I visited Italy in early March, a tour that included Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento, with an EF Go Ahead Tours group. March is the off-season in Italy, so expect cool temperatures, some rain and much lighter crowds. I prefer cooler weather, especially when traveling, and the less crowded the better! With this in mind, … More What to Pack for Italy in March: The Essential Packing List
I took the EF Go Ahead Tour of Italy, an 11-day tour with an extension to the Sorrento peninsula. The tour begins in Venice, then goes on to Florence, Rome, and ends in Sorrento with the flight home from Naples. We chose to go in March, and I highly recommend doing so if you want … More EF Go Ahead Tour Review: Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento
Saugatuck, Michigan is a hidden gem nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan known for its artistic flair, stunning natural beauty, and warm community spirit. … More A Weekend Getaway to Saugatuck, Michigan
We traveled with EF Go Ahead tours in March, 2023 on their tour of Portugal which includes Porto, The Algarve, and Lisbon. What follows is a review of that tour. … More EF Go Ahead Tour Review of Portugal: Porto, The Algarve and Lisbon
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a beautiful destination for winter hiking, with a wide range of trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from easy, scenic trails to more challenging hikes that will test your endurance … More Winter Hiking Trip in Gatlinburg Tennessee: Popular Trails and Scenic Views
Caesar Creek Lake, located in southwestern Ohio, is a beautiful place to visit for a day trip. The lake, which is part of the Caesar Creek State Park, offers a variety of activities for nature lovers, including hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. One of the best things about Caesar Creek Lake is the stunning scenery. … More Caesar Creek Lake Ohio Day Trip
When I travel I take lots of photos for this blog, my Instagram page, and for memories, so my wardrobe and nails need to be camera ready at all times. I found the perfect, affordable manicure for travel! For a long time I spent, every two weeks or so, from $40 to $65 having my … More I Found the Perfect Affordable Home Manicure For Travel
I was born and raised in Rochester, NY, home of Kodak, the world’s largest lilac collection, and Susan B. Anthony. Even though I no longer live there, I still take the opportunity to travel home to visit family and the beautiful surrounding area as much as I can. Here’s how we took the perfect leaf-peeping … More A Perfect Leaf-Peeping Vacation in New York State
My travel plans have looked very different during the Covid-19 pandemic. Gone for now are my overseas trips to Europe each spring. Instead, I’ve been taking short, socially distant trips to places within driving distance, staying in cabins or remote Airbnb apartments, cooking instead of going to restaurants, and enjoying activities that don’t require a … More A Perfect Midweek Finger Lakes Wine Vacation
Instead of cooking at home as I usually do, my family decided, for the first time ever, to get away for the Thanksgiving weekend, spending the holiday hiking, cooking and enjoying the outdoors. To comply with Covid-19 safety guidelines, we searched for an area we could explore, choosing activities that don’t involve crowds and lodging … More A Long Weekend in Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Off Duty Traveler 