An Introduction to French Canal Barge Cruising

A relaxing cruise along France’s hidden waterways is a unique way of discovering the authentic France, away from the crowds and at a civilized pace.  Originally built to move cargo before the advent of the railroad, France’s inland canals today are peaceful, serene passages through the countryside where the fortunate traveler ... Read more from my An Introduction to French Canal Barge Cruising story.

You'll Feel Special on a Cunard Luxury Cruise

If you’ve spent some time investigating cruises, you’ll quickly discover that the word “luxury” is perhaps the most overused word in the travel industry.  I’ve yet to find a somewhat upscale cruise line that doesn’t define itself as a luxury brand, yet, luxury is such a subjective term that it’s almost ... Read more from my You'll Feel Special on a Cunard Luxury Cruise story.

In Queen Victoria's Footsteps

Britain’s Queen Victoria, who died in 1901, exerts a powerful influence on the world’s imagination and historical consciousness today.  She lent her name to the Victorian Era, has been the subject of recent movies like Victoria and Abdul (starring one of my favorite actresses, Dame Judi Dench), and is still celebrated ... Read more from my In Queen Victoria's Footsteps story.

Two Days in St. Petersburg, Russia

A luxury cruise is a great way to discover the beauty and history of Europe’s Baltic Sea region.  I recently had the opportunity to cruise the Baltic Sea on Cunard’s luxurious Queen Elizabeth, visiting a variety of ports in seven countries during my two-week cruise.  By far, the highlight was the ... Read more from my Two Days in St. Petersburg, Russia story.

The Best Cruises for Wine Aficianados

Whether you are a seasoned wine aficionado, with a taste for the finest wines or newest discoveries, or simply want to learn more about the culture and traditions of winemaking while sipping a glass or two, you’re part of a growing trend of travelers who enjoy incorporating wine-related experiences into their ... Read more from my The Best Cruises for Wine Aficianados story.

The Serene Islands of the Greek Aegean

Whether you're looking for unspoiled sandy beaches, unhurried island life, distinctive luxury, or unique history and culture, Greece's 230 inhabited islands - and nearly 6,000 uninhabited ones - offer something for every traveler.  I recently enjoyed the opportunity to spend a week exploring the islands of the southern Aegean, including the ... Read more from my The Serene Islands of the Greek Aegean story.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

I hate mustard.  If there’s one item on a menu guaranteed to get me to choose something else, it’s anything with mustard as an ingredient.  You could not pay me to eat mustard on a sandwich.  Do you love mustard?  Let’s agree to disagree! 

Yet, mustard – and a mustard tasting event ... Read more from my Step Outside Your Comfort Zone story.

What's on My Bucket List?

According to a recent survey conducted by AARP, travel is the top aspiration of Americans of all ages. Whether Baby Boomers, Millennials, Gen Xers, or folks – like me – who fall somewhere in between, the average person has eight destinations or travel experiences on their bucket list. And, let’s be ... Read more from my What's on My Bucket List? story.

Luxury Cruise Review: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth

I recently returned from a two week European cruise on Cunard's luxury liner Queen Elizabeth.  In this blog post, I'll cover a few of the highlights that made this cruise one of my top travel experiences.

First, the Queen Elizabeth far exceeded my expectations when it came to food.  The world gourmet ... Read more from my Luxury Cruise Review: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth story.

Is a World Cruise for Me?

Does the idea of circling the globe for four months on a luxury cruise ship sound like your idea of the journey of a lifetime?  For many travelers, myself included, a world cruise is a definite must-do on life’s bucket list.  For others, though, the idea of a world cruise can ... Read more from my Is a World Cruise for Me? story.

What's New at Sea?

Cruising is one of the most popular types of vacations for Americans. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, over 12 million Americans have cruised during the last decade. Some cruise lines boast a repeat factor of over 90 percent, meaning that once guests have traveled with them, they come back ... Read more from my What's New at Sea? story.

An Introduction to River Cruises

Have you dreamed of gliding along Germany’s Rhine River, admiring the castles and medieval cities? How about sipping a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir as you follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark on the Columbia River? Or, for the more adventurous, discovering the magic of the Temples of Angkor ... Read more from my An Introduction to River Cruises story.

