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
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
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
Beautiful Torch Lake, located in Northern Michigan just off Lake Michigan, is famous for its Caribbean-like clear turquoise blue water and large party sandbar. It’s considered one of the jewels of Michigan’s Chain of Lakes, and with its near-perfect summer weather with temperatures average 75 – 80 degrees, is a great destination for summer travelers … More Planning the Perfect Week in Torch Lake, Michigan
Travel looks a little different in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are venturing out, many are choosing locations within driving distance, staying at lodging that allows appropriate social distancing, and choosing activities that don’t involve crowds and have proper safety precautions in place. With all these things in mind in June 2020, … More A Perfect Weekend at Hocking Hills, Ohio – Covid-19 Style
I visited Scotland in early March with EF Tours. Our tour director mentioned almost as soon as we boarded our bus that, in Scotland, you can expect to experience all four seasons in the same day. As if to prove him right the weather on the 30-minute drive from the Glasgow airport to our dropoff … More What to Pack for Scotland in Spring
Off Duty Traveler 