DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Sistine Chapel at 8:AM: Twenty Quiet Minutes Under a Painted Sky Posted on April 20, 2026August 6, 2026 I arrived at the Sistine Chapel when the doors opened and found myself almost alone beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling. For twenty quiet minutes, I lay on a wooden bench and looked up without distraction. What happened in that silence changed how I understood the art—and the man who painted it. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Bangkok’s Wat Pho Posted on April 18, 2026August 6, 2026 Wat Pho is considered the first public university in Thailand, specialising in religion, science and literature. It is now more well-known as a centre for traditional massage and medicine. After a walk around the temple there is nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. If you’ve never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a great place for your first one. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Road Trip 3 East European Countries with Girlfriends Posted on April 15, 2026August 6, 2026 After 3 whole days of partying, sightseeing and goulash in three different countries—jamming to YMCA in a Vienna taxi, a dance off in a Budapest nightclub and photo-bombing a bride and groom on the cobblestone streets of Bratislava, yes Bratislava, we hadn’t heard of it either. Now we were finally feeling the affects of what will henceforth be referred to as the Rock Star Weekend. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES A Leisurely Walking Tour of Muscatine, Iowa Posted on April 6, 2026August 6, 2026 Muscatine caught me off guard in a way I did not expect. I showed up thinking it would be a quick stop, but the mix of river views, local history, and small downtown spots keeps me coming back. Everything leads back to the river, whether I am walking along the path, sitting with a drink, or just looking out at the water. Each visit shows me something I missed before, and that quiet sense of discovery is what stays with me. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan a Budget Family Friendly Weekend in Florence & Pisa Posted on March 11, 2026August 6, 2026 Florence with kids does not have to mean long lines and expensive tickets. This guide shares budget-friendly ideas like gelato breaks, open parks, hands-on museums, and lively piazzas. Slow down, let children move, and enjoy the city in ways that feel relaxed, practical, and genuinely family friendly. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 48 Hours in Burlington, Iowa this Spring Posted on March 8, 2026August 6, 2026 Plan the perfect fall weekend in Greater Burlington. Enjoy peaceful nature trails, rich local history, and cafes serving seasonal favorites. Explore the Mississippi River’s edge as the fall colors peak. Stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites for a convenient and comfortable base. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Let’s Spend a Relaxing Spring Weekend in Galesburg, Illinois Posted on March 4, 2026August 6, 2026 Galesburg feels small, but it makes a big impression. Just an hour from Rock Island, it’s packed with cafés, parks, vintage shops, and outdoor spaces coming alive in spring. I spent the day exploring quiet streets, fresh blooms, and finding the kind of charm you miss in bigger cities. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 7 Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Florence Posted on March 4, 2026August 7, 2026 Florence feels different when you slow down. Beyond crowded museums, quiet spaces like San Miniato al Monte, the Rose Garden, and the Oltrarno reveal a softer rhythm. Street shrines, wine windows, and evening light in Piazza della Signoria create simple moments that feel more personal than any timed reservation or packed gallery. Read more