asia. They are now starting to spring up in... Read More...
A guide to the best restaurants in Paris. This list covers Paris's best Michelin starred restaurants, which offer great value fixed price lunch menus!... Read More...
Most visitors are surprised by the sheer size of Golden Gate Park, which is 20% larger than New York City’s Central Park, consisting of over 1,017 acres of land. Golden Gate Park is the city's lungs and is more than just a giant patch of grass destined for picnics and frisbees. Where else can you ... Read More...
A travel guide to Beilstein Germany. Beilstein is a tiny town located along the peaceful Moselle River (a.k.a. Mosel River in English), known as the "Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle" due to its beautiful setting and historic inaccessibility. The Moselle River Valley has castles, vineyards, and cute l... Read More...
Grasse France might be the sweetest smelling city in Europe, widely known as the perfume capital of the world. Known for its leather tanning work in the Middle Ages, this hilly French town would eventually become the center of the French perfume industry after it began manufacturing perfumed gloves ... Read More...
Shave ice, or ice shave as it is known on the Big Island of Hawaii, is a dessert that is believed to have originated in Japan over a 1,000 years ago. Shave ice has become a local island food in Hawaii, particularly on the Big Island. On the Big Island, it is also called ice shave by many locals, alt... Read More...
After over 3 years of living in the San Francisco Bay area we finally made it to Alcatraz Island last week and did the Alcatraz Night Tour and explored the famous prison. While primarily known and visited because of the 29 years it served as the home for the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, t... Read More...
Dominating the skyline of Köln (a.k.a. Cologne in English) in Germany, the Köln Cathedral is one of the few structures that remained standing after the vast majority of the town was flattened by aerial bombs during World War II. Given its status as Germany’s largest Gothic church, designation as... Read More...
Pea Soup Andersen's is one of those quirky, roadside restaurants that has a strong cult following in California and its fame can be attributed to the humble pea. For generations, locals and travelers alike have swung by this old-fashioned restaurant for friendly service and a hot bowl of pea soup! P... Read More...
Ethan and I took advantage of the recent holiday and spent the day off work doing a Segway tour in San Francisco. This was our first time taking a Segway tour and we thought that Golden Gate Park might be the perfect place given its vast size. Golden Gate Park is actually 20% larger than New York Ci... Read More...
On our last visit to Paris we took a boat cruise on the Canal Saint Martin. While a good percentage of Paris visitors take a boat cruise on the famous Seine River, very few venture onto Paris’ canals. In fact, I think most people don’t happen to know that Paris has canals, let alone that there i... Read More...
The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, California is a nationally recognized public dry garden that contains a variety of rare and extraordinary cacti, succulents, trees, and shrubs from around the world. The 2.5-acre garden is unusual in that it focuses almost entirely on water-conserving and dr... Read More...
If you are planning a trip to Paris and want to spend some time admiring great artwork and visiting grand monuments, you’ll likely save money and time by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass. The Paris Museum Pass not only allows for free admission to a over 60 of top-visited attractions in Paris (i.e.,... Read More...
The Friedrichsbad Baths, located in Baden-Baden Germany, is an elegant bathing complex that originally opened in 1877 as one of the most modern bathing establishment in Europe. Originally catering to European royalty and aristocracy, this beautiful neo-Renaissance style nude bathing house is still o... Read More...
Ziplining on the Big Island of Hawaii is one of many potential adventures you might embark on when exploring this wonderful island. Zipline adventures allow you to soar from tree to tree in rain forests and across canyons, allowing you to take in views of waterfalls, rivers, and tropical wildlife fr... Read More...
Our guide to attending the Bracebirdge Dinner at Yosemite National Park in California during Chrsitmas. The Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee hotel (formerly known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is a long-held Christmas tradition at Yosemite National Park. Each December, The Ahwahnee hotel dining ... Read More...
