CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What You Need to Know: Canal Barging in Europe Posted on November 27, 2018December 20, 2025 You don’t need to get on a multi-story cruise ship where you have to dress for dinner each night. Imagine sailing one of Europe’s lovely canals, lagoons and inland waterways with your traveling companion at the wheel. Barging in Europe allows you to get closer to the people and the… 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
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Traveling to Turkey? Don’t Miss These Powerful Local Essential Oils Posted on October 11, 2018December 20, 2025 There’s long standing history with aromatherapy and essential oils in Turkey– the practice of using extracted natural oils from the flowers, stems, leaves and roots of plants. Their ability to affect well-being can be both psychological and physical. Therefore, it makes perfect “scents” 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
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Best Things to Do on the European Side of Istanbul Posted on September 29, 2018September 7, 2026 Skip the long lines and famous landmarks for a few hours. These four unforgettable stops on Istanbuls European side blend incredible food, waterfront views, colorful markets, and a historic Turkish hammam into one perfect day. From Turkish pizza and Bosphorus sunsets to fragrant spices and centuries-old traditions, this itinerary captures the city at its best. Read more