One of the best parts of exploring a destination is discovering the history behind the places you visit. Sometimes those stories are well documented. Others have been passed from one generation to another until history, legend, and a little creative storytelling become almost impossible to separate. And every once in a while, that history comes […]

Whenever I’m planning a trip, I find myself planning a reading list, too. Books give me another way into a destination – sometimes providing its history, sometimes introducing people and communities I might otherwise overlook, and sometimes simply making the landscape feel familiar before I arrive. My travel itineraries often become the starting point for […]

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino is a Southern California luxury resort getaway with spa time, poolside lounging, great food, live entertainment—and, yes, a casino When you hear “casino resort,” you probably have a pretty good idea of what the trip is going to be about. Gambling. Maybe a show. A nice dinner. More gambling. Yaamava’ Resort […]

We are unapologetically cruise lovers. Big ships, small ships, and ships in between. Oceans, rivers, lakes, and canals. We enjoy them all for different reasons, different occasions, and different experiences. We believe there’s a cruise that’s right for most every kind of traveler. It’s just a matter of considering your interests and preferences and matching […]

Few drinks signal a leisurely brunch quite like a mimosa. Made with sparkling wine and orange juice, this simple cocktail has become a favorite at weekend breakfasts, celebrations, hotel brunches, and sunny afternoons on vacation. The classic mimosa is refreshing, but discovering a new version is part of the pleasure of exploring food and drink. […]

Tucked into the Salish Sea between Washington State and British Columbia, San Juan Island is known for whale watching, lavender farms, and coastal charm. It is also home to one of the most unusual international standoffs in history—a dispute between the United States and Great Britain sparked by a pig and a potato patch. For […]

We arrived in Bucharest a few days before an Eastern European river cruise, and had no idea what to expect on our plate. Romania’s culinary scene is a rich reflection of its history, geography, and cultural crossroads. From hearty mountain fare to comforting village classics, traditional Romanian food tells a story shaped by centuries of […]

Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, sits in south-central Canada at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, not far from the U.S. border. It grew from early fur-trade posts and a river settlement into a city incorporated in 1873. Today it is one of Canada’s major cultural and economic centers, with a diverse population […]

Jordan has a very hot and dry climate, so a cool and refreshing drink is just what you need after a long day of exploring. One of the most refreshing drinks I found while I was visiting Jordan was mint lemonade, or Limonana, a traditional drink found throughout the Middle East. The name originates from […]

Seattle is a city built around water, so it makes sense that some of its most interesting infrastructure is made to float. If you spend any time in the greater Seattle area, chances are you’ll cross one of the region’s floating bridges. Locals use them regularly, to cross from Seattle to the east side (Bellevue, […]

If you enjoy discovering local wineries when you travel, Victoria, BC is a lovely place to spend a day or two. Vancouver Island is home to more than 30 wineries, and Victoria is a practical spot to serve as your home base for exploration. The wineries here aren’t about big, showy production; they’re more about […]

Cruising the Loire River is not like cruising the Rhine or Danube—and that’s exactly the point. The pace is slower, the scenery more understated, and the towns feel less polished and more lived-in. If you’re expecting grand castles around every bend or bustling port cities, you may find the Loire a bit too quiet. But […]