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Browsing Tag: solo travel

Art-Inspired Travel: Secrets of the World’s Least Known Museums

Museums around the world engage and enthrall. A visit for me is never finished, I just run out of time. The most prestigious are not my only favorites since the smaller, stumbled upon gems can delight without the crowds and with greater access to the works displayed. Vienna On a fall afternoon in Vienna, I asked a shop owner about the Gustav Klimt posters of his painting, “Lady with a …

Do I Need a Visa? My Very Best Tips for Safe, Easy Border Crossings

First, this is written for Americans holding US passports. Big qualifier here because if you are one of the lucky world citizens to hold this gem, treasure it. A US passport simplifies travel like few others, ranked 7th in the world in terms of access to other countries. In fact, of the 195 countries recognized by the UN charter in 2023, you can visit 187 if them without a visa. …

Here’s a Little Food Magic from My Favorite Places

Part of a robust, magical traveling experience involves sampling fabulous foods from far-flung destinations, right? It slays me when I hear travelers asking for directions to the nearest American fast food joint when the locals can suggest so many marvelous and different options. You can get a burger and fries at home. Anytime. While you’re visiting Spain, try the Paella Valenciana, and in Portugal the Croquetas or the Padron Peppers. …

See the World’s Most Exotic, Chaotic, Exciting Destinations

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 …

My Top 10 Unexpected but Amazing Travel Moments in 2022

“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 …

How to Find Beauty and Divinity in Divided Bethlehem

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 …