How to Spend a Foodie Weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

How to Spend a Foodie Weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is steeped in history and there are so many historical sights (Liberty Bell, anyone?) to enjoy when you go. If you’re only there for a weekend, it may be hard to fit everything into your schedule that you’d like to do. For someone like me who’s been to Philadelphia countless times though – from a road trip with my grandparents when I was little to visiting my sister and cousins who went to university there – the typical tourist…

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Travel Stories: Kayaking in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Travel Stories: Kayaking in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The sun is starting to set over Ha Long Bay, one of the most picturesque spots of coastal Vietnam, with floating houses and local boat traffic intermingled with dramatic rock formations jutting out of the bay. I’ve lifted my oar out of the water, and have paused for a moment, listening to the rhythm of the water lapping next to the kayak. It should be one of the most peaceful moments of the trip, enjoying golden hour out on the…

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How to Spend One Day in Ghent, Belgium: Things to See, Do, and Eat!

How to Spend One Day in Ghent, Belgium: Things to See, Do, and Eat!

One day in Ghent may just leave you wanting more. It is a perfect spot for a day trip though, combining a variety of things to do in close proximity, beautiful viewpoints, and easy access to and from nearby Belgian cities, including Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. But even if you only have one day in Ghent, it is worth visiting not only because it is easy to get to – which it is! – but there are some pretty incredible…

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Best Wineries to Visit in Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California

Best Wineries to Visit in Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California

The word ‘Napa’ for many is synonymous with fine American wine and there is no shortage of excellent wineries to explore in California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Of course, the sheer number of choices can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately for you, I’ve done endless hours of research and then spent a lot of hours over several trips tasting my way through many of the wineries across the region, and have compiled my favorite spots. And in most cases, there’s…

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Where to Stay in Florence, Italy

Where to Stay in Florence, Italy

Florence, city of art and vibrancy and signature red rooftops, is likely to make it onto most Italy travel itineraries, so you’ll need all the best information on where to stay in Florence. It was the seat of the Italian Renaissance and boasts incredible art, both inside its many notable museums and homes and also greeting you as you stroll through Florence’s many piazzas, or open squares. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone backstreets or strolling along the River Arno, there…

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Practical Guide to Achieve Your Travel Goals this Year

Practical Guide to Achieve Your Travel Goals this Year

Happy new year! January 1st is a fresh start for many people. Have you made resolutions for the new year? Or are re-energized for a project that has languished? One thing I always think about leading up to a new year is what kind of travel I’d like to do in the year ahead. Sometimes my focus is on visiting new countries. Other times it’s exploring close to home. Or visiting friends in new places. It depends on the year….

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Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

Top 8 Travel Destinations of 2018

It’s a new year with endless travel possibilities. So which travel destinations should you seek out? Don’t get overwhelmed with the unlimited options, instead think about your travel goals for the year or even just what type of place you’d like to get to. And then pick one place for your first trip. Maybe you want a warm beach escape during winter? Or a place that is very different culturally from where you live? Or somewhere off-the-beaten-path that won’t be…

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Top 7 Excuses for NOT Going on a Cruise – & Why You Should Anyway!

Top 7 Excuses for NOT Going on a Cruise – & Why You Should Anyway!

Only when I has published my Top Tips for Taking a Cruise, did I realize that lots of people are resistant to even going on a cruise in the first place. Some were vaguely unsure about the idea, but plenty of others had very specific reasons why cruises just weren’t for them. As someone who loves boats, and hops on the local water taxi as often as I can, I must admit – I was a bit surprised. For me,…

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Summer Reading List: Books to Read on Vacation

Summer Reading List: Books to Read on Vacation

Like many of you, I typically take a vacation of a week or longer during the summertime, and one of the best ways I relax and unwind is curling up with a good book. I love easy reads on vacation, but if I’m gone longer than a weekend I want to have some more serious books too, and a mix of fiction and non-fiction to choose from. That way as I finish each book, I have a lot of options…

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16 Travel Essentials for Women and Men

16 Travel Essentials for Women and Men

Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, relaxing on the beach, or wine tasting, there are some travel essentials – for women and men – that you’ll want to have on hand for every kind of trip you might take. There are a lot of travel products that many backpackers and bloggers consider important, but I just don’t use them. For example, unless you’re doing a long camping trip or are staying in super-budget accommodations, you probably don’t need a miniature travel…

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