DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Enjoy Wine Walks and the German Weinstrasse Posted on November 27, 2018September 9, 2026 Germans love wine and walking. The German Weinstrasse is redefining both– open vineyards, generous pours, wine walk with friends, & tons of delicious food at the festivals and fairs. The German Wine Road is for anyone who enjoys a good time. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Get Your VAT Refund in Turkey Posted on November 14, 2018September 11, 2026 Shopping in Turkey can cost less when you understand the VAT refund process. I explain which purchases qualify and which documents you need. You will learn where to stop before checking your luggage. I also cover service fees, airport mistakes, and available refund methods. Use these steps to decide whether claiming your money is worthwhile. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting on the Prosecco Road Posted on October 19, 2018September 11, 2026 Sparkling wines are delicious. And I’ve tasted them in wine regions all around the world. I’ve had them in beautiful places like Napa, New York, France, Italy and Germany. But few offer the stunning natural landscapes and level of hospitality like the Prosecco Wine Road Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Make the Most of a Layover: Road Trip to Chicago Navy Pier Posted on October 17, 2018September 11, 2026 I finally stepped outside O’Hare and spent a long layover at Chicago’s Navy Pier. We rode the Centennial Wheel, strolled the waterfront, ate deep-dish at Giordano’s, and took an architecture river cruise. It was simple, scenic, and worth it. Chicago proved it’s more than just an airport connection. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Where to Find The Most Scenic Views in Istanbul Posted on October 9, 2018September 9, 2026 The Best views of Istanbul include the iconic cityscape– mosques, palaces, minarets, and the boats skipping across the waves of the Bosphorus. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here, making it world-class for history lovers. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines Posted on October 7, 2018September 11, 2026 We land at 4 pm— a half-hour past the free tour offered by Turkish Airlines. That sucks, I’ve taken one of those tours before, and they are pretty good. But we’re not out of luck. There is another night layover tour we’ll catch that’s not free. Watching Istanbul go from… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Wine Tasting in Sicily and Why Etna Wine is not Italian Wine Posted on October 3, 2018September 7, 2026 Mount Etna changed everything I thought I knew about Sicilian wine. I wandered volcanic vineyards, shared wine with passionate winemakers, and tasted bottles shaped by lava, elevation, and tradition. From unexpected private tastings to pasta eaten roadside, these Etna wine adventures became some of my favorite memories in Sicily. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Fall in Love with Istanbul Posted on October 1, 2018September 7, 2026 It’s so easy to fall in love with Istanbul. The city is so beautiful– so romantic, it resembles the set of an epic love story. Romance in Istanbul is around every corner. You can smell it, hear, feel it with each step. And every street brings you face to face with a… Read more