I’ve often thought of Belize as just a diving destination but I recently spent time in the rainforest region and can tell you there is SO much more this island. With its stunning rainforests and pristine beaches, the island offers an extraordinary vacation experience for every type of traveler. Known for its incredible biodiversity, rich Mayan history, and world-class beaches like Placencia, this small Central American country is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a nature …

Fiji was always one of those destinations I had as a dream destination but the distance and the expense were a bit out of my reach. But when I was asked to go cover Turtle Island for Islands.com, my suitcase was packed before I could hang up the phone. And my husband was inviting along as well (a nice perk of being the spouse of a travel writer). I’ve written before about how much I …

People often ask about my favorite trip or the best place I’ve traveled to. But for me, it’s not so much about the places as it is the experiences. While I’ve had adventurous experiences, culturally enlightening ones, great foodie trips and so many more, one of the most unique experiences I’ve had was on a Maine windjammer cruise aboard a historic schooner. We departed for our cruise out of Rockland, Maine ready to embark on …

Mexico is filled with great destinations and they all seem to have their own distinct personality. Cancun is Spring Break mecca, Riviera Maya is tranquil and historic, and Cabo is where the influencers and celebs hang out. I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta a couple of times, and to me, this place feels like real Mexico. It’s authentic and unspoiled. It just has a different vibe from those other beach destinations. I think it’s the perfect …

Imagine gliding through the picturesque landscapes of France, surrounded by lush vineyards, charming villages, and historic towns. This is life aboard a beautifully appointed barge cruise. It’s a unique way to explore the French countryside and provides an intimate experience that larger cruises cannot match. I’ve taken just about every kind of “boat” in my travels, from windjammers to river cruises to traditional party cruises. But a recent barge cruise in France was truly unlike …

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 and …

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 …

A dream destination for your summer vacation many not conjure up Wisconsin, but let me assure you it won’t disappoint. I took my first trip to the state to visit Elkhart Lake and I felt like I had just stepped into a scene from the Dirty Dancing movie. It felt like a throwback, 1960s, family vacation resort. Wholesome. Uncrowded. Friendly. The History of Elkhart LakeElkhart Lake, Wisconsin, is a charming village with a rich history …

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 long flight travel essentials that will help you make the most of it. As a travel writer, I’ve taken many overnight flights and …