King Room London Bankside Hotel near Thames

Review Bankside Hotel, A Rarity in London – New Build Luxury Hotel King Room

As I exited the elevator to find my room, I noticed what looked like a draft beer bar in the hallway.  Of course, it wasn’t free beer, although I’m sure that hotel amenity would get lots of folks to book, it was a water station.  With three pulls representing tap, […]

Croissant baking class in Paris

Paris Baking Classes: Learn to Make Croissants and Macarons

I returned to Paris solo last year and wanted to explore the city differently this time. As much as I love the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay, I wanted a new experience for my three days in Paris. While my cooking skills are severely lacking, I figured learning how to make […]

Alaska Nature Mountains Sitka Wildlife Tour and Cruise

5 Things I Hate about Cruising Despite Loving Cruise Vacations

As I search for a cruise vacation for 2023, I’m reminded of a few things I hate about cruising as I compare itineraries, cruise lines and ships. So, this is the rant of someone who surprisingly loves to cruise solo and with friends/family.  I’ve sailed on multiple cruise lines such […]

Wine Mural outside Barcelona boutique hotel Praktik Vinoteca

Review Praktik Vinoteca – Barcelona Wine Focused Boutique Hotel in L’Eixample

I don’t remember how I discovered the Praktik Hotels in Barcelona, however, after my stay at the Praktik Bakery Hotel, I was hooked.  For my recent trip to Barcelona, I considered another stay at the Bakery, however, my family is gluten free and it seemed wrong to revel in the […]

The Logan Hotel design

Creating the Hotel Experience at Home – Surround yourself in luxury bed and bath essentials

There’s a downside to traveling and staying at luxury hotels…. coming home to my not so luxury home. If you are like me, you’ve often thought “how can I get that hotel experience at home”.   How can I experience the luxury bed, soft linens, aromatherapy, luxury toiletries and overall sense […]

Red ribbon espadrilles hand made barcelona

Review: Handmade Barcelona Experience Making Authentic Espadrilles

I’ve taken so many art classes over the years in the hope that one will magically unlock the secret artistic skills I possess. Despite no magic occurring, I keep trying new, and often frustrating, art classes to see if maybe my talents are hidden deep down just in case there’s […]

Iberian Jamon Tasting Plate in Madrid

Madrid Food Tour: The Iberico Ham Experience with Alberto

My strongest memories of Spain have always been food & wine – tapas with friends and family, wine tastings and discoveries of new desserts.  So it’s not a surprise when I saw the “Iberico Ham Experience” on Airbnb Experience, I was intrigued.  I love Iberian ham but what was there […]

Harry Potter Exhibition Philadelphia

Review: Harry Potter the Exhibition in Philadelphia – Visiting Boston, Madrid and Krakow

I’m not sure which group was more excited to see the Harry Potter the Exhibition – the big kids (adults) or the actual kids.  From my visit, I think it’s safe to say the big kids, especially those dressed in their Hogwarts gear (scarves, glasses, waving wands).  With a wizarding […]

Venice Gondola Station Two Boats

Aunt Sue Travels to Venice – How to Find the Best Gondola Ride in Venice

When I turned the corner and saw the plethora of gondolas and people surrounded by shops and a Hard Rock Café, for a moment, I thought I was in the Las Vegas Venetian Hotel. However, I was in Venice, Italy, the original gondola city. It was a popular spot near […]