Category: Our Views on Travel

My first impression of this island nation was damp.  Indonesia has only two seasons, the locals loved to tell, wet and dry.  We were there during the wet season.  It rained everyday, just not all day.  When it did the culverts overflowed, water poured from the rooftops and the streets flowed.  Motorists pulled over to…

Trying a new cruise line can be a bit stressful, from the uncertainty around the booking process to check in and embarkation.  Even so we have always stressed that the itinerary should be the driving factor in your choice.  As such we sailed with Holland America Line for the first time in order to see…

This year’s Travel & Adventure Show in Chicago IL,  provided tons of information on trends and resources to help usher us into the new travel year.  Here are some of my top takeaways! 2025 Trends of Note Over tourism continues to be the trend that drives most everything else.  There are no longer travel “seasons”…

Last week we discussed some of the issues surrounding over tourism in many European cities.  That concern also exists in the cruise industry albeit more around environmental and sustainability issues, and the large number of passengers on ships contribute to the overcrowding.  Other concerns arise around the impact on food supplies, accommodations and the local…

As I mentioned last week there are so many different types of museums that there is sure to be one that will appeal to whatever your interest are.  Today we will continue to discuss the options. Who knew that there would be museums dedicated specifically to Food?  Whether you are looking for a specific type…

Whether or not you savor a museum visit when you travel, consider how much there is to enjoy and learn from the time spent in these indoor pursuits.  If you have been to a museum, any museum, and write the experience off as boring or a waste of your time perhaps you just didn’t pick…

Florence is an art lovers dream destination.  It is often touted as the birthplace of the Renaissance movement showcasing leading edge architecture, art and sculpture, and a meeting place for some of the best artists of their time – Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Donatello and others. The Renaissance is said to have started in Italy during the…

To truly immerse yourself in the culture of a new country you must experience their culinary traditions.  If you have food allergies or sensitivities, or are just a picky eater, this can be truly terrifying.  However, preparing your own food from what is fresh and local is one way to embrace this facet of travel….

Spending an extended period of time in any city in Europe allows you immerse yourself in the culture and landscape of your destination.  You can move beyond the fast and furious pace of a tourist and embrace a more relaxed schedule.   We spent  14 nights at an Airbnb in Florence.  We didn’t want to…