FOOD AND DRINK Why I Love the Late-Night Tapas Tradition in Spain Posted on June 25, 2024December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters In Seville, the concept of dinner starts at a time that might seem late to many, with restaurants typically beginning service at 9 p.m. or even later. However, this late dining hour aligns perfectly with the local tradition of bar hopping. Spaniards frequently gather with friends to enjoy tapas and drinks in the early evening. Visiting several bars or cafes and trying various tapas dishes is customary before settling for a complete meal. Here, I’ll share a few delicious reasons to love southern Spain and return to this enchanting place whenever possible. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES The Most Beautiful Italian Seaside Towns Off the Beaten Path Posted on June 11, 2024September 18, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters While the Amalfi Coast dazzles with its beauty, Italy’s coastline harbors many more treasures waiting to be explored. This blog sails you away to lesser-known coastal havens, from the tranquil beaches of Calabria to the rugged shores of Liguria and the hidden coves of Sardinia. We’ll uncover the best of Italy’s seaside, where the Mediterranean’s azure waters meet charming coastal towns, offering a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty. Get ready to discover Italy’s coastal escapes, where every view is a postcard waiting to be sent. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know: Tips for Hiking the Cinque Terra From Monterosso to Vernazza Posted on June 1, 2024September 22, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A pinch of research would have clued us in, but we skipped that step. Similarly, we overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. “What could go wrong?” Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Plan a Kid-Friendly Provence Spring Break Road Trip Posted on May 6, 2024September 21, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters My son called our Provence trip the girliest ever. Seriously? We tossed rocks, climbed walls, and explored Roman ruins under pale blue skies. It was an adventure perfect for boys. You won’t believe how much we loved it! Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to See Zadar, Split, and Plitvice Lakes in One Weekend on the Croatian Coast Posted on April 25, 2024September 23, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters A weekend on Croatia’s coast became one of my favorite family trips. We rented a seaside house near Zadar, met welcoming hosts, and tasted homemade Croatian wine. Between swimming, unexpected adventures, and waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes, Croatia gave us stories, friendships, and memories we still talk about today. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD The Advantages of Slow Travel in Italy: A Better Way to a Dolce Vita Posted on April 8, 2024October 12, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters In an era of fast-paced travel, Italy invites you to slow down and savor life’s pleasures through the art of slow travel. This blog encourages you to unwind in the Italian countryside, where time stands still among the olive groves and vineyards. We’ll introduce you to agriturismos, where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Running the Paris Marathon with My Husband: Endurance, Love, and Teamwork Posted on April 5, 2024August 16, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Military separations aren’t just about miles, but lost time and shared memories. Running the Paris Marathon was a chance to catch up on both. These times apart are challenging. They mean missing holidays, precious moments, and chances to grow together. To reconnect, we find shared goals. Running the Paris Marathon together was our way to catch up and grow closer. But it actually accomplished much, much more. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Venice Food Secrets: What Happened at Don Fernando’s Octopus Dinner Posted on April 3, 2024February 26, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters We both sat there staring at the plate placed before me. When I ordered a seafood salad, I figured I’d see a little crab and shrimp over some leafy greens with a splash of vinaigrette. I had no idea someone would go into the kitchen and out the back door to the canals beyond, scoop up whatever was unfortunate enough to swim into the net, and serve al fresco with a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. We sat there, staring at the seafood salad I ordered. This is the story about My Octopus Dinner on the Venice Canals at Don Fernando’s in Treviso, Italy. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Spring in Italy: How to Plan the Perfect Birthday Trip Posted on March 28, 2024September 24, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Today is my birthday and I am spending ot and the month of March in Italy. Spring in Italy has been full of surprises. Despite my initial concerns about the cold potentially spoiling the enjoyment of Italy’s famous natural beauty, my worries were unfounded. The weather is unexpectedly warm, a pleasant surprise that probably points to global warming. The heavy coat I brought, expecting to shield against the chill, has become my personal sauna. Read more