I’m as guilty as most others about only seeing a destination through the lens of my phone camera. The only way I seem to be able to unplug when I travel is if I go to a destination that has no coverage. And that’s not easy these days!  But you’re kind of defeating the purpose of traveling if you’re constantly looking at your phone. So it’s important to learn to unplug when you travel.  Heck, …

I recently went through that unenviable task of cleaning out my mother’s home following her death. My mother was a collector. And she held on to so many things for their sentimental value. There was her wedding dress from 60 years earlier (she made it herself), a full length fur coat (not PC), three sets of fine china, not to mention silver serving pieces, depression glass, and many other antiquities accumulated over the decades. Oh …

Patagonia, the Southernmost point in South America that straddles Argentina and Chile, is one of the most popular destinations among outdoor enthusiasts but what many travelers don’t realize is that it’s also an amazing food and wine destination that also offers a touch of luxury and a laid-back lifestyle. It’s a vast region that’s perfect for a little exploration, engagement, and indulgence. From turquoise blue lakes to towering granite cliffs to glaciers and icebergs, there’s …

The Gryphon Press is committed to publishing beautifully illustrated children’s picture books that have received numerous awards and accolades. These books center around the vital theme of the human-animal bond, aiming to instill empathy for animals and motivate children to become advocates for animal welfare. The organization’s overarching mission is to shed light on the pressing issues faced by animals—be they domestic, wild, or farmed—while fostering a deep sense of empathy for all forms of …

Ugh. Those dreaded overnight flights can be so incredibly unbearable and downright uncomfortable. But if you want to travel overseas, you don’t have many options. I’m a diva sleeper so it’s especially hard for me to get comfortable, much less sleep, sitting upright on a plane. I have some tips for packing for an overnight flight that will help you make the most of it. As a travel writer, I’ve taken many overnight flights and …

Last year, I sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima, one of the brand’s new luxury class cruiseships. I’m not a fan of the mega-cruise ships but the Prima is different. Even though it accommodates 3,100 guests, it feels much more intimate because of some cool new design concepts coupled with the highest staff-to-guest ratio. Launched in 2022, the Prima is one of the newest ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. It offers modern luxury with …

Who doesn’t love Aruba? I mean, it’s got a little bit of something for everyone. It’s a top destination for summer vacations, partly because it lies outside the hurricane belt, which is a surprise to many people! Last time I was there, it was the winter months (my favorite time to go) so I was excited to go back and explore a bit more of the island, and a new resort. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort …

Most of you know that I’ve been helping to take care of my mom since her stroke 30 months ago. Those first few months were nothing short of horrendous. I didn’t know the stress I was under nor did I know the signs of caregiver burnout. According to AARP, as many as 41 million of us are caring for our adult family members. It’s not a role I ever planned for so I was completely …

Yes, I love exotic travel (you know that just from reading my blog) but you might be surprised to know that I also love a simple, laid back beach vacation. And Mexico is always at the top of the list, partly because it’s so easy to get to. Situated along the stunning Caribbean Sea, Live Aqua Cancun is a haven for couples seeking a luxurious and romantic escape. This exclusive adults-only resort offers a serene …

File this under “Things I’m not proud of but sharing in the interest of my fellow (wo)man”.  I think of it as me taking one for the team, the I-want-to-look-younger team. You might think 2020 is a cluster of a year, but 2019 was my year of the personal crisis. I always felt pretty good about myself. I ate well, exercised (sometimes), took care of my skin (sometimes), and did not feel my ripe old …