A rich travel experience is like a great jazz performance; master the basics first and then improvise. With that in mind, I’ve planned my trips for 2023, taking advantage of discounts, flash sale promos and end of the year savings. I’ve managed to save a bundle by looking 12 months out, comparing travel insurance pricing, tour and flight options, and using trusted group tour and travel partners. But as everyone …
“A good story cannot be devised, it has to be distilled” Raymond Chandler Ireland: Republic of and Northern Distilled in great photos with brief commentary. Five grand adventures beginning with Dublin and a circumnavigation of the Republic of Ireland, with a pause for positive Covid test adding eleven days to the journey. A chance to visit Northern Ireland. Dublin’s jewels: Jameson’s, St. Patrick’s ( built 1220) novelist Oscar Wilde, Irish …
It struck me as I was setting out the beautiful porcelain figures in our Christmas manger scene this year. Starting with the Holy Family. Adding the wise men, the shepherds, a donkey…even a camel. This was Christmas. A wooden manger. No room in the inn. In fact, there were no “inns” in the time of Jesus, none in Bethlehem and not in the Air Bnb-style. Barren, rocky landscapes, dusty and …
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 …
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. …
Remember when you had to actually GO shopping to shop? Not any more. Any of these wonderfully giftable items are guaranteed to generate tidings of great joy from your favorite traveler. I recommend each of these after lots of research and personal usage but would love to hear from you if you have a better recommendation! Here are my top picks in no particular order: ~The Secrid Twin Wallet Double …