Lego Liberty Bell PHL

The Cruises Are Coming to Philadelphia Cruise Port – NCL Jewel & Pearl Sailing from Philadelphia

The cruises are coming to Philadelphia and I’m thrilled!  Philadelphia will once again become a port city for the cruise industry when Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) sails into the city this year with the NCL Jewel and the NCL Pearl.  The city last saw a passenger cruise ship in 2011 […]

Waterloo train station with people walking

Cruise Vacation – London to Southampton Central by train with disruption

Sailing from Southampton Cruise Terminal gives cruise passengers many options to get to their cruise at different price points, risk levels and timing.  On a summer Sunday, there are thousands of cruise passengers, generally with the big checked bags and extra luggage, making their way to multiple ships leaving port […]

Aloft Chelsea NYC Bedroom with partition between bathroom. multicolored striped rug, wood floors and black, white, grey color scheme

Review – NYC Hotel Aloft Chelsea for Solo Travel in NYC

I do love staying at a new hotel so when I learned Aloft Chelsea was opening in New York City, I was intrigued.  On a recent visit to New York City, I decided to check out the hotel which is a short walk from Penn Station to 28th street. I’ve […]

Dixon Hotel King Bed Room in London designed in white, yellow headboard and side chair with mirrors and hanging lights

Review – The Dixon Hotel in London – Boutique Luxury in a Historic Hotel near Tower Bridge

My morning walk over Tower Bridge was wonderful.  The early morning summer air was still crisp, while the sun was casting its warm shadows before the tourists were set to arrive for their selfies and tours. After decades of visits to London, this morning stroll was a quiet luxury I […]

Mob Museum Las Vegas original post office windows in the historic building

Review: The Mob Museum in Las Vegas – History, Moonshine and the CSI Experience

It’s rare that I’m surprised anymore when I travel as I’ve done so much research, read blogs and watched videos across social media so I feel like I know what to expect.  However, when the Mob Museum in Las Vegas was recommended to me on twitter (forever twitter), I did […]

thee colorful boats in a U shape along the seaside cliffs at blue grotto

NCL Solo Cruise – Norwegian Prima Solo Studio and Solo Lounge

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) pioneered the solo studio cabin with lounge inside their ships more than a decade ago and continue to recognize the solo traveler and cater to their needs much more so than other cruise ships and lines in my experience. The studio cabin is generally 100 sq […]

Iconic multi colored Chihuly glass sculpture on the ceiling at the Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas

Solo Travel Summary – A Year of Volcanoes, Cruises and weekend trips to Vegas, NYC and DC

I’ve not done a year end review in a while and last year was a whirlwind of travel, chasing travel deals and accepting that travel is not going back to shoulder season rates or quiet times anytime soon.  It seems that everyone is traveling as I encountered crowds in what […]

London NYE Fireworks London Eye Thames

I applied for the UK ETA travel visa required for Americans visiting London and the UK

The UK is now requiring an electronic visa for Americans visiting the UK or connecting in their airports as of 8 January 2025.  I recently applied for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the process took less than 10 minutes with the app and cost $13.05 (it’s £10 but for […]

Ferrari Red Racing Car number 7

Private Driver Day Tour From Bologna to Ferrari Museums – Bespoke Ferraris and the F1 Trophy Room

My friend introduced me to Formula One racing a decade ago, long before Netflix starting filming their behind-the-scenes smash hit, Drive to Survive.  While many US fans are new, the name Ferrari has a storied history in racing and powerful sports cars.  If I were to say “Ferrari Red” most […]