Europe for the First Time, or the First Time in a Long Time
Europe rewards travelers who slow down. Historical context can turn churches, statues, neighborhoods, and museums from sightseeing stops into something that stays with you. Traveling to Europe in your 50s and 60s is not the same as traveling to Europe in your 20s. In your 20s, Europe can be a checklist. See the famous tower. […]
How I Use AI as a Travel Guide, and Where I Still Wouldn’t Trust It
AI is showing up in almost every travel conversation right now. Some people want it to plan their whole trip. Others do not trust it at all. After using it throughout a recent trip to France and the Netherlands, I think the answer is somewhere in the middle. Creating itineraries for people is an exercise […]
Booked My First River Cruise Direct. Here’s What I Wish I Knew.
Two summers ago, I had a week to fill in Europe. I wanted to see as much as I could without turning the trip into a blur. I like details. I like putting the pieces together. As a teacher, my one big trip each year had become a staple of my life, and this time […]
What Marriott Points Actually Buy You: 4-Star vs. 5-Star in Real Travel Conditions
Booking a hotel on points is not just about cents per point. It is about what the stay actually does for your trip. Here’s what I learned comparing 4-star and 5-star Marriott properties in real travel conditions, from early check-in and sleep quality to service, comfort, and feeling valued.
The Real Hotel Rating System: In-Room Coffee Service
I have a theory that tells me more about a hotel than a lobby chandelier ever will. It is not thread count. It is not how many pillows are on the bed. It is not even the fancy scent they pump into the hallway to make you feel like you just walked into a luxury […]
Hotel Sustainability: My Very Scientific Buffet Study
My Very Scientific Buffet Study If you have stayed in a hotel anytime in the last few years, you have probably noticed the new vibe: sustainability is no longer a side note. It is in the signage, the room setup, the breakfast area, and sometimes even in the subtle guilt you feel when you reach […]
Culture Primer Japan
Enhance your first trip to Japan with our curated guide to movies, books, and podcasts that explore the cultural nuances of Tokyo and Kyoto.
What is your travel style, really?
Find Your Perfect European River Cruise in 2 Minutes
Dreaming of gliding past ancient castles on the Rhine or sipping port wine on the sun-drenched Douro? A European river cruise offers an intimate, relaxing, and immersive way to explore the continent. But with so many rivers, itineraries, and cruise lines to choose from, the planning process can feel less like a dream and more […]
Best Time to Visit Bend, Oregon Is Fall
When the river empties of summer tubers and the pH steadies again, it is the perfect time to find peace and quiet on miles of trails a short walk from your hotel or Airbnb.