Amsterdam’s Most Beautiful Secret: The Story of the Flower Bikes

Hi y’all! When you think of Amsterdam, you probably picture canals and bicycles. And let me tell you, that picture is absolutely accurate. The city is widely considered the “Bike Capital of the World,” in
Landwasser Viaduc

Switzerland’s Scenic Train: Why the Bernina Express is a Must-Do

Hi y’all! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I’m finally sitting down to share one of the most breathtaking experiences from my recent trip to Switzerland. If you’ve ever seen a picture
Colorful woven baskets filled with dried hibiscus petals, herbs, and spices in a traditional Egyptian market.

Karkadeh: The Delicious Egyptian Drink I Fell in Love With

Hi y’all! When you travel, you expect to be wowed by grand monuments and ancient history, and my trip to Egypt was certainly full of those moments. But sometimes, the thing that captures your heart
The ancient Arch of Constantine framed by Roman pine trees with the Colosseum in the background.

Walking Through Time (Ancient Ruins & Baroque Masterpieces)

Hey Y’all! Today we’re exploring more of Rome — this time out on the streets, soaking up the ancient ruins and Baroque beauty that make this city so unforgettable. People say Rome is like a
The Palace of Justice in Rome featuring bronze statues and palm trees in the foreground.

The Sweet Life (Rome for the Soul)

The Sweet Life (Rome for the Soul) Hey Y’all! I want to share the part of Rome that doesn’t always make it onto the busy itineraries. This is about the “Sweet Life” (La Dolce Vita)—the
the Ponte Vecchio bridge at dusk

Florence: Finding Faith, Food, and Masterpieces in the Heart of Tuscany

Hi Y’all! After the wonder of Venice, our next stop on the “Big Three” Italian adventure was the birthplace of the Renaissance: Florence. I was so excited to see the city of the Medici, of
Panoramic view of Roman rooftops and the Vatican gardens seen from a museum terrace on a sunny day.

Art and Fresh Air (The Vatican Museum and Gardens)

Art & Fresh Air (The Vatican Museums & Gardens) Hey Y’all! One of the highlights of our time in Rome was visiting the Vatican Museums, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. These
Wide view of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City featuring the central obelisk and colonnades under a bright blue sky.

The Vatican Experience

The Vatican Experience   Hey Y’all! If you’re new here, I’m just a Southern girl traveling the world with my husband, Mike. We love finding the sweet spots, the good food, and the history—but we
Horizontal "hero shot" of San Giorgio Maggiore from across the water, with the gondola prows in the foreground.

The Magic of Venice: A First-Timer’s Guide to the City of Canals

Hi Y’all! If you’re dreaming of an Italian getaway, most people want to hit the “Big Three”: Venice, Florence, and Rome. That is just what my husband, Mike, and I had in mind for our
Arno River in Florence

Essential Tips for Visiting Italy: Everything First-Time Travelers Should Know

Essential Tips for Visiting Italy: Everything First-Time Travelers Should Know Hi Y’all! If you’re dreaming of strolling cobblestone streets, sipping cappuccinos in sunlit piazzas, and exploring ancient cities at your own pace — Italy is
Hand holding gelato cone on an Italian street.

What to Eat in Italy: Local Dishes and Dining Tips You Don’t Want to Miss

A True Story from a Travel Advisor Who Ate Her Way Through Italy Hey y’all, There’s something about Italy that just speaks to your soul — the beauty, the history, and, of course, the food.
Front exterior of the Milan Cathedral with its Gothic spires and detailed marble facade

Visiting the Milan Duomo: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Hi y’all! There are some places in the world that truly take your breath away, and the Duomo di Milano, the Milan Cathedral, is one of them. From the moment you step into the piazza
2024 Paris Olympics surfing event at Teahupo'o,

Tahiti’s Perfect Day Trip: Visiting the Olympic Surfing Site

Hi y’all! My trip to French Polynesia was filled with stunning lagoons and lush landscapes, but one day stood out for its unique blend of delicious local flavors and a visit to a truly legendary

Becoming a Junior Ranger in the Great Smoky Mountains

Hi y’all! As a travel advisor, I’m often focused on grand adventures in faraway places. But some of the most precious travel memories are the ones we make right here at home, exploring the beauty
Swiss train kiosk

Swiss Train Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful: A Quick Guide

Hi y’all! One of the first things you’ll notice when you start dreaming of a trip to Switzerland is the train system. It connects the entire country, and it’s truly one of the best in
Woman on a camel in front of the Great Pyramids in Egypt

What a Camel Ride in Egypt is Really Like: A True Story

What a Camel Ride in Egypt is Really Like: A True Story Hey y’all! There are some things you just feel like you have to do when you travel. Who goes to Paris and doesn’t see the Eiffel Tower?