While traveling do you want to stop and go to the movies in France? This article will explain out to read and interpret French film listings with a specific focus on going to the movies in Paris and Pariscope magazine listings. What is the difference between v.o. and v.f. films? We'll help you go to... Read More...
The southern part of the Yosemite National Park has a lot to offer visitors and should not be missed. South Yosemite National Park offers the park’s largest group of ancient giant sequoia trees, the best place to learn about the history of Yosemite, the historic Victorian-era Wawona Hotel, and les... Read More...
The Philosophers’ Walk in Heidelberg, or the Philosophenweg, is a path located on the northern banks of the Neckar River in Heidelberg, Germany. The Philosophers Walk in Heidelberg, complete with gardens and informational plaques, offers lovely views of the Neckar River, Old Town of Heidelberg, an... Read More...
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a small Luberon town in Provence France. It is most famous for being the town where the source of the Sorgue River is located, which gives the town its name. The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is the largest spring in France and one of the most powerful resurgent springs in the world. ... Read More...
A guide to visiting the PEZ Museum in Burlingame California. This weekend Ethan and I visited the Burlingame Museum of PEZ Memorabilia—that’s right a PEZ Museum! The quirky one-room museum is dedicated to the history of this iconic candy and displays over 800 unique PEZ dispensers. This PEZ Musu... Read More...
The L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Sunday market is the largest outdoor market in the idyllic Luberon area of the Provence region of France. The large Sunday market at L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a food market, flea market, and antique market rolled into one so you can buy everything from olives to fine art her... Read More...
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a cute medieval town in Germany that is the perfect place to spend a day or two. So if you are planning a trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we’ll provide you with a good general guide of how to plan a day in Rothenburg, give you our top seven things to do in Rothenburg ... Read More...
The Computer History Museum contains the largest international collection of computer-related artifacts in the world and the museum’s exhibits guide you through the past 2,000 years of computing history. At what other museum can you learn how to do calculations using Napier’s bones, play Pong, p... Read More...
A cup of tea in Paris at Mariage Frères. Tea has been gaining popularity in the City of Lights over the last few decades and tea rooms and afternoon tea services have been popping up all over Paris. We’ll take you on a quick tour of the oldest tea company in France, in Mariage Frères, which was ... Read More...
The 17 Mile Drive in California first opened in 1881 to horse and carriages and has become one of the most famous scenic drives in the world. 17-Mile Drive is a privately owned 2-lane road that winds its way along the Monterey Peninsula through the Del Monte Forest, along the rocky Pacific Coast, an... Read More...
While almost every visitor to Paris comes to the Île de la Cité—the island home to some of the most famous sites in Paris—most visitors miss the Deportation Memorial or the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation. But if you are looking for a more serious, quiet place of reflection, I would r... Read More...
Nîmes is a medium-sized city in Southern France, Our visit to Nîmes happened to coincide with the annual Feria de Nîmes (or Feria de Pentecôte) that takes place during Pentecost. The Feria de Nîmes is one of the largest festivals in France and draws a lot of European visitors. We’ll give you ... Read More...
Hiking at Lands End is a great way to explore the rocky northwestern corner of San Francisco. We’ll tell you how to find the Lands End trail, provide some tips on making the most of your hike, and share our advice and experience of hiking at Lands End.... Read More...
La Montagne des Singes, or "Monkey Mountain", is a sanctuary for Barbary macaque monkeys in the Alsace region of France. If you’re interested in visiting, we’ll give you all the details about the Montagne des Singes, provide some tips on making the most of your visit to the monkey park, and tell... Read More...
Guide to the best Seine River Cruises in Paris France. Details of all the top Seine River Cruises, what to expect and what to look out for when booking.... Read More...
Snorkeling on the Big Island of Hawaii is perhaps the best in the country. We’ll give our advice on the top Big Island snorkeling sites, discuss the pros and cons of doing it on your own versus going on a boat tour, provide tips about where to get your gear, and share our own Big Island snorkeling... Read More...
