Practical travel information for practical travelers
May is National Smile month, and it made me think about the things that make me happy, that warm the cockles of my heart, that make me smile. It was no surprise to discover that most of them are related in some way to travel. Here are 50 things that make me smile: A fully [...]
Current events can lead us into thinking that the world is not a safe place to travel, and whenever that happens, it makes me very sad. For some time now, holidays in Mexico have been on the wane. For awhile it was fear of the swine flu, then fear of rampant drug activity, and now [...]
Food can be an expensive part of any traveler’s budget, and while I like a splurge now and again, I’m also always on the lookout for ways to eat well cheaply. Other than getting someone else to pick up the tab (just kidding!), one of the best ways to save on food is to pick [...]
If you travel places known for outstanding food and wine, you’ve most likely been left figuring out a way to take some of your new favorites. Most often this doesn’t present a problem – unless your new favorite is wine, olive oil, specialty vinegars, or other liquid items. In the post 9-11 world, these delicious [...]
Smart budget travelers are always looking for a way to save on the cost of accommodations. Housing is big chunk of a travel budget, and scaling down the cost often means being able to travel more, for longer, and sometimes it’s a matter of being able to travel at all. Recently launched Trusted House Sitters [...]
With meals on flights either non-existent, expensive, and often unhealthy, and airport food not too much better, one way to make your vacation a little more pleasant is to pack some food to take along on your flight. Or road trip. If you’re flying you’ll still have to avoid liquids and gels (get those once [...]
It’s time to start thinking about Italy again. Although that presumes that I’ve ever stopped thinking about it. With the new year fully underway, we’re beginning to sort through details, watch airfares, and think about how we want to spend our time there this year. It will be a shorter trip this year, probably only [...]
At some point it’s bound to happen: As you are rushing around to check out of your hotel room, you leave your iPod behind. Or, while you’re reaching into your briefcase, it tips over and you don’t notice that you cell phone has spilled out. Or, you reach for your credit card and can’t find it, [...]
Jewelry can make an outfit, no doubt about it, and what’s not to like about diamonds, gold, and other precious gems and metals?! If you want to bring your jewelry when you’re traveling, however, you’re going to need give some thought to how you’re going to keep your items safe. My first recommendation is simple: leave [...]
Travel means contending with increasing air fares and sourcing the best flight times and pricing, facing the unpleasant reality of ever increasing add-on fees of airlines and hotels, contending with airport security, and juggling the demands of a lifestyle on the road and loved ones at home. What makes it all easier? Loving what we [...]
In addition to traveling, Mary Jo likes lingering over a cup of coffee, wandering in a museum, sipping wine at a cafe, enjoying a relaxing massage, and sharing it all with friends and readers.
Her most recent travels were to Portugal and Italy.
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