Leave Lisbon and drive or take the train (for about 5 euros round trip ) along the coast to Cascais, considered by every guidebook of merit to be one of Portugal’s most chic resorts. “Known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and non-pareil beaches. But it is the tranquil atmosphere of luxury and ease, along with its stunning seaside esplanade that makes it one of …
The French know jewelry. With an historical pedigree from Cartier · Chaumet · Boucheron · Chanel · Dior · De Grace · Breguet, yessir, France has a lock on luxury baubles. On a recent Louvre excursion I spent time in rapt appreciation of the magisterial collection of Crown Jewels enthroned in three showcases in the 17th century gallery of Apollo. From the crown of Louis XV to the Le Régent …
Cooking classes are a top tier option for the solo, female senior traveler. I heartily recommend this as an easy (lots of online options) safe (read the reviews) entertaining and eye-opening way to explore the cuisine of a new country. Food preparation offers a unique and yummy peek into a national culture I took my first class on a trip to Southeast Asia, stopping in a small village for the …
Here are my ten best tips to make hotel check-ins, here and abroad, simple and safe. First, you’re at the Registration Desk. Take two keys. If they’re not offered, ask for the extra. Take a quick pic with your phone of the room key folder and room #. Easy memory trick. After a recent twelve hotel odyssey in France over three weeks, I was in “detail overload” and this helped! …
It’s not about the castanets. Before my trip to Seville, I misunderstood the art form of Flamenco. I had visions of elaborately ruffled women clicking those little plastic gizmos in a face off with brooding matador-types in mock Andalusian ecstasy. It’s not. Flamenco is an art like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It’s raucous, joyous, passionate and great entertainment. Fun fact: castanets were not part of the original flamenco dance but …
Ireland in the off-season is magical. Brisk, windy, often wet but still green and lively. Dublin is a great walking city and you can use the River Liffey as a handy navigation tool. Here are five places not to miss! Temple Bar Established in 1840, Temple Bar is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin but also because it offers over 450 different kinds of rare whiskies (Ireland’s largest collection). Easy …