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Category: Europe

First Time Traveling Solo? The Best Advice From A Broad

Since launching this blog, I’ve been asked for advisory “kick-starters” from many who’d love to do a solo trip and appreciate the inside scoop from one who has. Here’s a collection of my best to date. Travel like a writer. In other words, approach your trip as an adventure with a script that you get to write. Add in the action, engaging visuals, interesting conversations and unique dining and sightseeing …

Once in a Lifetime Christmas Markets You Must See

Paper cones filled with roasted steaming chestnuts, the air perfumed by cauldrons of hot, mulled cider, cinnamon and cloves. Sacher torte with peppermint-laced cream. Blown glass ornaments delicate as soap bubbles, hand-painted eggshells, their holiday scenes painted with a feather brush. St. Nicholas, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas… The Christmas season offers an intimate portrait of a country’s customs and its people. But… Christmas Market Travel is a big business. …

Visit Salamanca’s Whispered Luxury at Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel

It was an afterthought, a stop on the way from Madrid by way of Segovia and Avila to Salamanca. Easy to miss if you weren’t looking for the signpost at the end of a long driveway, mid-vineyard, bathed in a golden Spanish sunset. Had I known more about this little gem, I would have booked a week-long stay to enjoy all that the Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel, Spa and Organic …

Antonio Banderas’ El Pimpi and the Amazing Anchovies of Malaga

There are more famous residents of Malaga, Spain. Picasso for example. For art lovers, put the Picasso Museum Málaga on your must-see list. Several of his works are on display and there are art history and ceramic workshops. The great man is dutifully honored in the city park and you can take the requisite pics sitting on the bench. But for my money, a tapas lunch at El Pimpi offers …

Stunning Views and Palace Intrigue: Princesses of Chateau de Chillon

Clos de Chillon The Castle has its own vineyard spread along the shores of Lake Geneva, just 10 minutes walk from the castle. Each year, its grapes produce a Grand Cru known as the Clos de Chillon. The white wine is made using the chasselas variety, and the red from a blend of the gamaret, garanoir and merlot varieties. I have no idea what that means but our guide mentioned …

Five Biggest Fears About Solo Travel Answered Here for You!

People are often curious about my solo travels. After all, I have a wonderful husband so why not travel as a couple? The simple answer is, we often do. I’m just more interested in exploring the world and am comfortable with foreign languages, long plane flights, and logistical challenges. And he’s fine with that. I’ve been traveling solo for most of my business career and now, as a retiree, I’m …