While travelers bemoan the loss of the kinder, gentler era of air travel, airline memorabilia fans know that they can enjoy a little retro moment with bags, accessories, and gifts from Pan Am One.  Adorned with the original Pan Am logo, items can also be found at travel stores and air museums. Perhaps you had [...]

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. . . no, I’m not talking about Paris in the Charles Dickens era, I’m talking about traveling with a group of family and friends.  Or even traveling with your spouse, partner, or best friend. If you want to lie on a beach and [...]

One of the things that I was excited to do in Sicily was climb Mt. Etna.  At approximately 10,922 feet high, this largest active volcano in Europe was visible from the back deck of our villa.  Every morning I’d take a look at how beautiful it was, it’s very top visible in the earlier morning [...]

While I’m not in the US for this 4th of July, I send lots of good wishes to family and friends who are celebrating at home.  Whether you’re at a barbecue, having a picnic, or watching the fireworks, may this day to celebrate our nation’s independence be one of both reflection and merriment. Happy Fourth [...]

Active travelers know that if they want to enjoy their favorite activities while on vacation that it may take plenty of advance planning.  Whether you’re looking for a tee time, tennis lessons, or ski weekends, you’re going to have to do a little bit of research and planning. Here  are a few pointers to keep [...]

I’ve spent some time in the south over the last several months, and it’s a whole lot different that the Pacific Northwest.  A friend who lives there raved about where she lives, asking me if I didn’t think that living there would be wonderful.  So I thought about it.  Could I live in the South? [...]

Everywhere you turn in Italy you’ll find grappa, a clear alcoholic beverage sure to knock your socks off. Grappa is made from the grape residue left over from the crush of grapes during the winemaking process, and includes the grape skins, stems, seeds, and everything else.  Like many food items in Italy, the beverage originally [...]

As I lounge in the living room of my villa in Sicily, looking out at the clear blue sky and Mt. Etna, it’s easy to forget about the rain and chill back home in Seattle.  It’s summer in Sicily, and I’m going to soak up 8 glorious days of it! Although it’s not this warm [...]

It took the better part of 24 hours, but I’m finally settled into my villa in Sicily. The day started with a 3:30 am car service pick up, which started the day’s travel with a flight to Chicago, then connecting to an overnight flight to Rome.  The group met up at the Rome airport, thankfully [...]

Thinking about vacationing in London can evoke a frenzy of thoughts about this major continental city that is the UK’s financial center, seat of politics, and hub for fashion, entertainment, and the arts.  It’s now getting some additional buzz as the city prepares for hosting the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. But don’t forget that London [...]