My husband and I are hikers–we often cover 50 or 75 miles over the course of a week on vacation. But in Zion, that didn’t make sense: It was HOT and uncomfortable to be out all day. And frankly? After awhile, a lot of the scenery blurred together so covering another 8 miles didn’t add […]
Costa Cruises advertise impossibly low base fares, but optional add-ons can quickly undo any savings if you’re not paying attention. Even with extra costs onboard, my week cruising the Caribbean on Costa Pacifica was still a screaming deal. But with this guide you’ll be able to determine for yourself if it makes sense for your budget.
Costa Cruise Onboard Costs: What’s Free, What Costs Extra, and What To Budget Read More »
Nowhere else has national parks that measure up like the United States. There is a tremendous amount of protected land and incredible outdoor settings waiting to be visited. In fact, you just might be surprised by the variety that’s on the complete list of US national parks. So pull out your atlas and start mapping a
The Complete List of US National Parks with Printable PDF (2026) Read More »
Looking for articles on a particular destination? You’ll find them broken out by country below, along with the date of my most recent visit listed for reference. Antarctica (March 2023) Argentina (March 2026) Australia (May 2019) Austria (July 2018) Bahamas (January 2010) Barbados (Sep. 2018) Belgium (June 2014) Belize (Mar. 2017) Canada (January 2023) Cayman Islands (Jan. 2010) Chile
Dyngus Day is a holiday like no other and Buffalo is the absolute best place to celebrate it. No, that’s not me being biased — this really is the best place to celebrate (sorry Cleveland). For one day after the Lenten season, Polish-American communities get together for all-out revelry. There’s food, music, dancing, drinking, and
Panama is delightfully easy to visit. It’s a great destination on it’s own, but flights onward to other places in Latin or South America often have long layovers in Panama City. If you have a long layover in Panama City, here’s how to leave the airport and explore a little of this fabulous capital in
How to Spend One Day in Panama City On Your Panama City Layover Read More »
The ancient city and pyramids of Teotihuacan is the most popular day trip from Mexico City and a can’t miss attraction for most travelers. Walking through this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like traveling back in time. It’s just 30 miles northeast of the capital and is an awesome day trip to combine with the rest
On my second trip to Egypt, my sister and I popped into Giza to see the pyramids at night. She wanted to watch the Pyramids Light and Sound show — the best way to see them lit up after dark. I was skeptical, especially after how cheesy the story was at an Aswan light show
How to See the Pyramids Light and Sound Show (at Night) Read More »
Hollywood seemed like a convenient base for exploring the greater Fort Lauderdale area, but I didn’t expect much from the city itself. It’s just sun and sand, right? How little I knew. This itinerary is short and sweet, making it perfect before or after a cruise or as part of a longer Fort Lauderdale vacation. Without factoring in time
Hollywood Beach Florida: Things to Do in One Perfect Day Read More »
Choosing the best time to visit Niagara Falls requires more than looking at the weather. Each season has a different atmosphere, a different look, and different advantages. As a local, I’ve experienced them all and have a few preferences for sure. The good news is that most of the year is a totally fine time
