Belize may be small, but it packs an impressive mix of rainforest, mountains, quiet lagoons, and that clear Caribbean water you’re probably picturing right now. The country is easy to navigate, English is widely spoken, and the mix of nature, history, and coastline makes it a smart choice for travelers who want both activity and […]

For travelers who appreciate history told through real places – and real deck planks – few experiences compare to exploring a museum that floats. These ships, once powered by sail, steam, or sheer manpower, now serve as time capsules preserving the world’s seafaring legacy. They’re the kind of under-the-radar cultural stops that are rich in […]

When you visit Washington State’s National Parks, you’ll find everything from beautiful views, a variety of landscapes, magnificent wildlife, and interesting historical sites. The state has numerous parks to visit, including national parks, national historical reserves, and national historical parks, giving visitors a choice when it comes to what they can see or do when traveling around Washington State.

Sangria is one of those drinks that travelers associate with Spain before they even arrive, and with good reason: when it’s done well, it captures the relaxed, convivial spirit of a long Spanish lunch or a warm evening on a terraza. Yet it’s also a drink that’s often misunderstood, oversweetened, or marketed to tourists in […]

There’s something hypnotic about gliding down the Rhone River, tracing the southern heart of France where vineyards, medieval villages, and Roman ruins seem to appear at every bend. I arrived for my river cruise on the Riverside Ravel with high expectations, I’d heard lots of good things about them, and after traipsing around Northern France on a […]

A charming riverside town with maritime soul and Pacific Northwest spirit Astoria, Oregon, population just under 10,000, is one of those places that rewards slow travel. Set at the mouth of the Columbia River where water meets sky and land, this little town blends rich history, maritime grit, and naturally dramatic scenery in a way […]

Floating in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Italy’s western coast, Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and famously the place of Napoleon’s first exile. The island is more than a historical footnote: it’s a place where you appreciate the salt on your skin, the sun on your shoulders, and the wine in your […]

Vietnam stretches the length of the Indochinese Peninsula, a long, narrow country of misty mountains, fertile river deltas, and a coastline that hugs the South China Sea. Its history weaves together indigenous kingdoms, Chinese and French influence, and a resilient spirit shaped by conflict and reconstruction, all of which surface in daily life. This deep […]

Happy 2026! We have now been doing this travel reading challenge for 9 years. It started as a simple project with friends, grew into a larger project with friends and friends of friends, and now we have a small community of travelers who love to read. I’ve been diligent with my reading, finishing 137 books. […]

This annual post is one of my favorites to write – a review of the 2025 year of travel. It’s a chance to look back at the travel memories for the year. A chance to dream about what’s coming up in 2026. And, when I publish it, it means I’m done with writing work for […]

If you’ve ever stared at your boarding pass and wondered why Los Angeles insists on being LAX or what mysterious organization MCO could possibly stand for, you’re not alone. Airport codes feel like an inside joke between geography and bureaucracy – a secret language seasoned travelers pretend to understand but mostly just memorize. Behind the three-letter alphabet […]

I’m a big fan of the “you don’t need more stuff” philosophy. I have everything I need, and a good portion of the things I want. And, thankfully, I no longer feel that “things” define who I am, my values, or my worth. Over the last year or so, we’ve been trying to take more […]