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a must-visit if you love the mountains and water. Located in northern Italy’s Lombardy region and the majestic Bergamo Alps surround the lake. It has an area of 146 square kilometers (56

Smoky Mountain Highland Games

My husband and I love our Scottish heritage. My mother’s paternal family was nearly all Scottish and my husband is a dual citizen because he was born in Scotland to a Scottish mother. So, the

The McKinley Chalet Resort

Mike and I stayed at the McKinley Chalet Resort while on our Cruise Tour with Holland America.  The lodge is located just a few miles from the entrance to Denali National park.  Holland America owns

All Aboard the Anchorage Trolley – The Best Way to Explore the Heart of Alaska

Anchorage is a lively city where every corner whispers tales of rugged wilderness and vibrant city life. If you’re looking to soak in all the sights and sounds of this Alaskan gem, the best seat

Dog Sledding Demonstrations at the Denali National Park Kennel

If you’re planning a trip to Denali National Park, you’re in for a treat – and we don’t just mean the stunning landscapes! One of the park’s hidden gems is the Denali National Park Kennel,

All Aboard! The White Pass Rail in Skagway

We were excited to board and begin our adventure through one of Alaska’s most spectacular experiences – the White Pass Rail in Skagway! This 2.5-2.75 hour train ride will take you on a journey through

An Unforgettable Day: Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching

The excursion I was most excited about during my first visit to Alaska was whale watching. I even told someone that if I didn’t see a whale, I would be really disappointed. The small group

Canary Islands Lanzarote – The Unique Island

Lanzarote is synonymous with volcanoes, lava fields, rocks in impossible shapes, black and red earth that contrasts with the typical whitewashed houses, the deep blue sea and the light blue sky. A Spanish Island about

Alaska Small Boat Excursion for Glacier Viewing

During my first trip to Alaska in 2023, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and massive expanse of this special land.  I was able to be a part of a Land and Sea trip that allowed for

Northern Lights

There is nothing as exciting as marking off a bucket list item! While exploring Alaska for the first time, my friend Sharon and I booked a Northern Lights excursion in Fairbanks, Alaska.  We knew there
Snorkel Alaska Davis Crew

Snorkeling in Alaska

While I have a personal goal of snorkeling and kayaking as many waters of this world I possibly can, I definitely never imagined Alaska as a snorkeling option. Boy, was I wrong! This excursion was

Costa Rica: Why it should be on your destination list?

Currently, many of us are worried about the challenges of traveling outside the United States. The news is full of stories about ongoing international tensions, newly imposed travel restrictions, and social unrest worldwide. Meanwhile, the

Cruising the British Isles

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Princess Cruise around the British Isles to celebrate my granddaughter’s high school graduation. Our expectations were high, and we were not disappointed.   The itinerary was

Fair Seas… What Makes Cruising Such a Popular Vacation Choice

It’s time to start planning your next vacation and you’re thinking about a cruise. What makes cruises such a popular way to travel? Cruises are the perfect choice for extended family and friend groups. They

Alaska Flightseeing

Aviation runs in my blood: my dad was an aviator in WWII, and I love any opportunity to get up in the air. Although today’s commercial air travel doesn’t necessarily fit my enjoyment expectations, viewing
Aloe Farm in Aruba

Aruba Means Aloe

Aruba is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, and Caribbean lifestyle. However, it’s not just a place for tourism. For many years, Aruba’s major source of income was the

Cincinnati Birthday Trip

Cincinnati Roman and Kraig did Cincinnati and Kentucky for Roman’s 13th birthday trip. They broke the trip into 3 parts and also worked in stopping at a business trade show in Indianapolis for screenprinting.  

Philadelphia Birthday Trip

Philadelphia For Francisco’s “13th bday trip” (at almost 20), Kraig took him to Philadelphia. I’ll detail their itinerary below, but here are a few of the details below for planning purposes. We booked City Passes,

Eastern Shore Birthday Trip

The Eastern Shore Kelsey and I had done all the planning (I’ll do a post on it too, although it hasn’t be tested yet) for a trip to Florida to swim with the manatees. Then

Northern Amusement Park Extravaganza Birthday Trip

A Trip North My oldest daughter is an adrenaline junkie like me, so her trip was an amusement park extravaganza, though we did work in some other cool stops too. We early in the morning

Birthday Renaissance Weekend

Renaissance Weekend For Angela’s trip, we did all things Renaissance (and some other things). We left on a Friday afternoon and headed for Atlanta. Our first stop was the Medieval Times dinner show in Lawrenceville, GA. I

Why Do We Love to Travel

Why do we love to travel? • Who we are Let me take a moment to introduce ourselves. My wife (Susan) and I (Rick) have been married for almost 55 years, raised a wonderful family…two

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges Belgium My Friend and I visited Bruges on our last day of our trip to Netherlands and Belgium. Bruges, Belgium offers a delightful experience with its rich history, picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and charming

Amtrak Makes A Journey Into Part of the Vacation

Have you ever been driving down a never-ending highway and thought, “It would be great if I were a kid again and could watch the scenery go by.”? Well, there are still no self-driving cars

Mobile Passport and Global Entry

Traveling abroad can be a fun and exciting experience, but dealing with customs and immigration can be a headache, especially if you’re dealing with long lines and delays. Luckily, a few programs are designed to

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most breathtaking destinations for nature lovers.  We’ve been blessed to visit this area twice. We were there in May of 2019 and again in May of 2023.  This picturesque lake

A Romantic Smoky Mountain Getaway

After 20 years of marriage, My husband and I felt we really had something to celebrate. I had begun to plan a trip to Asheville, NC. However, family circumstances meant putting our anniversary on the

Enjoy All San Diego Has To Offer

by Jackie Simpson Sun and fun are plentiful in gorgeous San Diego, California! Whether you’re jet-setting for a quick arrival or taking a leisurely cross-country road trip so you can check out some sites along
Ft. Walton Beach

Girls Trip to the Emerald Coast of Florida

I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend a week at Fort Walton Beach with some lifelong friends.  The four of us had not been together in 31 years.  Flights were purchased, bags were
Our Happy Place

Welcome!

Hi, I am Tara and I am excited to help you begin “designing your dreams one wish at a time” as you travel the globe! It doesn’t matter if your dream is to explore a