Setting out on a cruise is a fun adventure! When you have the right tech gadgets on your cruise, you ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing vacation. Read on for the 6 tech gadgets you need on your cruise. Going on a cruise trip is like stepping into a world of adventure and relaxation, where every day brings new sights and experiences. As you prepare for this exciting journey, one key … [Read more...]

The Japanese have perfected the art of visiting an onsen—a Japanese hot spring. Read on for our picks for the best Japanese Onsen. For centuries, the Japanese have perfected the art of visiting an onsen—a Japanese hot spring. There is a theme park type of onsen, such as Norboribetsu in Hokkaido, or the small town onsen like Kurokawa in Kyushu. Some onsen provide lodging onsite, while others, … [Read more...]

 Why are sparkling wines so special? Travel with me to the English countryside where I discovered there is never a bad time for bubbles. Welcome to Wander Stories, a podcast bringing you stories from destinations around the world or across the street. In Wander Stories, we go behind the scenes to share some of the wow moments we discover as we travel. My husband and I sometimes find … [Read more...]

The history of Santa Maria involves the Ontiveros family story, Ranchos de Ontiveros, and the Santa Maria wines of Native9 and Rancho Viñedo. The history of Santa Maria is entwined with the story of the Ontiveros family and Ranchos de Ontiveros. Today, Ranchos de Ontiveros includes the Santa Maria wines of Native9 and Rancho Viñedo, representing nine generations of a family legacy. It began with … [Read more...]

The history of Santa Maria includes the Ontiveros family story, Ranchos de Ontiveros, and the Santa Maria wines of Native9 and Rancho Viñedo. The history of Santa Maria is entwined with the story of the Ontiveros family and Ranchos de Ontiveros. Today, Ranchos de Ontiveros includes the Santa Maria wines of Native9 and Rancho Viñedo, representing nine generations of a family legacy. It began with … [Read more...]

Looking for a break from your daily commute? Check out these interesting and unique public transport systems around the world. Transportation has always been an essential part of any trip, but why not take it up a notch? Instead of taking a regular bus, metro, or boat, make your trip even more memorable with one of these exciting and unusual forms of transportation. We’ll go over some of the most … [Read more...]

Oregon’s Rogue River Valley AVA consistently produces some amazing wines. Read on for our recommendations on sampling wines in the Rogue River Valley.  Over the last year, the Rogue River Valley AVA has been getting some great wine reviews. Last year, the region placed second behind Italy as the best wine region to visit. My husband Steve and I decided to spend four days near Medford, Oregon, … [Read more...]

Bring out the flavors and smells of the holiday season in these delicious cocktails. Read on for some of my favorite winter cocktails. This winter, while the kids are sipping hot cocoa and the family is watching the game or playing board games around the table—yes, my family still loves to play board games—how about whipping up some adult beverages? I love the flavors and smells of the holiday … [Read more...]

Only have two days in London? Check out our Ultimate Guide to 2 Days in London for insider tips to maximize your time. London is the land of royalty, history, afternoon tea, and fish and chips. It’s also my favorite city in the world. Since I first visited as a 16-year-old, I felt at home here. If we lived past lives, I was lucky enough to live one in London. Even though he grew up in Europe, my … [Read more...]

Nepal offers some of the world’s most epic outdoor adventures. Read on for the best ways to enjoy adventures in Nepal. Nestled in Asia between the two massive countries of China and India and home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, Nepal offers some of the world’s most epic outdoor adventures. Astounding mountain views are not the only ones this South Asian country provides. It also boasts … [Read more...]

My picks for the best luxury getaways near Delhi If you’re looking for the best luxury getaways near Delhi, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent a lot of time living in or near Delhi, and I have researched a lot of great luxury resorts near Delhi, and best places to visit within driving distance of Delhi. Delhi is a fabulous city, but it’s also crowded and often polluted and if you live … [Read more...]

Nestled in the mountains, THE OMNIA is a luxurious mountain ski chalet in the Swiss Alps. With stelllar views, it’s Zermatt at its best. After arriving in car-less Zermatt by train, my husband and I are picked up in a vehicle that I joke looks like a tuk-tuk station wagon. We’re whisked through the crowded streets before turning down a small side road and barreling towards a glass door that opens … [Read more...]

Each cruise with AmaWaterways on the Danube offers opportunities for guests to join educational tours, meet local guides, and dine on traditional local dishes. Travel opens doors to experience new and exciting things. My favorite way to get immersed in a new culture is by dining on homegrown cuisine, sipping local wines, learning the regional history, and chatting with the residents. Each cruise … [Read more...]

Travel is a grand adventure! You start your journey positively when you know what essential items to carry on long flights. Read on for four essential items you’ll want to pack.  Millions of people worldwide have traveled on the top of their bucket list. Of course, there are not a lot of other activities that can bring the same joy as traveling. From exploring new destinations to trying … [Read more...]

Now that you’re retired, you’re free to get out and explore. Read on for three tips to make the best of every vacation after retirement.  The word “retirement” can evoke different emotions in different people. For some people, it is a sigh of relief after a lifetime of working. For others, it may make them wonder what they will do with all the time at hand. You do not have to be worried … [Read more...]

If you love bubbles, you no doubt know all about Italy’s famous Prosecco. But if you’re looking for a Champagne alternative, you need to raise a glass of Italy’s lesser-known bubbly, Franciacorta. Franciacorta is Prosecco’s older, more sophisticated sister. While Prosecco is fruity and easy, Franciacorta is more complex and made in the methode champenoise tradition, rendering a sparkling wine that … [Read more...]

Uncover the inspiring story behind the Bainbridge Island Japanese Exclusion Memorial and discover its significance in American history and inspiration for the future. Bainbridge Island is a beacon of resilience and remembrance in the shadows of an unsettling chapter in American history. On this small island, nestled in the serene waters of Puget Sound, WA, you will find the Bainbridge Island … [Read more...]

Headed to Missouri? Springfield, MO, the Queen City of the Ozarks, is an ideal stopover for fun and outdoor recreation. Read on for what to see if you have 2 days in Springfield, MO. With more than 1,000 restaurants and approximately 170,000 residents, Springfield, Missouri, was long ago nicknamed Queen City of the Ozarks. The moniker is a holdover from the 1870s when the arrival of the St. … [Read more...]

A tourist visa lets you explore the US on vacation. You will need a visa if you plan an extended stay in the USA. Read on for the best visa to travel to the USA for an extended stay. There are different types of visas to enter and work within the USA; getting the visa relies on different qualifying factors and will take a different length of time. If you are interested in going to the USA, we will … [Read more...]

There is much to see and do when visiting the UK. Read on for our suggestions of the best ways to spend a luxury weekend in the UK. The UK is one of the world’s most visited countries, luring visitors wanting to indulge in luxury. It has plenty to delight every visitor, from bustling cities to postcard-worthy villages, epic natural coastlines, exceptional cultural offerings, and magnificent … [Read more...]