During my visit to Bologna, I embarked on a memorable day trip into the Emilia Romagna countryside to savor local wines, explore lush vineyards, and capture stunning photos of medieval castles. Our compact car navigated the winding country roads with the agility of a go-kart. Elaine, our knowledgeable guide originally from New Jersey, fell in love with an Italian and has made Italy her home for over a decade. Her confident driving showcased her deep integration into local life—a testament to her

Mantua, Italy, is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Lombardy region. These photos will inspire your next trip! The Emilia-Romagna region boasts ancient cities like Bologna, Piacenza, Modena, and Parma. Basing yourself in Bologna makes it easy to explore these and nearby Lombardy. On my third day in Italy, I took a scenic two-hour train ride to historic Mantua in Lombardy. Mantuas Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is walkable from the train station. Renowned for its exceptio

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Review Mauritiuss stunning east coast boasts some of the worlds most luxurious resorts. As loyal Four Seasons guests with over a decade of global travel experience, we selected the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita for our first days on the island. Nestled on an exclusive 11-acre private island, this resort features 123 unique villas, each with private yards and plunge pools offering ocean, garden, or mangrove views. The thoughtful layout ensures u

Discover everything you need to know about taking a biplane ride over San Diego for one of the most breathtaking aerial views of the region. As a professional travel photographer, capturing those iconic, jaw-dropping images often requires perfect conditions. Unpredictable weather or timing can derail a shoot, but unexpected moments can also yield magical results.     I recently teamed up with Viator for one of their tours. Eager to photograph San Diegos coastline from above, I chose th

I took a deep breath and felt my body gently descend toward the ocean floor. Another inhale buoyed me back up like a yo-yo in the hands of an excited child.“Just breathe normally.”My instructors advice echoed in my mind as I watched a flat white bottom-feeder dart below, its eyes as wide as mine. Mastering buoyancy—beyond conquering my fear of the deep—proved the biggest challenge of scuba diving.Was I truly diving? Breathing underwater felt surprisingly effortless. At 40 feet deep, all my worri

Spotting puffins up close in Elliston, Newfoundland, Canada, was an unparalleled thrill. If youre wondering where to see puffins in Canada, this hidden gem is a must-visit during your Newfoundland adventure! My alarm blared at 5:30 a.m., and instant regret hit. But my friend Susan and I had a pact to meet in the lobby at 5:45 a.m.—no backing out, especially for puffins! The day before, wed explored the quaint town of Elliston hoping for a close encounter. Ive photographed puffins before in Scot

Welcome to our new WordPress-powered website! We’ve been unusually quiet on the blog these past few months, and while we didn’t want to overwhelm you with the details, we’ve been diligently rebuilding our online home from the ground up. Five years ago, when we launched this travel blog, we intentionally avoided WordPress for several reasons. However, as I’ve taken on more back-end responsibilities—despite not being a coder—managing the site became increasingly challenging. After some discussion,

Looking for your next hotel booking site? Many travelers, like myself, compare prices across multiple platforms, scrutinize reviews, and seek realistic photos before booking. Sites with detailed, current reviews and authentic images top my list. Recently, we tested Yonderbound, a newcomer in the crowded hotel booking space. We only recommend sites that deliver real value to readers, and Yonderbound stands out. A Visual Scrapbook Like Pinterest If you follow our Pinterest, you know our passion f

What factors influence your choice of tropical island getaway? Value for money? Warm local hospitality? Easy access to nearby islands for day trips? As a seasoned traveler, I have specific criteria for selecting destinations. Checking off countries for bragging rights doesnt interest me—I prioritize quality time away from home. So, when invited to spend a week at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in St. Maarten, I researched the island and resort thoroughly before committing.   Sonesta Maho Beach

Packing for a trip doesnt have to be a hassle. With airlines increasingly charging for checked baggage, packing light is essential for both space and budget. Drawing from years of frequent travel, Ive refined my approach to suitcase essentials—prioritizing versatility to save space while maintaining a polished, stylish look. Master Travel Style: Look Effortlessly Stylish on the Go   Pack 70% Basics and a Few Statement Pieces Fill about 70% of your luggage with timeless basics like dark blu

