As some of you may know, it’s been a while since I’ve lived in Iceland. I moved here about 2 years ago when I left…
Where to go on your first trip to Italy
A friend at work is going to travel to Italy for the first time and asked me for a little trip planning advice. It was…
Traveling in Tuscany
We’ve just returned from two-and-a-half weeks in Italy, and traveling in Tuscany was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip. The art and architecture…
Greek Island Hopping
Anyone who’s ever seen a calendar featuring gorgeous shots of Santorini has likely dreamed of doing a little Greek Island hopping. After all, with fabulous…
What to do and where to stay in Ravenna
As an art history major, I’ve wanted to visit Ravenna since college. It’s a little off the beaten path, so it took me a while.…
Cooking classes in Rome
Rome is one of the most wonderful places in the world. Where else can you experience the grandeur of the ancient world, the splendor of…
Picked hotels in Naples, Italy.
Naples gets a bad rap. For years, travelers have been advised to avoid it because it’s dangerous, dirty, and a little rough around the edges.…
Vernazza hotels for exploring the Cinque Terre
With castle ruins high above the sea, a pretty natural harbor, and a seaside piazza lined with cafes and bars, Vernazza is the most picturesque…
What to do and where to stay in Verona
Verona, Italy is best known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Two Gentlemen of Verona. But it also has some of the…
Cheap accommondation in Hvar
Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast have really caught on with travelers in the last few years. With miles of stunning coastline, reasonable prices, and a…
The best Split hotels for sightseeing, relaxing, and exploring Diocletian’s Palace.
Split Croatia may be fairly new to western travelers, but it’s been a tourism hot spot since 305 A.D. when the Emperor Diocletian decided to…
Harrods Food Halls and the best food stores in London
Although food isn’t as inextricably linked with London as it is with Paris or Rome, visitors to London should make a point of visiting at least…
Shopping for the best Italian foods at Eataly in Turin
Unless you’ve gone there on business, you’ve probably never been to Turin, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Although it’s an interesting, attractive city –…
Bellagio Italy and the other towns of Lake Como
The jewel of the Italian Lakes, Lake Como is a delightful spot with gorgeous scenery, wonderful villas and gardens, and palatial hotels. There are several…
Packing list for women
For many years, Rick Steve’s has included his packing list in his budget European travel skills book, Europe through the Back Door. Women wrote and…
Tips of vacation planning
The summer is right around the corner, and thousands of Americans are planning vacations and trips. Traveling on a budget can be tricky, but it…
Traveling with kids
GO BABY GO Let’s begin this discussion with a basic truth. Traveling with your infant is a bit of a hassle and requires more gear…