Road Trip in Spain I made the amateurish error of packing late into the night before travel and incorrectly setting the alarm for 5 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. I woke up in a panic at 6:30 for a 7:30 flight. It would cost us an additional $400 and a…
Tag: EUROPE
Europe blends history, culture, and landscapes into one journey. Wander through iconic cities, explore medieval towns, or relax in coastal villages. From art-filled museums to local food traditions, every country reveals something unique. Travel across borders easily and experience the continent’s endless mix of heritage, beauty, and adventure.
MILITARY LIFE & TRAVEL
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Baumholder Military Life: What Made Our German Apartment So Special
Don’t get me wrong, I loved our little apartment in Baumholder, but that town was well-known for its contrary weather. We fondly and not so fondly referred to it as the rock. We lived in an old stone mansion that had been renovated into four large apartments. We shared the second floor with a retired German officer. The first floor was split between a US Major and his wife. Across the hall was a 90+ year old German widow.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Sistine Chapel at Opening: Twenty Quiet Minutes Under a Painted Sky
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.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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How to Plan a Budget Family Friendly Weekend in Florence & Pisa
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.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Wine by the Case: The Story of My European Wine Obsession
I noticed a bottle of Riesling from my stomping ground– Mosel Valley It cost $70. I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was something I drank for less than $10 when I lived in Germany. I dusted it off and put it back on the shelf where it belonged. I love wine, but I ain’t crazy.
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD
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What It Feels Like to Break Down on the Autobahn
When my husband’s BMW died in flames on the Autobahn, I thought the worst was over—until I learned the truth years later. “Dead on the Autobahn” is a story of chaos, laughter, and a little betrayal. From panicked roadside calls to unexpected confessions, it’s a look at marriage, mistakes, and how love can survive even a car fire.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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How to Road Trip 3 East European Countries with Girlfriends
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.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Why Rome Is the Ultimate City for Studying Abroad
I almost did not go, got denied twice, applied again anyway, and Rome became the place where history stopped feeling distant and started feeling personal, with long walks between ruins, card denials, quiet moments under the Sistine ceiling, gelato at dusk, and lessons learned by getting lost, waiting, watching, and staying open, which is why this story is less about sightseeing and more about saying yes when you are unsure and letting a city change how you see the world.