St. Regis Mauritius Resort Review Weve always prioritized exploration over relaxation on our travels. Even before our trips turned work-focused, our ideal vacation involved discovering every corner of a destination. After four years of travel blogging, note-taking for future posts has become second nature. This time, Mauritius was different. I committed to truly unwinding and recharging amid lifes demands. Taking a break to reconnect with yourself, away from daily stresses, is essential for men

October 2014 was packed with memorable first-time adventures and our annual friends getaway to Cabo, Mexico. As avid travelers, we captured and shared a wealth of stunning Instagram photos from our journeys. Our month kicked off with a 5-day trip to Molokai, Hawaii—an island we approached with curiosity. We were captivated by its authentic charm and left with a deeper understanding of its unique history than from any other Hawaiian island weve explored. Next, Scott and I embarked on a weekend

Sarongs are an essential fashion staple for tropical getaways and beach adventures. This vibrant, rectangular piece of fabric offers endless versatility, transforming into dresses, skirts, halter tops, and more. Its a flattering, eye-catching addition to any travelers wardrobe, perfect for day-to-night looks. Here are eight expert ways to wear a sarong, with simple step-by-step tying instructions. How to Wear a Sarong Strapless Dress A classic and popular style. Hold the sarong lengthwise and wr

Looking for thoughtful gifts for the avid traveler in your life? These 10 curated travel essentials under $100 make journeys smoother, safer, and more enjoyable—backed by real-world utility for frequent flyers and adventurers alike.   Kinivo ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker Delivering 360° sound with enhanced bass resonance, this compact speaker is ideal for music enthusiasts on the go or business travelers needing hands-free calls. Its universal compatibility and tiny size pack easily into any

Think luxury hotels mean sprawling mega-resorts? Think again. These top 10 boutique properties deliver unparalleled opulence in intimate settings, offering some of the worlds richest travel experiences. Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa Just two hours south of Bangkok, this serene retreat offers suites and private beachfront villas, many with personal plunge pools. Venture out to Hua Hins premier golf courses and boutiques via chauffeured limousine. Hotel Banke Embodying Parisian 5-star elegance

Maui captivates with its crystal-clear waters, sea turtles, and vibrant history—a destination we return to time and again. With endless options, these top aquatic adventures blend thrilling experiences, local culture, and marine wildlife for an unforgettable island escape. Immerse yourself in Mauis sun, surf, sand, and colorful sea life while uncovering the islands rich heritage. Dive into these essential water activities for the complete Maui experience.   Private Surfing Lessons Dreaming

Escape winters chill with Mauis sun, surf, and sand. Maximize your island getaway with these expert-recommended excursions for an unforgettable tropical experience. Whale Watching Tour Humpback whales migrate to Mauis warm waters from Alaska each winter, peaking from January to late March. These majestic creatures seek sheltered bays for rest and calf-rearing before their northward journey. Join the Pride of Maui for a premier 360° viewing experience on a spacious vessel with over 2,500 feet of

Many of us have witnessed cherished places—dense forests, beloved restaurants, cultural landmarks, or traditional ways of life—fade away in the name of progress. This reflection struck me during a cultural protocol on Molokai, where we wrapped grapefruits gathered from Auntie Julies yard in tea leaves as a thoughtful gift for Anakala Pilipo. Simple yet deeply meaningful, such gestures exemplify the genuine hospitality of Molokais people. Anakala Pilipo is the last living Native Hawaiian born,

Reflecting on 2014, Im grateful for the incredible destinations we explored. We intentionally slowed our travel pace from 2013, becoming more selective to focus on truly exceptional spots. This shift allowed more time for reflection, enjoying our San Diego home—cozying up with a new electric fireplace, surfing, hosting dinner parties, and celebrating with close friends. 2014 marked my first full year thriving as a self-employed travel writer, earning more than ever before. We dedicated time to a

As seasoned travelers, my partner Scott and I increasingly savor lifes finer luxuries, particularly on vacation. While we thrive on adventure, nothing beats the joy of well-deserved indulgence. Value-conscious luxury is our mantra. Recently, we handpicked standout small luxury hotels from Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This week, were highlighting ten more remarkable properties. Secure prepaid rates with up to 40% savings – offer available for a limited time. What sets boutique hotels apart i