Both Laudrée and Pierre Hermé are famous pâtisserie based in Paris and both are well-known for their delicious, rainbow-colored assortment of macarons. Whereas Laudrée is known for its Belle Époque décor and more traditional offerings, Pierre Hermé is known for innovative and creative flavors... Read More...
A comprehensive guide to visiting Hearst Castle, a hilltop mansion built by the late William Randolph Hearst located along the beautiful Central Coast of California in the tiny town of San Simeon. Find out how you can visit Hearst Castle, learn about our experience of visiting Hearst Castle, tips on... Read More...
Free’P’Star is a great vintage store for cheap clothes in Paris. While many vintage clothing shops in Paris have me saying “C'est trop cher”, prices at Free P Star begin at just 1€! Free P Star has three Marais locations in Paris.... Read More...
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a shopping mecca for many visitors to Germany, and we want to share some of our favorite souvenir ideas from our time in Rothenburg. Some of our suggestions for shopping best bets in Rothenburg ob der Tauber include original etchings, Christmas tree decorations, Night Wat... Read More...
If your next trip to Germany is going to include spending some time in Bavaria, you may want to consider purchasing the Bavarian Castle Pass. This post will provide you with all the information you need to know about the sites covered by the Bavarian Castle Pass, the different types of passes, how t... Read More...
Looking for a place to have afternoon tea in San Francisco? Look no further than the Palace Hotel tea which is served in a stunningly beautiful turn-of-the-century dining area called The Garden Court. Read about our experience at the Palace Hotel tea.... Read More...
The Munich Greeter Program matches new visitors to the city with a local greeter that will accompany you on a free walking tour of Munich Germany. This article will cover how you can use the Munich Greeter program, as well as our review of our own Munich Greeter tour.... Read More...
Interested in viewing some Big Island waterfalls on your trip to Hawaii? This article provides a guide to all the top waterfalls on the Big Island. In addition, it also tells you which waterfalls are most accessible, highest, and most picturesque among the many waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii... Read More...
Interested in attending a fashion show in Paris? This article tell you how to get reservations and attend a fashion show in Paris at the Galeries Lafayette, and we share about our experience attending the fashion shows here. Until recently this was a free fashion show in Paris, but they have recentl... Read More...
We ate at the French Laundry for our fourth anniversary. Here are our reflections and our review of French Laundry restaurant in Yountville, CA.... Read More...
We had made reservations for a boat ride on the Canal Saint Martin in Paris on Canauxrama. We ended up being late and missing our reservations for our boat ride on the Saint Martin Canal.... Read More...
A guide to things to do in Napa Valley besies drink wine. Napa Valley in California is one of the great wine destinations of the world, but there are plenty of things you can do in Napa Valley besides drink wine. Here is our guide to 10 things to do in Napa Valley without wine which include hiking, ... Read More...
Interested in attending a ballet or opera at the Palais Garnier in Paris? This comprehensive article provides tips and advice on when to arrive, how to dress, and what to expect when attending a performance at the Paris Opera Garnier.... Read More...
French Laundry Reservation Tips. This article will provide tips on how to book French Laundry reservations and advice on how to increase your odds of making a reservation at The French Laundry in Yountville, California. This 3 Michelin-starred Thomas Keller restaurant is one of the most exclusive in... Read More...
We discovered Ladurée Macarons last year in Paris, and now craze these delightful pastries. We both review and rank the six macarons we sampled from Ladurée.... Read More...
Yesterday I got a really wonderful surprise when Ethan surprised me with reservations to The French Laundry restaurant for our anniversary. This was really meaningful to me given that he knew it was something that was on my bucket list, but had been one of the things he said he would be willing to d... Read More...
This article provides step-by-step guidance and advice on how to book tickets to the Paris Opera at the Palais Garnier. This article teaches you how to book tickets to the Paris Opera Garnier online.... Read More...
