La Sagrada Familia stained glass windows

The Barcelona Beauty – La Sagrada Familia

On my first visit to Barcelona, a quick cruise stop, we didn’t want to wait in line for tickets to the famous Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral, more than 133 years in the works (since 1882) so I admired it from afar and took a few photos. I regretted not visiting the […]

Bike Tour Napoli

“Naples is Like a Movie Set” with Bike Tour Napoli

Despite the live version of Frogger playing out on the Naples streets where I was running thru traffic hoping that the cars, buses and scooters would stop to let me cross, I somehow decided “I want to do a bike tour of the city”.  I found Bike Tour Napoli on […]

Partenope Relais Naples

Boutique Hotel Naples: Partenope Relais, A Movie Themed Hotel on The Waterfront

In my research of Naples, I happened upon the Partenope Relais on the waterfront.  Intrigued by the fact that it was only 24 boutique styled rooms on one floor, I was sold on the theme – the movies.  Each room would have a famous scene from the actor or director […]

Gondolas in Venice

I Won’t Pay 180 Euro for a Hostel Room in Venice!

Two years ago I attended a travel writer/blogger conference in Dublin.  At the time, I heard about this new type of boutique hostel, Generator Hostels.  The Dublin hostel, interestingly located in the same complex as the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, was full of attendees who all spoke highly of the new […]

Venice Italy

First Trip To Italy Memories: The Italy Bus Tour and Amaretto Shots

Great stories and memories are made from surprise, emotion and dumb luck. My first trip to Italy is definitely one of my cherished travel stories –  it involves a bus full of pensioners (senior citizens) and so many surprises! I had recently graduated college and wanted to go on my first trip […]

Baltic Cruise sunset offbeat travel

The Repositioning Cruise – It’s Cheap and Tempting but Should You Do It?

Many folks are not familiar with a repositioning cruise (repo cruise) but once you learn about them you may be a fan of the great value.  As my travel agent told me “you can’t live at home for that price” and she is right (sorta).  Just like the birds that […]

Glacier Lake Iceland

Photos of Iceland – Awesome Iceland Landscapes to Inspire Wanderlust

Living and working in the city, my daily landscape consists of skyscrapers (my office is on the 38th floor), concrete and lots of traffic on the commute.  When I travel, I feel that I can breathe and relax in the landscapes of mountains, coastlines and greenery. I can savor the […]

Palace of Versailles

My Paris Mistake – Versailles with my Tween Niece

It was a gorgeous Sunday in June and my niece and I were up early to catch the train to Versailles. It was our last day in Paris and I wanted to show her the beauty of Versailles especially the garden fountains. The grand palace and gardens are one of […]