There are two ways to plan a vacation. I often think the second approach leads to some of the most interesting trips. Timing affects far more than the temperature. It can determine what you’ll eat, what you’ll see, how crowded a destination feels, whether you’ll spend your days outside or enjoy a slow lunch, and […]

Mention a river cruise, and most travelers immediately think of Europe. The Rhine. The Danube. Medieval towns, castles, wine regions, and a different port nearly every day. European river cruising has plenty of reasons to be popular, and I still recommend it. This year’s low water levels have caused some cruises to change their routes […]

Scotland has been calling me back since 2013, when my former life as a film producer took me there to scout locations for a romantic comedy. I was taken with its misty Highlands, ancient castles, proud character, and slightly cheeky sense of humor. Perhaps my Scottish heritage played a part, but from the moment I […]

Every once in a while, someone I know will casually say, “Oh, by the way, we just booked a cruise.” And I’m thinking: You did what? These are often people who know I own a travel agency (my sister, I’m talking to you!). Some read my weekly e-zine faithfully. They ask where I’ve been, what I […]

There are destinations that impress you from the moment you arrive. And then there are places that quietly work their way into your heart. That’s Portugal. It’s the café where locals converse over coffee instead of rushing to the next appointment. It’s the sound of church bells echoing through cobblestone streets that have been walked […]

Some trips are relaxing. Some are exciting. And then there are journeys that completely change the way you see the world. That’s exactly what comes to mind when I think about Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand by land. Instead of unpacking once and spending a week in one destination, imagine waking up each morning to a […]

There are some destinations that are beautiful. And then there are destinations that make you slow down, look around, and wonder why you waited so long to visit. Scotland has been on my mind for a while now. Imagine beginning our journey in Glasgow before making our way into the Highlands, where winding roads lead […]

This year, I’ve seen more people waiting until the last minute to plan their vacations. Sadly, this often leads to higher prices, fewer options, or missing out on the hotels and experiences they really wanted. The best trips usually aren’t booked on a whim. They’re carefully planned, letting you pick where you want to stay, […]

Whenever possible, I recommend a nonstop flight. Fewer flights result in fewer opportunities for delays, missed connections, and luggage taking a “vacation” without you. Many of us don’t live near a major international gateway. If you’re traveling to Europe from cities like Nashville or much of the central U.S., your itinerary will likely include at […]

When people think of Barcelona, the same names usually come up first. La Sagrada Família. Park Güell. Casa Batlló. La Boqueria. Montserrat. I’ve been to all of them, and I wouldn’t tell anyone to skip them. They’re extraordinary for a reason. But on my recent trip to Barcelona, I found myself thinking less about the […]