China's Many Faces

China.  An emerging Asian superpower.  One of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet with some of the poorest people.  A Communist nation that has embraced capitalism, with bustling cities full of modern skyscrapers.  A deeply traditional nation that reveres its past yet worships progress and newness.  These are just some ... Read more from my China's Many Faces story.

Rollin' on the River with UnCruise Adventures!

UnCruise Adventures offers small ship cruises focused on adventure, wildlife, and culture.  Each year, they offer several wine tasting cruises along the Columbia River on their SS Legacy, a reproduction coastal steamer.  I enjoyed one of these cruises, sailing from Portland, Oregon along the Columbia and Snake River system.

The UnCruise visited ... Read more from my Rollin' on the River with UnCruise Adventures! story.

The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer

It struck me during my annual spring cleaning that I had too much stuff. That extra crock pot, a great deal, sits untouched five years later. I’m not sure where I ever thought I’d put that (admittedly very cool) lamp, and I have enough dress socks to last a lifetime or ... Read more from my The Only Thing You Buy That Makes You Richer story.

Exploring Southern France by Luxury Hotel Barge

Southern France - the regions of Occitaine, Provence, and the Cote d'Azur - offer the best of French food and wine combined with a lovely Mediterranean climate, fascinating history, and charming local atmosphere.  Luxury cruises by hotel barge along the Canal du Midi offer the best way to discover this lovely ... Read more from my Exploring Southern France by Luxury Hotel Barge story.

Royal Clipper Mediterranean Cruise

When you take a small ship cruise, you have the opportunity to explore ports and regions that are too small for the mega ships. 

I had the opportunity to travel on the Star Clippers tall ship "Royal Clipper" in the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Spain and France.  With a capacity of fewer ... Read more from my Royal Clipper Mediterranean Cruise story.

Milan and Venice, Italy

Located in northern Italy, Venice and Milan offer a contrasting perspective on this charming Mediterranean nation. 

Venice is a maritime city of canals, bridges, gondolas, as well as the quieter Lagoon Islands.  Venice is best explored on foot, where different perspectives unfold around every corner as narrow passages open onto beautiful courtyards ... Read more from my Milan and Venice, Italy story.

Barging in Burgundy

Famous for its vineyards, fine cheeses, handcrafted mustards, charming chateaux, and  gourmet food, the Burgundy region of France is easily accessible from Paris, yet is a quiet world apart.  The best way to discover this area is from the deck of a hotel barge on one of its canals, as I ... Read more from my Barging in Burgundy story.

September in the Eastern Mediterranean

Blessed with azure seas, centuries of history, delightful cuisine, and sun, the eastern Mediterranean hits all the right notes for me.  I enjoyed a two week cruise from Italy through the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Croatia before returning to the port of Venice.

Along the way, I discovered amazing places, like the ... Read more from my September in the Eastern Mediterranean story.

Rhine River Cruise

A river cruise along the Rhine River combines scenery, culture, history, and fine cuisine. It's a great way to experience Europe in luxury, making the most of your time on the continent.  Along the way, you'll enjoy castles and villages, history and culture, and a change to discover the local beers, ... Read more from my Rhine River Cruise story.

Alaska Cruise and Denali

Alaska has it all - glaciers, wildlife, amazing national parks, quirky locals, and plenty of fresh seafood. I traveled with my family, ranging in age from 4 to 73 for a two week Inside Passage cruise and a scenic railroad journey to Alaska's heart, Denali National Park. Along the way, we ... Read more from my Alaska Cruise and Denali story.

Croatian Coastal Cruise & Bosnia

Croatia is one of Europe's hidden gems. Blessed with a great climate, crystal clear waters, a burgeoning wine industry, and miles of undeveloped beaches, a visit to Croatia offers something for everyone! Croatia is also a great add-on to an Italian vacation or Mediterranean cruise.

I had the opportunity to spend two ... Read more from my Croatian Coastal Cruise & Bosnia story.